The Reserve at Chester Zoo
Tucked discreetly beside one of the UK’s most celebrated zoological gardens, The Reserve at Chester Zoo offers something wholly unexpected: the atmosphere of a luxury African safari lodge, without ever leaving Cheshire. We stayed for two nights in August, and what unfolded was an experience as enriching as it was enchanting.
From the outset, the welcome was effortless. Check-in was seamless, every detail attended to with quiet precision, and the staff’s warmth never wavered. That first impression set the tone: here, service is intuitive, unobtrusive, yet consistently above and beyond.
The lodges themselves are a triumph of design. Spacious, contemporary, and finished with natural materials, they strike a balance between understated luxury and authenticity. Our veranda overlooked a shimmering lake, while others are oriented toward the giraffe habitat — views that transport you instantly to the savannah. Waking up to the silhouette of giraffes moving gracefully across the horizon is nothing short of magical.
But what truly sets The Reserve apart are its exclusive experiences, which cleverly blur the line between accommodation and adventure. The after-hours safari was unforgettable — wandering the zoo by twilight, children wide-eyed as we encountered the resident rhinos under the care of an expert keeper. Storytelling around the campfire later that evening, led by the Reserve’s rangers, added a touch of rustic intimacy that felt worlds away from everyday life.
Equally captivating was the giraffe encounter. While our children were too young to feed these gentle giants themselves, they delighted in preparing food for them — a hands-on, behind-the-scenes moment that made the experience deeply personal. These thoughtful touches transform The Reserve from a place to stay into a place to connect, with animals and with one another.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
Dining, too, exceeded expectation: menus are seasonal, ingredients fresh, and the atmosphere relaxed yet refined. It felt less like dining at a zoo, and more like an elegant countryside retreat.
Underlying it all is Chester Zoo’s mission. As a conservation charity, every penny of profit is reinvested into protecting wildlife worldwide. Few destinations can credibly claim such purpose — staying here doesn’t simply indulge the senses, it supports a global cause. From combating illegal wildlife trade to safeguarding endangered species’ habitats, the impact stretches far beyond the boundaries of the zoo itself.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
In an era when discerning travellers seek meaning as well as luxury, The Reserve at Chester Zoo delivers both. For families, it is a place of wonder; for couples, a romantic hideaway; for all, a rare chance to experience safari spirit in the heart of England.
Verdict: A stay that is at once indulgent, educational, and impactful — a new benchmark for wildlife-inspired escapes in the UK.
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Attributed to Editorial assistant, Prachi Patel
