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Venue Type
Unique Venue
City
Chester
Region
North West
Standing
300
theatre
250
dinner
180
bedrooms
51
About
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo offers an extraordinary setting for meetings, conferences, corporate celebrations and private events, combining versatile event facilities with one of the UK's leading wildlife attractions. Set within 128 acres of zoological gardens, the venue provides a distinctive environment where business events can be combined with wildlife experiences, team-building activities and opportunities to discover the zoo's conservation work.
Its event spaces include The Square, a beautifully restored Grade II-listed stable block featuring a contemporary atrium, flexible meeting rooms and a spacious courtyard, alongside The Oakfield, the historic former home of Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead. Together, these venues provide a range of settings for conferences, exhibitions, private dining, receptions and smaller corporate meetings.
With dedicated event coordination, modern audiovisual facilities, locally sourced catering and the opportunity to incorporate guided wildlife experiences, Chester Zoo offers a memorable alternative to conventional conference venues. As a conservation charity, income generated through events supports its work protecting wildlife and habitats around the world.
Event Spaces
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Facilities and Services
Chester Zoo offers a comprehensive range of event facilities, combining historic buildings with modern presentation technology, professional catering and dedicated event coordination.
The Square features complimentary Wi-Fi, interactive LED screens in its meeting spaces and a 163-inch LED video wall in The Atrium, supported by audience and presenter cameras, surround sound and hybrid event capabilities. Meeting packages include room hire, refreshments, catering, presentation equipment and delegate stationery, with opportunities to explore the zoo during breaks.
Catering focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown onsite, with plant-based menus and dietary requirements accommodated. The venue also offers wildlife experiences, Zoo Ranger tours, conservation talks, scavenger hunts and bespoke team-building activities.
For residential events, The Reserve provides 51 luxury lodges, with additional hospitality facilities including the Tsavo Lounge.
Ideal For
- Corporate Conferences
- Business Meetings
- Leadership Away Days
- Corporate Retreats
- Residential Conferences
- Team Building Events
- Corporate Family Days
- Awards Dinners
- Gala Dinners
- Corporate Celebrations
- Private Dining
- Drinks Receptions
- Product Launches
- Exhibitions
- Training Events
- Workshops
- Networking Events
- Christmas Parties
- Summer Parties
- Charity Events
- Fundraising Events
- Conservation Events
- Corporate Hospitality
- Educational Events
Key Features
Unique Wildlife Setting – Event spaces within 128 acres of zoological gardens.
Historic Grade II-Listed Venues – The Square and The Oakfield combine heritage architecture with modern facilities.
500-Guest Event Capacity – Large-scale company zoo days and exhibitions.
Eleven Flexible Event Areas – Indoor conference rooms, meeting spaces and outdoor facilities.
163-Inch LED Video Wall – Integrated presentation technology within The Atrium.
In-House Catering – Locally sourced menus and bespoke hospitality arrangements.
51 Luxury Lodges – Residential accommodation at The Reserve.
Wildlife Experiences – Zoo Ranger tours, conservation talks and team-building activities.
Free Onsite Parking – Convenient access for delegates travelling by car.
Supporting Conservation – Event income contributes to Chester Zoo's wildlife conservation work.
Unique Wildlife Setting – Event spaces within 128 acres of zoological gardens.
Historic Grade II-Listed Venues – The Square and The Oakfield combine heritage architecture with modern facilities.
500-Guest Event Capacity – Large-scale company zoo days and exhibitions.
Eleven Flexible Event Areas – Indoor conference rooms, meeting spaces and outdoor facilities.
163-Inch LED Video Wall – Integrated presentation technology within The Atrium.
In-House Catering – Locally sourced menus and bespoke hospitality arrangements.
51 Luxury Lodges – Residential accommodation at The Reserve.
Wildlife Experiences – Zoo Ranger tours, conservation talks and team-building activities.
Free Onsite Parking – Convenient access for delegates travelling by car.
Supporting Conservation – Event income contributes to Chester Zoo's wildlife conservation work.
Why Hire
Chester Zoo offers an exceptional alternative to traditional conference and event venues, combining historic architecture, modern event facilities and extraordinary wildlife experiences within one destination. From conferences and exhibitions in The Square to private dining and meetings at The Oakfield, its versatile spaces provide a memorable setting for corporate gatherings of all sizes.
What truly sets Chester Zoo apart is the opportunity to incorporate wildlife encounters, conservation talks and bespoke team-building activities into an event programme, creating experiences that extend far beyond the meeting room. With dedicated event coordination, locally sourced catering, modern audiovisual technology and luxury accommodation at The Reserve, the venue offers a distinctive destination for both day events and residential retreats. Every booking also supports the zoo's conservation work, giving corporate events an additional sense of purpose.
Capabilities
Venue Features
Venue Tech
Venue Catering
Venue Gallery
Location
Location and Access
Chester Zoo is located in Upton-by-Chester, north of Chester city centre, with convenient road access from the M56, M53 and A41. Its extensive grounds provide a distinctive countryside-style setting while remaining accessible from Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and the wider North West.
The zoo offers free onsite parking, with accessible parking and step-free access to its principal ground-floor event spaces. Accessibility varies for first-floor meeting rooms, and individual requirements should be discussed with the events team.
For events, deliveries and supplier access, Chester Zoo publishes CH2 1LH as an alternative navigation postcode for the Caughall Road entrance, rather than the main visitor entrance
Bache Railway Station | 1.5 miles
Liverpool John Lennon Airport | 23 miles
VENUE INFO
Event spaces
6
meeting rooms
4
bedrooms
51
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