1c Mist
Family days out: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has award-winning gardens, shops and cafés. You can even get married at Oakfield House on the site.
What's on offer?
A huge variety of animals, plenty of exhibitions, play areas, a monorail and a boat trip. The grounds and gardens are fantastic. There are animal talks throughout the day, and some include feeding the animals (there's a list at the ticket office).
How did you get there?
We followed the A55 towards Chester and then looked for the brown elephant signs - it's very easy to find. Plenty of parking on site too.
How long did you stay?
About 4 ½ hours. We were tired by then but had not seen everything.
Did you take a brolly?
It was a rainy day when we visited, but there are plenty of undercover exhibitions. You could also take the monorail tour to see the animals in the paddocks without getting wet (this costs £2 for an adult).
What did you do there?
First stop was the elephant house, because it was raining they had refused to go out to play that morning and we could see them very clearly.
We then went to see the monkeys, who were also having a lie-in and we could see the lazy ones struggle to get up, whilst the younger monkeys teased them.
We wandered around with no real plan about what we wanted to see, but there are exhibits or gardens in every corner.
The zoo has been developed quite a bit in the last few years and there's now a wooden walkway linking across the middle. Also the meerkats have been given a new deluxe home.
The penguins were really friendly, coming up to the glass to say hello. One of the buffy-headed capuchins (a type of monkey) took a dislike to Llio and swung towards her screaming!
We had to peek between crowds to get a glimpse of the jaguar, but the children were more impressed by the leafcutter ants who were busily working away.
We visited the Twilight Zone, where bats fly freely around the vast dark space - not suitable for anyone who is nervous because they fly all around and occasionally brush against you.
The lion seemed to be having a bad day, his roars echoed around the zoo as he prowled around his large enclosure glaring at visitors, it was very dramatic.
There is a lot to see, and we had a fantastic time as there was something to appeal to all age ranges.
How much did it cost you?
Prices vary according to season. The off-peak cost was £11.95 for an adult, £8.95 for a child with family tickets available for £38.
How about food and drink?
The site is very big and there are a lot of kiosks serving drinks and snacks. There's a cafeteria style outlet near the entrance - we warmed up there the prices were reasonable, and the service quick and efficient.
They also try to recycle all the waste created and the children enjoyed sorting out our leftovers into the various bins. A lot of families take picnics and there are seating areas available.
Are there any shops?
Near the entrance there's a large gift shop which sells animal themed giftsfrom socks to cuddly toys to crafts and more expensive carved animals.
They had a good range of pocket money toys that the children could afford. There are also other shops where you can paint pottery or have your face painted. You do not have to go into any of the shops if you choose not to and there's no pressure to spend once you're there.
Is it safe for kids?
Fantastic, our three were excited before we got there. A lot of the enclosures have low viewing areas so children in buggies can see everything. There are also easy to read information boards.
The monkey house had puzzles to challenge your skills against what a monkey can do, great fun. The whole site is secure so children can wander around supervised but not having to hold hands all the time.
The baby changing facilities were spot on and there are play areas suitable for all ages.
Can the disabled get around?
No problems, everywhere had ramps and wide doors. They also hire out electric wheelchairs. Guide dogs are not allowed in all areas of the zoo, please check for more information. In some exhibitions they had casts of the apes faces and feet so that people with visual impairments could ‘feel' what they look like.
What was the best bit?
The giraffes were a big hit, we could get really close to them and see how graceful they were. Morgan enjoyed playing on the Land Rover outside the rhino centre.
Opening times?
Every day from 10am, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Phone 01244 380280, or see www.chesterzoo.org
How did it rate?
4****, a fantastic value for money day out.
The Alun family:
Mum Ffion
Dad Ger
Llio -9 yrs
Morgan - 3yrs
Miriam - 2yrs
