Tripadvisor has named Chester Zoo the best zoo in the United Kingdom, beating all other zoological parks across the country. Located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, the zoo also secured a spot in Europe's top 10 zoos and aquariums for 2026, as reported by the Daily Mirror. The ranking was determined by genuine visitor reviews on the platform, with Chester Zoo accumulating 11,666 excellent ratings, making it the clear winner based on visitor experience.
About Chester Zoo
Spanning 130 acres, Chester Zoo houses around 30,000 animals across more than 500 threatened species, including Sumatran orangutans, tigers, jaguars, rhinos, and okapi. The zoo operates as a conservation-led charity focused on preventing extinction both in the UK and globally. In the past year alone, it developed the world's first vaccine for a deadly virus affecting Asian elephants, helped rescue a rare snail species from extinction, and planted thousands of trees to restore local habitats. Chief Executive Jamie Christon said the Tripadvisor recognition is especially meaningful because it is based entirely on visitor reviews.
Visitor Experience
Beyond the animals, the zoo offers extensive attractions including gardens, children's play areas, multiple dining options such as an on-site pub and restaurant, and a virtual reality experience. Last year, Chester Zoo opened Heart of Africa, described as the largest zoo habitat in the UK, spanning the equivalent of more than 17 football pitches and home to 57 African species. The zoo also launched The Reserve last summer, a hotel offering 51 luxury African-themed lodges on site. Families can now spend the night in a safari-style setting without leaving Cheshire. Every ticket purchased and overnight stay directly funds the zoo's conservation work.
Visitor Reviews
Visitor reviews on Tripadvisor reflect the loyalty Chester Zoo inspires. One reviewer mentioned visiting since 1961 and said that after seeing zoos in multiple countries, Chester still stands apart. Others praised the conservation focus, food quality, and staff's willingness to educate visitors about the animals.
