Chester Zoo Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★☆
“I understand that the shruberry makes it difficult for...”
Written on: 03/10/2010
I understand that the shruberry makes it difficult for children to see but it is there to reduce stress for the animals and degree studies have proved that the shrus reduce the animals' dtress by 70%. The elephant enclosure here is probably one of the best in the UK and I am doing a zoology degree so I know. I understand that if you pay you want to see animals but the shrubs and platforms away from viewing areas help the animals cope much better imagine having children screaming in your face... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Some enclosures had nothing at all in them but you...”
Written on: 06/09/2010
Some enclosures had nothing at all in them but you didn't find this out until you had trekked to them.
Hedges etc so high that at 5'2" even i couldn't see anything let alone children.
They should not have elephants as the enclosure is just too small.
Some animals alone in enclosures with nothing (it seemed to me anyway) to amuse them.
Overall we just felt disapointed that we went to a zoo but saw very little animals-and yes I know that sounds ridiculous!
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★★★★★
“I thought Chester Zoo was lovely. Starting the day...”
Written on: 02/09/2010
I thought Chester Zoo was lovely. Starting the day with a free shuttle bus to and from the train station was excellent and the driver was very friendly.
Booking online made sure there was no queuing and also gave a small discount but there really was no real queue at all.
The animal enclosures where great, people saying they were over grown are just silly as it obviously better for the animals to have more shrubery than just cast into a small enclosure.
Well worth the money as it took hours...
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★☆☆☆☆
“Really awful day out. People smoking everywhere,...”
Written on: 12/08/2010
Really awful day out. People smoking everywhere, overgrown enclosures - children could not see the vast majority of the animals unless picked up (which after 11 miles, makes for an exhausting day). All activities inside zoo at an extra cost to the £55 entrance fee (for a family of 4).
Awful. Expensive. Tiring.
Good points: Lots of tall grass and other flora - which, had I been a pasture connoisseur may have been wonderful, but for me, it was just an expanse of overgrown lawns. ...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I cannot bear to see the elephants in the tiny...”
Written on: 20/07/2010
I cannot bear to see the elephants in the tiny enclosure. I would rather they became extinct than lived in such a tiny space. I have the same opinions about the apes. They all have great sadness in their eyes.
I won't ever be going again.
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Liambirchall96's Comment
Written on: 13/11/2012
So you'd rather see an entire species die out than for them to be in what you say is a small enclosure. If you knew anything about animals you'd know that the enclosure is not too small, since the elephants dont need to migrate because they are in captivity and have access to plenty of food and water. The elephant enclosure is in fact quite good and is better than most other enclosures for any kind of animal. the elephant enclosure also has plenty of enrichment for the animals to keep them entertained and to prevent stereotypical behaviour.
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★★☆☆☆
“elephant enclosure is sickeningly small and bare. it...”
Written on: 04/07/2010 by whaleo (1 review written)
elephant enclosure is sickeningly small and bare. it made me sad looking at it so i cant begin to imagine how the elephants feel.
the
some of the other enclosures are well planted and well thought out for the animals needs. i really do not think they have elephants.
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★☆☆☆☆
“We've always loved Chester Zoo, but we haven't visited...”
Written on: 28/06/2010
We've always loved Chester Zoo, but we haven't visited since our sons were children, our 19 year old sons girlfriend came to stay and we told her what a wonderful place it was to visit, even though expensive, it was well worth it as you could see many species of animals. We decided to go on a Sunday 28th June 2010, the weather was glorious and the zoo was not crowded due to the world cup on TV.
Upon arrival at around 11am we got good 'near to' parking, there was no queue and no waiting. we...
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★☆☆☆☆
“Waste of time and money! Crowds were MASSIVE, you...”
Written on: 31/05/2010
Waste of time and money! Crowds were MASSIVE, you should not queue to visit enclosures?!? (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Do not go to Chester Zoo during cold months as you...”
Written on: 16/02/2010
Do not go to Chester Zoo during cold months as you will be dissappointed by the absence of many animals. As we went during half term the entry fee was almost £16 each. For the this we saw many signs saying the zoo apologises for inconvenience while works are underway to improve enclosures. In my opinion this sign should be at the entrance so you can make a judgement regarding value for money before going in. The grounds are impressive, but the bad layout causes you to double back on yourself... (read more)
Joeheaver's Comment
Written on: 25/03/2010
The author of this review is clearly one of the typical gawking idiots which plague zoos around the world. The fact that you would blame Colchester Zoo, a centre with the aim of conserving rare and exotic species, for the fact that some of the animals, most of which are from tropical or sub-tropical environments, did not want to come out from their indoor enclosures to admire your gormless face is, in my opinion, obscene. I personally think that Colchester zoo is brilliant and I believe this review to be completely invalid.
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Me123456789's Comment
Written on: 01/10/2012
I think the reviewer recognizes that the animals weren't outside because it was cold so doesn't deserve to be called gormless.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Chester Zoo is quite large. ”
Written on: 23/08/2009
Chester Zoo is quite large.
It was hard to see a lot of the supposed animals as their cages were full of long grass and shrubs. Couldn't see anything in a lot of the enclosures
In my view, it was a waste of money and its not cheap either.
Knowsley safari park is better equipped and you can see their animals and its cheaper too. Wouldn't go to Chester Zoo again, ever.
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Whaleo's Comment
Written on: 04/07/2010
yeah they should kept them in empty cages, infact just chain them up so they cant move so we can always see them
<br/>sod making the animals feel comfortable.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 36 Reviews
★★★★★
“What an absolutely superb day out we had at Chester...”
Written on: 21/08/2009
What an absolutely superb day out we had at Chester Zoo! Since our last visit ( a few years ago), the zoo has made great efforts to update and renew areas. It is easy to get around, rices for food and drinks inside are not too bad (espacilly in the beer garden!), the staff are friendly and helpful and the new butterfly house is amazing. We will definately be visiting again very soon. (read more)
★★★★★
“I thought that the chester zoo was brilliant and i...”
Written on: 13/08/2009
I thought that the chester zoo was brilliant and i have being going many years, there are a lot of new enclosures and it is bang up to date. a lot of information about the animals and nice gardens to relax in. There wasnt much rubbish around and the site was vey clean and enjoyable to spend time in Altogether a great family day out! I would recomend it to everyone. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Really looked forward to taking my little girl to...”
Written on: 07/08/2009
Really looked forward to taking my little girl to Chester Zoo as I remember visiting when I was younger and loving it. I thought the zoo provided poor value for money. The animals were very difficult to spot due to all the vegetation and massive amount of fencing. I felt that the animals were very far away from the viewing areas. Many of the animals looked bored and lacked any real stimulation. The bat house was really poor as it was almost impossible to see them properly.
There...
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★★★★★
“Chester Zoo is well sign posted and quite easy to find...”
Written on: 14/04/2009 by themepark
Chester Zoo is well sign posted and quite easy to find on the out skirts of chester, the zoo has a monorail like the one at alton towers witch is well needed as the size of the park is impressive with land scape gardens, the selection of animals is great with every thing that you can think of, chester zoo deserves to be the top zoo to visit in the uk (read more)
★★★★★
“My girlfriend adopted a Penguin at Chester Zoo for my...”
Written on: 31/03/2009 by indecisive (91 reviews written)
My girlfriend adopted a Penguin at Chester Zoo for my a while ago and we got to go free to see it, and the rest of the park of course.
Chester Zoo is a great day out and so much fun. Loads to see and do, prices are a bit expensive but they always are at attractions. If the weathers good, Chester zoo is a great day for all the family.
Perfect Easter day out.
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★★☆☆☆
“Although the Parking - Toilets - some of the Houses eg...”
Written on: 19/02/2009 by thepennies (1 review written)
Although the Parking - Toilets - some of the Houses eg Reptile butterfly monkey were well done. We were very disappointed in the general standard of Chester Zoo compared to a few years ago and the number of animals appeared much less. Queueing an HOUR to get in - there were 6 queues all approx 50yds long!
Main play park closed in school holidays??!!
We took our grandchildren for a day out and felt shortchanged - don't think we'll be back in a hurry
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★★★★☆
“We went for a day out on 29/12/08, stayed at...”
Written on: 05/01/2009
We went for a day out on 29/12/08, stayed at Innkeepers Lodge Chester NE- good value for money & Toby Carvery on site. Considering it was freezing cold the queue to enter took 30 minutes to move through approximately 50 people, not surprising as there were more staff trying to get you to sign up for Gift Aid than there were at the pay desks. Family ranged in ages from 63 to 4 & we all enjoyed the day & would come again but next time bring our own food ! (read more)
★★★★★
“Staff are very friendly, lots of activities going on...”
Written on: 25/11/2008 by graciexqx
Staff are very friendly, lots of activities going on if you go at the right time, signs all around the zoo to help you find you way, their map is very colourful with lots of pictures so that young children can have fun finding there way around. Expensive food, but you could always take a picnic. Chester Zoo is very good for a day out, good value for your money but take a picnic instead of buying food. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Big and well-laid out. Friendly and fun for all ages....”
Written on: 01/11/2008
Big and well-laid out. Friendly and fun for all ages. Enjoyable day out. Would recommend. However very pricey. (read more)
★★★★★
“Friendly, variety of animals, membership makes visits...”
Written on: 28/10/2008
Friendly, variety of animals, membership makes visits cheaper! Food is expensive. Great! I would recommend Chester Zoo. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 36 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“Lots of animals. Lack of sign posts and the cost of...”
Written on: 19/09/2008
Lots of animals. Lack of sign posts and the cost of items in the park such as food and drink is poor. Would not recomend to the older generation (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“14.95 to get in - another two quid for the monorail....”
Written on: 30/08/2008
14.95 to get in - another two quid for the monorail. don't take any elderly people with you - there is nowhere for them to sit. Children will be disappointed to find they cannot see any animals. (read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“Not as good as it once was in my opinion. Found the...”
Written on: 14/08/2008
Not as good as it once was in my opinion. Found the animals difficult to see and thought it was expensive.
Have been going for over 30 years and will not visit again.
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Great day out for families with small children. Buggy...”
Written on: 09/08/2008
Great day out for families with small children. Buggy hire and wheelchair hire available - site clean, flat and well kept. Animals well cared for. (read more)
★★★★★
“I wish I lived nearer so I could visit more often. An...”
Written on: 02/07/2008 by aajones (4 reviews written)
I wish I lived nearer so I could visit more often. An absolutely wonderul zoo. Animals were well cared for and had very spacious and suitable enclosures. Informative and educational. A lovely place. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Plenty of parking at Chester Zoo. Some new exhibits...”
Written on: 11/05/2008
Plenty of parking at Chester Zoo. Some new exhibits such as the bat house are interesting. Enclosures are very large for Lions, Tigers, Jaguars etc etc and with only two animals it can very difficult to see the animals. Elephant enclosure has just bare ground and the animals looked bored. Most of the rose beds have been removed and picnic areas have been reduced. The condor enclosure does not seem to allow the birds to fly properly. Can be very busy. Often very difficult to see the animals.... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Zoo is very disabled-friendly with easy access to...”
Written on: 22/03/2008 by Barryt (14 reviews written)
The Zoo is very disabled-friendly with easy access to all places. For photographers, most of the exhibits are good with plenty of room for tripods if you are careful when doing close ups.
Educationally, Chester cannot be faulted with lots of information posted about projects and concerns.
Like most Zoos/Wildlife Parks, Chester is continually evolving with new accommodation for animals and new attractions. The Elephants, Chimps and Orangs are world famous and you won't be disappointed.
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★★★★☆
“I have been going to Chester Zoo for years and have...”
Written on: 05/01/2008
I have been going to Chester Zoo for years and have always enjoyed it. Several new attractions have been added over the years and all in all I think it is a good family day out. (read more)
★★★★★
“This zoo is the best zoo in the whole world it...”
Written on: 20/09/2007 by sophay
This zoo is the best zoo in the whole world it contains the greatest animals in the world. The exhibits are made to the animals greatest needs! (read more)
★★★★★
“Would recommend this to other family and friends as an...”
Written on: 12/08/2007 by kumara (2 reviews written)
Would recommend this to other family and friends as an excellent day out. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 36 Reviews
★★★★★
“Don't expect to visit Chester Zoo in just a morning or...”
Written on: 02/08/2007 by scrumdown (6 reviews written)
Don't expect to visit Chester Zoo in just a morning or afternoon, this place is excellent and you really need to spend at least a day to see everything. Refreshments were OK and reasonably priced for this type of place, I would have liked the boat ride to give some sort of timetable, so you know how long you need to wait for the next one. Animals all looked to be in good health. (read more)
★★★★★
“A very good zoo, with a huge number of animals in...”
Written on: 21/01/2007 by willtheman45 (20 reviews written)
A very good zoo, with a huge number of animals in excellent enclosures. The monorail helps you get round and the must see suggestions are brilliant. Twilight cave is huge with amazing bats, Tsavo is home to Black Rhinos, there's beautiful Spectacle Bears as well as Miniature Monkeys, Spirit of the Jaguar and Komodo Dragons. As well as all that there are also lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, chimps and orangutans. A fantastic day out! (read more)
★★★★★
“I last visited in early 2006, and I recommend you...”
Written on: 26/10/2006 by Greentoastrack (11 reviews written)
I last visited in early 2006, and I recommend you visit off-season also. Not only do you not have to suffer from large crowds, but also have a discounted entrance fee. Keeping in mind the entrance cost is decent value anyway, it makes that an especially positive point.
With Chester Zoo being the UK's largest zoo, you should be prepared for a walk about. If you play it smart however, you can space out walking and still see many of the attractions.
There are a wide variety of exhibits to...
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Greentoastrack's Response to Greentoastrack's Review
Written on: 04/02/2007
Due to the new Tsavo Cafe, you no longer walk directly to the Meerkats from the main entrance at Chester Zoo. Sorry folks.
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Greentoastrack's Response to Greentoastrack's Review
Written on: 28/04/2007
Although now the access path has been layed down, so it's still possible to do that. I think it would be best if you chose you're own route, this is just an outline.
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★★★★★
“I went Chester Zoo on a Monday in early October, and...”
Written on: 17/10/2005 by mule (1 review written)
I went Chester Zoo on a Monday in early October, and had a wonderful time. Parking was easy with lots of space. I was greeted by very friendly staff. I loved the fact your first encounter is a big Elephant, which really set up the whole day. I didn't take a map because I like the surprise factor, and I was not disappointed. I would walk around a corner and bam, 5 Giraffes starring back at you.
The new Jaguar center is a real gem. A purpose built building, by yes Jaguar.
I stopped half way...
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★★★★★
“I went to Chester zoo and was very impressed. I had...”
Written on: 28/06/2005 by iblal
I went to Chester zoo and was very impressed. I had the shred decision of going in the week so there weren't too many kids about and you could walk about in peace. It cost £13 to get in for an adult which, I suppose is fair, I think £1 went directly to help endangered elephants or something. The other prices weren't too bad either in the cafe or the shops, considering these places are normally a bit of a rip off.
Anyway, back to the animals. They had a wide selection of monkeys, which were...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I went to Chester Zoo and was very impressed. I had...”
Written on: 29/04/2004 by Roger L (27 reviews written)
I went to Chester Zoo and was very impressed. I had the shred decision of going in the week so there weren't too many kids about and you could walk about in peace. It cost £13 to get in for an adult which, I suppose is fair, I think £1 went directly to help endangered elephants or something. The other prices weren't too bad either in the cafe or the shop, considering these places are normally a bit of a rip off.
Anyway, back to the animals. They had a wide selections of monkeys, which...
(read more)
Unknown15's Response to Roger L's Review
Written on: 08/11/2005
For fewer crowds visit on a rainy day. Have been going to the Zoo for years and it has improved dramatically. There are no polar bears as it is inhumane to limit them to zoos - they go mad!
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Greentoastrack's Response to Roger L's Review
Written on: 27/10/2006
unknown15 is right, Polar Bears very easily go mad in captivity. However, I would not suggest visiting during rain. I would rather suggest visiting Chester Zoo in the low-season. There are less crowds then, and it's cheaper.
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 08/09/2011
I found that Chester Zoo was very expensive, my 12 children enjoyed it very much as they are below 5. i found it quite hard to walk around the zoo as i have another on the way. signs should be clearer!
much love Susie.G xx