Permanent Smoking & Vaping Restrictions

To help protect wildlife, habitats and the wider environment in our care, smoking and vaping are not permitted within Chester Zoo or The Reserve. 
 
Chester Zoo is home to an incredible array of precious species, not only within our 130-acre zoo but across the 600 acres of land we’re responsible for, including our nature reserve. 
 
Keeping these areas safe from fire is an important part of protecting the wildlife and habitats in our care. Smoking materials and other ignition sources can create a risk of fire, particularly during periods of dry weather, when vegetation and habitats can become more vulnerable. 
 
Following the introduction of temporary restrictions in August 2026, we’ve now made these restrictions permanent. This helps us to minimise avoidable fire risks across our sites while keeping Chester Zoo, The Reserve and our nature reserve open for people to enjoy. 
 
We recognise that most of our visitors, members and guests act responsibly and share our commitment to protecting nature. We ask everyone visiting us to help protect the wildlife and habitats we all value by following these restrictions. 
 
 
What this means for visitors 
 
Smoking and vaping are not permitted within our zoo grounds, including our nature reserve, or within the grounds of The Reserve. 
 
Visitors to Chester Zoo who wish to smoke can use a designated smoking area outside the zoo perimeter, in our main car park. The area is on hardstanding and located away from vegetation, trees and grassed areas. 
 
Guests staying at The Reserve can use a designated smoking area outside the hotel, in the car park, which is also located on hardstanding and away from vegetation. 
 
Clear signage across our site reminds visitors and guests of the restrictions and direct smokers to the designated smoking areas. 
 
Thank you for helping us protect the wildlife and nature in our care.