For A Night On The Wild Side
Would you sleep in a zoo? Oh my! For those with a taste for adventure but without the time, budget or inclination to jet off to Africa, there’s plenty of thrilling alternatives much closer to home. Across the UK, a wave of immersive overnight experiences is catering to day-trippers reluctant to say goodbye to the zoo animals at dusk.
This summer, Chester Zoo is set to unveil the most enchanting overnight safari experience yet, featuring exquisitely designed lodges that need to be seen to be believed. Elsewhere, you can slumber in leopard-spotting forest dens at Longleat or bed down in Indian-inspired lodges bang in the heart of the capital at London Zoo. For those looking for a staycation with a difference, now’s the time to embrace your wild side.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo, from £672.50 for two adults
Opening fully in August 2025, The Reserve at Chester Zoo, offers front-row seats to nature’s greatest show – no long-haul flight required. Its 51 newly built stylish lodges are set to be the place to stay, especially the ones offering uninterrupted views of giraffes grazing in their savannah-style habitat. Beyond the state-of-the-art accommodation itself, guests enjoy exclusive, after-hours access to the zoo, complete with behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. Come nightfall, expect fireside storytelling, toasted marshmallows and the gentle soundtrack of the wild. The best part? Every stay helps fund vital conservation efforts in Kenya and Uganda, protecting endangered species such as the eastern black rhino and giant pangolin. Book it.
London Zoo Lodges, from £202.50 per person (based on twin share)
Ever wondered what happens at the zoo after dark? When the crowds have gone home and the gates have closed, overnight guests at London Zoo get a rare glimpse into the secret nocturnal lives of its residents. A treat for all ages, they’ll experience the animals in an entirely new light – through the lens of night vision goggles. Tucked within roaring distance of the lion enclosure are nine vibrant, India-inspired lodges. Overnight stays include three expertly guided tours, a welcome drink, hearty dinner and breakfast the next morning. Choose between an adults-only escape or a family friendly adventure. And if that wasn’t enough, the package also includes access to Whipsnade Zoo. Book it.
Longleat Safari Park, from £500/ night at Keeper’s Cottage
Longleat, the UK’s first drive-through safari park, remains one of the most iconic. During the day, guests can explore the sprawling estate, while evenings promise the perfect retreat in beautifully restored self-catering cottages. Whether it’s the cosy Keeper’s Cottage (perfect for four) or the spacious Prairie Lodge for larger groups, each stay includes access to Longleat’s many attractions. This is an ideal getaway for all generations and has a little touch of grandeur. Book it.
West Midlands Safari Park, date dependent
One day isn’t always enough – which is why West Midlands Safari Park offers the ultimate solution: stay the night. Its award-winning safari lodges and premium cottages bring guests closer than ever to the park’s residents, from giraffes and cheetahs to rhinos and red pandas. The newest additions? Three utterly adorable Sumatran tiger cubs, born just last month. Package stays include all meals, daytime park admission and theme park wristbands – because what’s a safari without a little extra thrill? Book it.
Port Lympne Safari Park, from £215
At Damian Aspinall’s beloved Kent retreat, sophisticated sleeping plans meet endangered species. Sprawled across 600 acres of rolling parkland, Port Lympne Safari Park is home to over 650 rare and endangered animals. Accommodation options range from ultra-luxe treehouses to secluded forest dens with prime leopard-spotting potential. Guests can hand-feed rhinos, giraffes and gorillas, before exploring the vast park in their own golf buggy. Every stay directly supports global conservation projects, so you can indulge guilt-free. Safari, so good! Book it.
