Chester Zoo is the UK’s largest zoological garden and a beloved childhood memory for many as well as an excellent example of conservation and research into animal well fare, which is why it’s a favourite of Make a Bucket List.
With over 11,000 animals, 400 species within 110 acres of award winning enclosures and gardens specifically catered for family fun, Chester Zoo makes the perfect family day out.
From the moment you enter the gates you will feel the wow factor with lush greenery and well-kept pathways and sculptures. To make it incredibly easy to manoeuvre around the park they have grouped the animals by geography, but remember to put on comfy shoes because with 11 miles of walk ways you’ll be in for a lot of walking and some amazing sights.
With acres of award-winning gardens you’ll find all sorts of plants from around the world, reflecting the most exotic species’ natural habitats.
Education is important to Chester Zoo so they conduct regular talks from their experts into the rare and exotic animals and their habits. They are also currently celebrating gardens birds as a part of Bloom and UK wildlife.
So you’ve walked around and taken in the sights but starting to feel a bit hungry? Well at Chester Zoo there are plenty of picnic spots which are kept to a high standard for a quick bite. But also places to have a sit down meal plus several kiosks selling hot and cold pastries, hot dogs, ice-cream, sweets and hot and cold drinks.
Some of the restaurants include;
Junes Pavilion – a bright, spacious restaurant packed with freshly prepared family friendly food at a reasonable price. You’ll find June’s Pavilion near the Fun Ark and the tiger enclosure.
Bembe Kitchen – Bembe Kitchen is actually three African-inspired places in one: Bembe Kitchen, the Bembe Coffee Shop and Bembe BBQ. There’s loads of room, including an outdoor terrace, as well as great views of the elephants and warthogs.
With a choice of main meals and even a drop of alcohol for the adults, or a light bite and a cuppa, there’s plenty of choice for everyone.
Jaguar Coffee House – Right next to the Jaguar enclosure there’s a great choice of Panini’s and cakes with comfy leather sofas to rest your aching feet on.
The Oaks Coffee Cabin – Near the lion and tiger enclosure it’s a great stop off for quick nibbles.
Chester Zoo aim to use as much locally produced food as they can and prepare meals fresh each day.
For those of you who don’t like the sound of a lot of walking then you’ll love to know that Chester Zoo have a Zoofari Monorail and a Waterbus to make the park a little easier.
You can buy your tickets online and you’ll be able to zip past the queues with Fast Track entry, or book at least 7 days in advance of your visit and you’ll save 10%. If you’re not ready to choose a date you can opt for the flexibility of an open ticket and visit any time in that pricing season. There’s also plenty of FREE car parking right by the entrance.
So with so much to do and see we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic time, simply click here to book.