Chester Zoo

The zoo opened in 1931 on a principle unusual for the time - George Mottershead wanted enclosures without bars, and the layout still reflects that, with moats and glass instead of cages across much of the site. It covers 51 hectares, which is enough to feel like a walk rather than a circuit of pens. Islands is the biggest single development, a Southeast Asian section with a boat ride, orangutans, Sumatran tigers and a walk-through area for free-flying birds. The Elephant habitat holds a breeding herd of Asian elephants with indoor and outdoor pools. Monkeys occupy real islands in the lake, and the tropical realm houses free-roaming sloths and bats overhead. The charity also runs breeding programmes for species extinct in the wild and field projects abroad.

What you actually see

• Islands - a Southeast Asian zone with a boat route through it.
• The elephant habitat - a breeding herd of Asian elephants with pools.
• The tropical realm - free-roaming sloths, bats and birds overhead.
• Monkey islands - primates on real islands in the central lake.

When to go

April to September for the widest range of animals outdoors, though summer heat sends many indoors at midday. Weekday mornings in term time are far quieter. Booked slots are compulsory and popular dates sell out. Wet days are workable because several major houses are fully indoors.

Honest expectations

Tickets are expensive and a family day adds up quickly once parking and food are counted. Half-term crowds are heavy and the popular houses bottleneck. The site is large and involves several kilometres of walking with limited shelter. Animals are not on display to order - big cats and orangutans are frequently asleep or out of sight.

Nearby

Chester's Roman walls and medieval Rows are twenty minutes away by bus.