Sasha Turnbull experiences breathtaking scenes at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, where a luxurious lodge gave an uninterrupted view of free-roaming giraffes. 

Where is it?

The Reserve is part of Chester Zoo in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, located just off the A41. There’s free parking onsite and the nearest train stations are Chester and Bache. A National Conservation Zoo, it’s more like an expansive safari park, with the 30,000 animal inhabitants given wonderful habitats to freely roam, looked after by a dedicated team of expert rangers. 

What’s the accommodation like?

It’s not been open long and yet stepping into the Reserve’s glorious African-themed reception feels like being transported to a whole new world, rather than just a new county. The sophisticated, airy space is splendidly decked out, with clay animal sculptures dotted around and a large central island bar serving drinks. The luxurious lodges are set in a little village of hut-like houses, most looking directly onto a giraffe enclosure. With its huge balcony offering a prime view of the majestic creatures, our lodge feels especially luxurious. The bathrooms are pure glamour, with a double walk-in shower that functions as a steam room complete with a light show. The deep copper bath is alfresco out on the balcony, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a soak while watching the giraffes frolicking. It really is quite a breathtaking scene.

Where did you eat and drink?

While there are plenty of decent food options within the zoo, we eat mostly in the Reserve’s Amboseli restaurant, which has an impressive menu spanning fine dining to pizzas. A generous buffet and cooked breakfast was also included in our stay. The zoo is sprawling yet we never find ourselves too far away from a welcoming drink and snack hut, or a fun and friendly animal-themed eatery. There’s also a gorgeous traditional pub onsite, The Oakfield, that you can book a table to eat at, and the food looked delicious. 

What is there to do?

• Explore the zoo – entry is included with stays at the Reserve, and the extra time lets you really take in the expansive site at your leisure. Highlights are a walk through the infamous bat cave, watching the characterful wild dogs, spotting the rare snow leopard and scaring ourselves peering in at the Komodo dragon

• Have a break at one of the fantastic playground areas dotted around the beautiful zoo grounds

• Meander down the river in a South East Asian-style self-propelling boat, spotting animals along the banks as you drift on by

• After dinner gather around the campfire for animal stories told by the rangers; both adults and children enjoyed these and friendships were made

• Book one of the many exclusive animal experiences – from going behind the scenes in the Elephant House and feeding the giraffes to having breakfast with the snow leopards, they make for unforgettable memories