Halloween Half Term | The Reserve at Chester Zoo

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A spooktacular half term

A little mystery is coming to The Reserve this Halloween. Join us for an after-dark adventure filled with wildlife, secret sounds, curious clues and plenty of family fun.

The Reserve After Dark: The Secret Mission

Something strange is happening at The Reserve, and we need your help to solve the mystery.

Your mission begins at the Welcome Lodge, where you’ll be given everything you need to get started - a witch's wand, your very own spell book and UV Spectral Scanner

Then it’s time to head out into the night and follow the clues. Using your scanner and listening carefully for hidden sounds, you’ll uncover a series of mysterious discoveries around The Reserve.

Discover the Sounds - 5.30pm – 9.00pm

Make your way to Tsavo Lounge for an evening of Halloween discoveries, with wildlife talks, hands-on crafts, interactive challenges and plenty of clues to piece together.

Discover the secret world of animal sounds and learn about bats and frogs, and the fascinating science of bioacoustics - including sounds that are completely beyond the range of human hearing.

The Final Challenge

Every good mystery needs a final twist… Your mission ends at the mysterious Witches Lodge, where you’ll need to put everything you’ve discovered to the test. Can you solve the clues, recover the missing sounds and help defeat the Halloween creatures? The fate of The Reserve’s sounds is in your hands.

Fancy dress is encouraged – so pack your favourite Halloween costume and get ready for an evening of wildlife, mystery and adventure.

Available 24 October – 1 November, your Halloween Escape includes:

At a glance

1-night luxury safari lodge stay
Standard breakfast
Complimentary valet parking & arrival drink
2-day zoo pass with early access into Heart of Africa
Halloween inspired Ranger and crafting activities
The Reserve After Dark: The Secret Mission

What's included

Complimentary valet parking and signature welcome drink

Enjoy a warm welcome with one of our signature drinks whilst we check you in and then you're free to head straight into the zoo for your first day. Our team will look after your luggage and bring it directly to your lodge for your return.

2-day zoo pass with early access

From the moment you arrive on Day 1, you'll be able to head straight into the zoo for the day via your private guest entrance into our Heart of Africa zone. Enjoy a day exploring where you'll meet some of the 500+ species we care for before heading back to The Reserve.

Explore the Heart of Africa zone of the zoo from 9am, a full hour earlier than general public access, and then access to the main zoo from 10am.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included at Amboseli restaurant with stunning views across the terrace toward the lake.

Evening Ranger Activities

Each evening, our expert Rangers host a relaxed programme of activities for you to enjoy at your own pace. From spooky storytelling and creative crafts to animal talks and Halloween themed quizzes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And when darkness falls, there’s a special mission waiting for our youngest explorers...

Want something different?

Grevy's Zebra, Florence, inside Heart of Africa

After Hours Explorer Package

The After Hours Explorer package combines a luxurious overnight stay with rare access to the Heart of Africa and Hidden Savannah after the zoo has closed to the public.

FIND OUT MORE

Animal Encounters VIP Experience

A minimum 2-night stay, The Animal Encounters VIP Experience offers every stunning moment of the After Hours Explorer package but with even more extraordinary wildlife and conservation experiences.

Find out more

Planning a Wedding or Corporate Event?

You can include a luxury stay in any of our safari lodges as part of your bespoke package

Our experienced events team will be happy to hear from you.

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Find the perfect lodge to match any of our packages

Choose from four stylish and luxurious lodge types to add the perfect base to any of our exclusive experience packages.

Whether you prefer a larger space with stunning lake views or the ultimate luxury with giraffes a few feet away we've got something to suit every need.

Explore Lodges