Chester Zoo

Get the X1 Bus from Chester Railway Station. It runs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes.

Winter adventures at Chester Zoo

Home to over 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo invites you to explore, unwind and reconnect this winter – with nature, each other and yourself.

Explore 130 acres of immersive habitats - from dense rainforests and tropical caves to open wetlands and Himalayan mountains. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular new Heart of Africa. Inspired by African landscapes, species and culture, it brings giraffes, African wild dogs, warthogs and more in a space that replicates the African savannah – designed to connect you with the wonders of the natural world.

Get back to nature in 2026

This winter, Chester Zoo is encouraging visitors to slow down and discover the proven benefits of spending time in nature.

From blue spaces like the penguin and otter habitats, to multi-sensory environments like Monsoon Forest, the zoo is full of places proven to support wellbeing.

Running until 15 March, there’s a programme of gentle, uplifting activities to explore – including Buggy Fitness sessions with PureGym*, animal talks, Zoo Ranger-led storytelling, and joyful nature-based play for children.

There’s self-guided zoo walks designed to help you make your steps count, with gentle prompts to move more, notice nature and explore together through sound, scent and play.

Whether you're moving more, noticing more, or simply playing together – there's something for everyone.

*Additional cost

Designed with families in mind

Young adventurers can take on the Treetop Challenge or drive all-electric off-road vehicles. There’s also face painting, fairground rides and five epic playgrounds across the zoo packed with climbing nets, water play, giant slides and sand pits.

For a slower pace, wander through award-winning gardens, with sensory-friendly spaces, Changing Places facilities, and mobility scooter hire to help everyone enjoy their day.

Refuel your adventure

From sizzling street food to relaxed family lunches, there’s something for every appetite. Visitors can grab fresh food from kiosks and cafés, or take a break at The Oakfield, the zoo’s Grade II listed pub with garden views.

You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options, plus picnic spots and shaded areas.

Experiences at Chester Zoo

Choose from more than 20 Experiences where you can dine, tour or get even closer to some of the zoo’s most extraordinary animals – including giraffes, penguins and meerkats. It’s a chance to see the zoo from a new point of view and make lasting memories.

Easy to get to. Easy to get around.

Chester Zoo is just a short bus ride from Chester Train Station. There’s free on-site parking, including dedicated EV charging spaces, and step-free access throughout the zoo.

Visitors can download the free Chester Zoo app for live talk times, maps, animal facts and more.

A day out that gives back

Chester Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation zoo. Every ticket, meal, and souvenir helps fund projects that protect wildlife in the UK and across more than 20 countries. That makes a day out here not just memorable, but meaningful too.