Chester zoo Advice

Cpu2007

Hi everyone

I live in manchester and would like to take my family out for a day.
I thought going to chester zoo might be a good idea.

Can you recommend this place? is this the best zoo we have close by right?

The prices are high, we are basically a family with everyone over 16,some student discount can be put in but still looks quiet expensive.

Do you know a good deal that can be used for 5 people?

If you think there's a better place to go on sunday/monday then please do not hesitate to tell me

I'm basically looking for a family day out, so anything with some sightseeing (but not too much walking) would be good.

Thank you

Paula_Smith

It is a few years since we went but really enjoyed it. Sorry I cant be more helpful.

millerose

The tourist information centre at Cheshire Oaks designer outlet (5miles away) sells tickets to the Zoo at a reduced rate. They are valid for 6 months. You can also buy tickets on the website. This is a bit cheaper than turning up on the day gate prices. You don't have to pay the gift aid price, we didn't, but of course it helps the zoo!. It is very rare to find an offer for this Zoo (such as 2 for 1 etc, Tesco Clubcard used to offer tickets but its been taken off). http://www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/cheshire-oaks-designer-outlet/en/. I should also say if you prebook/buy your tickets before the day, you get fast track entry so don't have to queue at the gates.


We went last year (in May half term) and a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) cost us £60. I recommend you make the most of it!. We got there 15 minutes before opening (car park was filling up already!) and left when they kicked us out at 6pm.


I'd advise you to take a pack up and eat on the many picnic tables/grassy areas available. Drinks and ice creams are reasonably priced. There is a massive Sainsburys near Cheshire Oaks where we got our sandwiches from as we stayed in a hotel the night before to get there early.


There is plenty to see and do. Adventure playgrounds and interactive displays. Some areas are more busy than others, especially the monkeys and bats!. There is a monorail that goes around the park but it is paying. You also have your photo taken at the entrance and once you exit, they sell you the prints in an album. I think it costs around £10-15. I cannot comment on the shop or restaurant as we didn't use them. There are various coffee/ice cream huts around the park too. There are various carts around the park selling tattoos, make your own sand animals etc. There are various talks and shows throughout the day such as feeding the penguins, monkey talks and bug house talks etc.


We really enjoyed it, we had excellent weather and managed to see everything by the gardens near the parrots (kids weren't interested!) I would go again but the price is putting me off. It is worth the money though.


My friends daughter has sponsored a Giraffe for the year, and she got sent 2 free tickets to visit the giraffe, along with all sorts of photos and information. it does lighten the bank balance a bit as they only had to pay for one extra ticket at £20 and basically got the sponsorship free taking into account the free tickets IYKWIM?


Hope this helps and have a great time x

millerose

Have you thought about Knowsley Safari Park? Its Liverpool way but also a good day out and a bit cheaper? not much walking too.


http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/

Cpu2007

Great, Thank you for the information you've provided.

I've read a similar post from this forum that mentioned a place near the zoo that sells them cheaper and you don't have to queue if you buy them from there.

I assume tickets from Cheshire Oaks designer outlet are cheaper than online. Do you have any idea how much they are? whether they are still available and if there's a link/site where I can get the address and other info.

Thank you

millerose

I paid £59 for a family ticket from Cheshire Oaks customer services. I think it was 10% cheaper to buy from them. I had shopped around weeks before for the best deal but couldn't find any valid offers. As we were staying in the hotel nearby it was easier to buy tickets this way than finding a computer and printing.

You could always contact Cheshire Oaks CS and ask if they still sell tickets and how much? I know that they also sold Blue Reef tickets too.