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Chester Zoo the UK's Most Visited Attraction Outside London

painted dogs at chester zoo uks most viisted attraction outside london

New figures released by The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA)show thatChester Zoo isthe UK’s most visitedattraction outside London.

Close to1.9 million people visited the zooin 2016.This is the highest annual attendance in the zoo's 85 year history.

chester zoo logo

The 125 acre zoo came top ofthe list forvisitor attractions outside the capital, showing a 12% increasein attendance from2015.The national average increase for UK attractions was 7.2%.


Chester Zooput this growth down toits worldwide conservation work. Visitorsare eager to know they are supporting a good cause and contributing to the fight to protect endangered species.

UK's Most Visited Attraction Outside London

Jamie Christonisthe zoo’s chief operating officer. He said, "Almost 1.9 million people visited us last year and every one of them played a key part in helping us protect endangered animals around the globe. We can’t thank them enough. Visitors now are looking for more than just a day out. When people come to the zoo, not only do they have a great time but they are also making a difference and discovering how all of us, as individuals, can act for wildlife. We think this is key to our success.

purple frog chester zoo most visited attraction

"We have invested more than £10m to improve all aspects of the zoo for visitors - and there are plenty more new experiences coming in 2017. We’re launching our new PLAY! zone, which will encourage visitors of all ages to explore their inner child. Then, this summer, a new South East Asian Islands expedition will allow visitors to explore spectacular new habitats for endangered sun bears, binturong, Malayan tapir and a stunning walk-through aviary for endangered songbirds that will mirror the conservation work we’re doing overseas.

"We will continue to deliver a world class day out for visitors. Thiswill enable us to provide the vital conservation of endangered species globally."