Chester Zoological Gardens, Caughall Rd, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH

Tel: 01244 380280

Chester Zoo is well known in the horticultural world for its plants and gardens, which are maintained to a high standard. Not just the plantings to create appropriate habitats, but gardens in their own right, including a Roman garden, Andes garden and wildlife garden. Look out for the cacti collection amongst others in the Grow Zone, where the greenhouses provide shelter if the weather turns wet.

Oh, there are animals too...

Opening hours (2010):

All year: 10.00. Last admission time varies with different sections of the zoo from 15.00 to 16.30.

Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Facilities:

Cafe, restaurant and shop.

Admission fees (2010):

Standard admission fees are given here, but donations of an additional £1 or so are gratefully received.

NB children under 14 must be with an adult.

Low season (1 Jan - 12 Feb; 22 Feb - 26 Mar; 1 Nov - 31st Dec): Adults £12.35; children (3-15) £9.00; concessions £10.95; family (2 adults/2 children) £37.70.

Mid season (13 - 21 Feb; 12 - 30 April; 4 - 28 May; 14 June - 16 July; 6 Sept - 31 Oct): Adults £14.50; children (3-15) £9.95; concessions £12.85; family (2 adults/2 children) £45.00.

High season (27 Mar - 11 April; 1 - 3 May; 29 May - 13 June; 17 July - 5 April): Adults £15.35; children (3-15) £11.30; concessions £13.85; family (2 adults/2 children) £50.00.

From the Cheshire Cycleway:

Either cheat by locking up your bike in Chester and hopping on a bus, or follow National Cycle Route 56 from the Shropshire Union Canal at Caughall bridge 134, turning right onto Caughall Road, which passes the zoo. From Chester centre, instead of cycling all the way around along the canal, you could cycle from Northgate Arena to Northgate village to follow National Cycle Route 5 (turn right onto it), then take route 56 on the left at Newton.

Find this place marked in the centre of this map.

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