Chester Zoo

February 2018

Chester Zoo , aptly located in Chester, is the UK’s most visited zoo – and it’s easy to see why. I love a good zoo, wherever we travel too, we go to the zoo. Chester Zoo will always be my favourite, as it played a huge part in my childhood. So, going back to visit in my adult-life is a pretty special experience.

Chester Zoo is a registered charity, so all money goes towards the zoo. That in mind, prices for admission don’t seem too bad.

The zoo is open at different times throughout the year. For Q3/4 of 2018 (second half of the year), the times are the following: 21st July to 2nd September 10am – 6pm; 3rd September to 30th September 10am – 5pm; 1st October to 28th October 10am – 4.30pm; 29th October to 23rd December; 24th December 10am – 3pm; closed Christmas day and Boxing Day and 27th December to 31st December 10am – 4pm. Make sure you check the times before you go!

Also, quick note, for disabled visitors, their carers get free entry into the zoo – and there is plenty of disabled parking available.

Tickets

I would highly recommend booking your tickets in advance online as they are slightly cheaper. The only down side to this is trying to predict the weather. However, you can book online on the day you wish to arrive before 9.30am and still pay the discounted rate.

Adult admission at the gate is £24 and a child ticket is £20. Online prices may vary depending on what day you wish to visit. So if you want a cheaper ticket, go off-peak!

Animals and habitats

Chester Zoo is a fun-filled area of 125 acres with over 21,000 animals of 500 different species; Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

There are 75 different mammal species in the zoo. You’ll see big cats, elephants, hoofed animals, monkeys, meerkats, rhinos, bears, dogs and more.

And I thought birds were just birds. There’s quite a lot to look at, such as songbirds, penguins (my faves), parrots, ratites, flamingos, rollers, hornbills, owls, cranes, pigeons, and again, much, much more.

The ones you may not see are, well, when compared to something like the monkeys, are the reptiles. These are the ones that scare me most! Crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises.

Amphibians and fish are found in the aquarium…obvs! Here you will see toads, frogs, marine fish and fresh water fish.

Lastly, you can discover the animals without backbones! Insects, spiders, snails, octopuses, clams, jellyfish, starfish, worms. All of the animals that may or may not make your skin crawl and itch!

Food and drink

All around the zoo, you won’t be lost finding a bite to eat or drink. From kiosks to restaurants:

The Oakfield, Manado Street Kitchen, June’s Food Court, Bembe, Madagascar Market Place and Ice Cream Parlour, Jaguar Coffee House and Kiosks.

If you fancy saving a little bit of money, you can even bring in your own picnics. There are loads of areas to sit down and enjoy your own snacks.

Activities and experiences

Chester Zoo offers a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some animals. From experiencing habitats to going behind the scenes.

You can enter the following encounters – Red Panda, Elephants, Giraffe, Rhinos, Aardvark, Penguin, Meerkat and Fruit Bat.

If you want to try something a little different, why not try a course in advanced photography, or a photography workshop. Or even better, become a zoo keeper or a gardener for the day!

Animal adoptions

If you are an animal lover like me, a great present for someone could be adopting an animal. It costs £65 and you will receive two free tickets for a day in Chester Zoo.