Wild Worlds Festival at Chester Zoo

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Wild Worlds

Chester Zoo, Chester
26 May-30 September 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Wild Worlds festival at Chester Zoo
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We are more than a bit excited by Wild Worlds, a new, summer-long, arts, science and garden festival from one of the leading zoos and conservation charities in the world.

Prepare to have your heads turned by 14 new interactive and mesmerising artistic installations accompanied by hundreds of events.

A dynamite squad of artists, landscape designers, scientists and performers have teamed up with Chester Zoo’s talented conservationists and scientists to create inspiring new spaces and experiences.

Meander through The Botanist’s Lab, a garden which brings together science and nature. See wierd and wonderful horticultural spectacles. Daily Zoo Ranger workshops range from animal training to poo science to tips for biodiversity in your own back yards and gardens. Meet scientists here too to delve deeper into urgent conservation subjects and ask all the questions.

The Celebritrees garden shines a spotlight on the sounds, smells, sights and features of trees that may have gone previously unnoticed.

Viewing the Honey Bees at Wild Worlds
Viewing the Honey Bees at Wild Worlds

Head to the Dormouse and Honey Bee gardens to enter the hidden worlds of these tiny species.

Kick back and experience Talking Chairs set within their own mini gardens. Hear stories about the wild worlds of flamingos, lions and black rhinos as you observe the animals within their habitats.

Wander down Insect Avenue to see huge invertebrate hotels showing the diverse habitats of some of the UK’s tiniest critters.

Leave time to climb like lemurs in the expansive Madagascar and Wildlife Wood play areas – sandy beaches, dry river beds, tall grasses, dens, slides and climbing ropes. These are adventure playground experiences to end all adventure playground experiences.

Performance-wise there’s something to captivate every day including science rapping, Flamingo Dance and helping to extract the sounds of plants.

It’s well known that Chester Zoo cares for over 21, 000 animals, many at risk of extinction. It also, however actively conserves some of the rarest plant species and trees. With one in eight plant species also currently endangered, Wild Worlds celebrates the incredible worlds of both animals and plants.

Chester Zoo is all about “Acting for Wildlife” and making a difference. We love that this festival encompasses both pure fun and more serious scientific discussion. It gives families the chance to explore some of the themes of the zoo’s wider conservation work in incredibly joyful ways.

All events and installations are free with normal zoo admission.

Where to go near Wild Worlds Festival at Chester Zoo

Stone Villa hotel, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Stone Villa

Stone Villa, built around 1850, is located in an attractive suburb just 0.8 miles from the centre of the city and its famous walls.

Sticky Walnut, Hoole, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Sticky Walnut

The Sticky Walnut is an award-winning ‘local’ bistro in the heart of Hoole, serving humble dishes using the best possible ingredients.

Chester
Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint

The section of the North Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint, starts off from Chester Station and the first section being unofficial isn’t way-marked. However, it offers pleasant urban walking and a stretch along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal, along Catherine Street to an area known as The Cop.

Grey n Pink Records Chester
Chester
Shop
Grey n Pink Records

Grey n Pink Records has the largest selection of new, second hand and collectible vinyl records in Cheshire. Established for over 30 years in the Chester record shop, they specialise in collectible vinyl LPs, 7″ and 12″ singles.

Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Mill Hotel & Spa

Situated on an historic Roman site, the Mill Hotel & Spa was opened by its present owners in 1987. The original Griffiths Cornmill building dates from 1830 and great care has been taken to sympathetically incorporate many of the original architectural features during the conversion into a hotel.

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Cheshire
Bar or Pub
The Cornerhouse

Live music, comedy, quiz nights and special events – all to be enjoyed alongside sharing platters and, of course, an extensive range of drinks.

Hypha restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Hypha

Hypha was Chester’s first plant-based restaurant and has gone on to earn high praise with eco-conscious foodies across the North.

Chester
Event venue
Alexander’s Live

Established in 1991, Alexander’s puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy & drama. Alexander’s is famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Covino Restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Covino

Covino is a small owner-run wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Chester. They serve an ever-changing menu of seasonally inspired small plates, guided by the quality and provenance of ingredients, with a real focus on simplicity and flavour.

The Cheese Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop has been a source of speciality cheeses in Chester for 25 years and has over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses available -including pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian varieties.

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