Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are your opening times?

We open our gates every morning at 10am. You can find the closing times for the date of your visit here.

What can I expect when I arrive at the zoo?

What security measures can I expect at the zoo?

How do I book tickets for the zoo?

How do I book tickets with a gift voucher?

How do I book a buggy, wheelchair or mobility scooter?

Can I bring a group or a coach to the zoo?

I’d like to support your fundraising by making a donation. How do I do this?

Can I book a corporate or private event at the zoo?

Where can I breastfeed or heat up baby food?

Are there lockers available at the zoo to store my belongings?

Do you offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations?

Why do you charge a small admission fee for 1-2 year olds?

Can I bring my child's scooter/ bike on our visit with us?

I have another question or would like to make a suggestion?

Members

How do I take out a membership?

Memberships can be purchased online here.

We’ll send your membership pack out as soon as possible, which will give you, and any additional members, in your group or family all the information you need to start receiving all of the amazing benefits of being a member.

If you want to split the cost, why not join with our Joining by Direct Debit scheme…

For this option, we’ll split your membership fee into four instalments over the first four months. The first payment will be due at the time of joining us. If you have already purchased an admission ticket for your visit, we can of course deduct this from the cost for you. Please note, there may be a remaining fee to pay on the day. This joining method is available over the telephone or by popping into our Membership Office.

What date does a membership start from?

How long does the membership pack take to be delivered?

At what age does my child need a membership?

My toddler has had their 3rd birthday and I need to upgrade to Junior Membership.

I’m a member and can’t log in or view my membership.

I've lost my membership card

I've bought a new membership but don't have a card yet, what do I do?

I would like to visit another zoo as a Chester Zoo member

I’m a member at another zoo can I get in for free?

I am disabled, do I get a discount on membership if I need a carer?

Can I purchase a membership as a gift?

Can friends and family members use my card to enter the zoo?

When will I know that my membership is due to expire?

What if I have already paid for day entry and decide to become a member?

What membership is available for foster carers?

Do I get a discount on admission tickets for friends and family?

Food at the zoo

Can I book a table at The Oakfield?

Sure, you can pre-book a table for indoor and outdoor dining at The Oakfield through the website.

Can I book an event at The Oakfield?

Can we bring a picnic?

Junior Programme

What is the Junior Programme?

Junior Programme is our programme of activities designed for children aged 0-17. There are five strands to our Junior Programme:

Conservation Tots for under 5’s.
Mini Rangers for primary school years 1-3.
Junior Rangers for primary school years 4-6.
Junior Conservationists for secondary school years 7-9.
Young Conservationists for secondary school years 10-12

What year is my child in?

How much does it cost?

Do I need to be a member?

How many children will be attending the event?

Can I use childcare vouchers?

Can my child attend just one day of the event?

Where do I drop off my child?

Can my child enter the zoo alone?

Do I need a zoo ticket?

Does my child need to bring food and drink?

What should my child wear?

Will you take photos of my child?

What will the activities be like?

Will my child be going behind the scenes?

Will my child handle animals?

What if my child excels for their age?

What if my child has additional needs?

What are the rules?

What if my child has problems with another child?

What if I can’t attend my booking? Can I have a refund?

What if I am not satisfied with the content of the event?

How do I contact you?

Still haven’t found the answer to your question?

Get in touch and one of our lovely team will get back to you as soon as possible.