Discover Upton: zoo, nature trails and memorial sites

Upton offers a range of reasons to visit: wildlife experiences, nature trails, memorial sites and golf. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. The attractions differ in whether you want to explore an extensive animal habitat, follow self-guided routes, walk a named trail or learn about architectural and memorial history. This makes it easier to choose a destination that matches your actual interests.

Chester Zoo and wildlife experiences

Chester Zoo is located in Upton-by-Chester. Its grounds cover more than 130 acres, where visitors can discover thousands of animals. Experiences with zookeepers include feeding penguins and having breakfast with snow leopards. These activities combine seeing animals with a guided experience, making them different from exploring the extensive grounds. If a particular experience is central to your travel plans, check the current selection in advance: the specific offerings may change.

Country park and trails

Countess of Chester Country Park features wildflower meadows, a reedbed wetland and a nature reserve. These habitats offer a different focus from the wildlife experiences at the zoo. The park covers 19 hectares, is directly adjacent to the Upton Dene residential area and is about 0.8 miles from Upton Cross. Five self-guided routes let you explore the park at your own pace; trail leaflets are available from the Rangers Cabin. If you want to combine natural surroundings with self-guided trails, the park offers both in one place.

The Upton Poppy Trail is three kilometres long, passes through Upton and ends at a memorial bench in Countess of Chester Country Park. Carved poppies mark the route. Its stated length gives you a specific distance to plan around, while the described endpoint also makes clear where the trail finishes. You can therefore treat this marked route as a distinct part of your outing plans.

Memorial sites and architectural history

The Upton and District War Memorial Cross is a wheel cross with carved Celtic-style interlace ornament, designed by R H Lockwood. It was unveiled in 1921 as a memorial to the First World War; later additions commemorate the Second World War. The Memorial Cross is Grade II listed. Its form, ornament and two historical references give the memorial both an architectural and a commemorative dimension.

Another historical landmark is the Church of the Holy Ascension, built by James Harrison between 1852 and 1854. While the Memorial Cross is defined by its war dedication and later additions, the church represents a clearly dated period of construction. Travellers interested in local architecture can therefore focus on different historical themes.

Golf in Upton

Upton-by-Chester Golf Club welcomes visitors, golf societies and golfers for corporate days throughout the year. If golf is a focus of your stay, the club is a specific reason to visit Upton. Its year-round welcome extends to various visitor groups and both private and business occasions. Golf thus adds another way to tailor your stay to your reason for travelling, alongside nature, wildlife and history.

Discover more destinations: Beeston, Warmingham, Rowton, Malpas, Handforth, Congleton, Hartford, Elton.

For the main travel overview: Cheshire.