Plan your visit

Practical information for your visit

Opening times

The zoo opens daily from 10am and the main entrance opens at 9:30am. See full details of our opening times here.

Last admission is 1 hour before the zoo closes.
Last admissions for members is 30 minutes before closing.

The zoo is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Opening times may change depending on special events, please see our T&Cs for further details.

Opening times

Getting here

Find your way around the zoo

Car parking

Accessibility

How to make the most of your trip

No two visits to Chester Zoo are ever the same. With over 128 acres to explore and thousands of animals to discover, there’s always something new to see and do.

Young Girl Climbing Through A Tunnel In The Play Area

Visiting with the kids?

There’s plenty of fun activities and play spaces for children of all ages to enjoy – let imaginations (and the children) run wild.

Food, drink & retail

We have a wide selection of delicious food and drink options – you’ll be spoilt for choice!

A Young Girl And Boy Looking Into The Glass Of The Penguin Pool

Animal talks

Join our knowledgeable zoo rangers to learn more about our amazing plants & animals. See our programme of daily animal talks and join us for as many as you like. All included with zoo admission.

Book an experience

Book an unforgettable experience to meet our expert keepers and get closer to the amazing animals and plants at the zoo.

Dine with us

Pop into our contemporary British pub, The Oakfield, for a freshly prepared meal, located right at the heart of the zoo.

Off road adventure

Rev up the excitement, with our off road adventure. Let the kids take the wheel of our mini 4x4s and bugz.

Visiting with the kids?

There’s plenty of fun activities and play spaces for children of all ages to enjoy – let imaginations (and the children) run wild.

Food, drink & retail

We have a wide selection of delicious food and drink options – you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Animal talks

Join our knowledgeable zoo rangers to learn more about our amazing plants & animals. See our programme of daily animal talks and join us for as many as you like. All included with zoo admission.

Book an experience

Book an unforgettable experience to meet our expert keepers and get closer to the amazing animals and plants at the zoo.

Dine with us

Pop into our contemporary British pub, The Oakfield, for a freshly prepared meal, located right at the heart of the zoo.

Off road adventure

Rev up the excitement, with our off road adventure. Let the kids take the wheel of our mini 4x4s and bugz.

Guest charter

We are dedicated to making sure that everyone who visits Chester Zoo has an amazing day out. Our Guest Charter outlines what you can expect as a visitor to Chester Zoo, and also includes guidelines on conduct for zoo guests. Please read through it before your visit and make sure you're familiar with the guidelines.

Guest charter

Pre-visit FAQs

View all

What are your opening times?

We’re open daily from 10am and The Diamond Jubilee Quarter at the main entrance opens at 9:30am.

Last admission is 1 hour before the zoo closes.
Last admissions for members is 30 minutes before closing.

The zoo will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Opening times may also change depending on special events.

Opening times

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 a carer ticket?

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?

Online ticket prices

Online ticket prices including 10% donation

	Value	Off-peak	Standard
Adult (16+)	£34.00	£36.50	£38.00
Child (3-15)	£26.00	£27.00	£28.00
Student	£33.00	£35.00	£37.00
Toddler (1-2)	£2.50	£2.50	£2.50
Baby	Free	Free	Free
Carer	Free	Free	Free

Online ticket prices without donation

	Value	Off-peak	Standard
Adult (16+)	£30.90	£32.86	£34.21
Child (3-15)	£23.26	£24.54	£25.45
Student	£30.00	£31.81	£33.63
Toddler (1-2)	£2.27	£2.27	£2.27
Baby	Free	Free	Free
Carer	Free	Free	Free

Gate ticket prices

Gate prices including 10% donation

ADULT (16+): £42.50
CHILD (3-15): £30.00
STUDENT: £39.00
TODDLER (1-2): £2.50
BABY: Free
CARER: Free

Gate prices without donation

ADULT (16+): £38.63
CHILD (3-15): £27.27
STUDENT: £35.45
TODDLER (1-2): £2.27
BABY: Free
CARER: Free