Chester Zoo keeps UK’s best zoo crown for third year running
Chester Zoo has been named the best-rated zoo in the UK for the third year running, according to new 2026 rankings from Tripadvisor.
The Cheshire attraction, just across the border from Deeside, has recorded 11,666 ‘excellent’ visitor reviews on the travel platform.
That is up from 11,392 in 2025.
Tripadvisor has also placed the zoo in its top ten European zoos and aquariums for 2026.
It was ranked third in Europe in 2025 and eighth in 2024.
Chester Zoo is home to around 30,000 animals and 500 species.
Jamie Christon, chief executive of Chester Zoo, said: “We’re over the moon to be named the UK’s top zoo by Tripadvisor. This recognition is built entirely on genuine reviews from our visitors – and that means the world to us.”
He added: “Every visit to Chester Zoo directly supports our vital conservation work, both here at home and around the world, and the past year alone is a reminder of just how much that work matters.”
The ranking follows the opening of two major projects at the zoo in 2025.
Heart of Africa, which opened in April 2025, is the largest habitat at a UK zoo.
It spans 22.5 acres, the equivalent of more than 17 football pitches, and is home to 57 African species including giraffes, zebras, antelope and ostrich.
The Reserve, which opened in summer 2025, is a 51-lodge African-themed accommodation block.
It is the first time overnight stays have been offered at the zoo.
Tripadvisor’s rankings are based on visitor reviews submitted to the platform.
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