Animal-lovers could soon be able to stay overnight in a safari lodge and wake up to see giraffes and other animals roaming freely.
This is because, according to reports by CheshireLive, Chester Zoo has this week unveiled and resubmitted exciting plans to build a range of safari-style lodges and tents on a plot of land that is currently owned by the zoo, but not actively-used.
The zoo was originally given planning permission to build 28 lodges and 14 tents in September 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant the project had to be put on hold.
But now, bosses at the UK’s biggest charity zoo have expanded and resubmitted proposals for their ‘Natural Vision’ masterplan to a total of 63 lodges around “a large body of water”, which aims to turn the popular tourist attraction into a Savannah habitat with an African street, a restaurant and bar, and a welcome building.
According to the planning documents, the 63 lodges – which would be built around a lake – would all be of varying styles and sizes, with 54 built initially, with the option to build a further nine in future.
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They would either be four or six-bed lodges, including a king size bed and bunk beds, and zoo bosses say they are designed to blend into the landscape.
Chester Zoo has resubmitted exciting plans to build a range of safari-style lodges and tents on unused land / Credit: Chester ZooProposals for the 63 lodges around “a large body of water” aim to turn the zoo into a Savannah habitat / Credit: Chester Zoo
To maintain this habitat, trees appropriate for the African Savannah landscape will be sporadically-planted, while a denser and greener ‘islands zone’ will be created to provide greater species diversity for wildlife.
The Grasslands centrepiece will be home to multiple rare and endangered species – including Rothschild’s giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, ostrich, and antelope – all living alongside one another, and there will also be two giraffe feeding stations next to the Bachelor Giraffe Paddock too, with one reserved exclusively for guests of two of the lodges.
An ‘island’ in the centre of the lake would be used as an events space.
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The on-site restaurant is set to seat up to 120 people, who can all tuck into freshly-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinner services – with the first-floor views overlooking the lake and the giraffe enclosure.
An ‘island’ in the centre of the lake would be used as an events space / Credit: Chester ZooThere will also be two giraffe feeding stations, with one reserved exclusively for guests of the lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
Jamie Christon – Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo – said of the proposals back in 2019: “Grasslands will be a phenomenal experience and will cement Chester Zoo’s standing as one of the world’s very best attractions.
“Featuring state-of-the-art conservation breeding facilities for a range of threatened African species, Grasslands will yet again see the zoo push the boundaries of world-class animal care.
“Crucially, it will bring our vital, global conservation work to life for visitors, while boosting the zoo’s charitable income to further help achieve our mission to prevent extinction, here in the UK and around the world.”
Chester Zoo says it aims to open the lodges sometime in mid-2023.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 20 – 26 April 2026
Emily Sergeant
April is beginning to draw to a close now, and it won’t be long before May is here… where IS this year going, honestly?
Now that it’s officially spring in the UK, there’s obviously loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week. Just as long as those classic ‘April showers’ don’t show their face too much, that is.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Matilda The Musical
Manchester Palace Theatre
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 April
Matilda The Musical / Credit: The Manc | Supplied
This is your last week to catch Matilda The Musical in Manchester.
The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
Did you see that the spectacular 360° immersive experience that’s currently lighting up Manchester Cathedral has extended its run in our city?
That’s right – due to ‘overwhelming demand’ and following a roster of impressive reviews since making its UK debut earlier this year, LUMINISCENCE has now extended its run at Manchester Cathedral until the early summer.
LUMINISCENCE combines 360° video mapping, new orchestral arrangements of iconic songs, and a narrative story celebrating everything that makes Manchester and its residents so special.
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Visitors are invited to step into a ‘spellbinding fusion’ of light, sound, and storytelling. Find out more and get tickets here.
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Picasso: A Legacy
Castle Fine Art
Monday 20 April – 4 May
Picasso: A Legacy / Credit: Supplied
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is currently open in Manchester, including works never-before seen on public display.
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The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even better, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
Two floors, three bars, and plenty of craic – Katie O’Brien’s has now arrived in Manchester.
That’s right – Katie O’Brien’s has just opened its doors on Peter Street, transforming the old Peaky Blinders bar into a lively Irish tavern with plenty of charm, and I think we can all agree this is looking pretty impressive.
There’s both Murphy’s AND Guinness on tap, live music seven nights a week, and all sorts of cosy snugs to hide away in.
Whether you’re hitting the dance floor beneath the elevated main stage, or hiding away nursing a pint with pals, they’ve got your back.
Hatter’s is a brand-new food hall that’s just opened up in Denton, with four kitchens and two bars across a huge two-storey venue.
In the kitchens, they’ve got the legendary Tameside Italian Ornella’s, Christmas Markets favourite Waffle Kart, the delightful Spanish kitchen Casa Dario, and Oldham’s much-loved meat experts Curio.
That means you can get pizza and tiramisu, Asian-inspired chicken and waffles, Argentinian steaks, and authentic Spanish paella and tortilla, all under one roof.
Get ready to have your very own Patrick Swayze moment, because there’s a gorgeous new spot just opened in the Northern Quarter where you can craft your very own pottery pieces.
At House Pottery, you can make your own, bowl, cup, or candlestick on a traditional pottery wheel.
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They do classes for all different skill levels, so whether you choose to go alone, or as a group, the lovely professionals are there to guide you throughout.
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Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary
Manchester Academy 1
Saturday 25 April
Oasis Supernova – The Maine Event 30th Anniversary / Credit: Supplied
Oasis Supernova are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Oasis playing their legendary Maine Road shows by taking to the stage themselves at Manchester Academy 1 this Saturday (25 April) for one night only, and it’s shaping up to be the place to be.
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Expect wall-to-wall anthems, electric atmosphere, and a crowd that knows every word, as we celebrate one of the greatest bands to ever do it.
This isn’t just another tribute night – it’s a full-blown, hands-in-the-air, sing-it-like-you-mean-it experience. A huge video wall showing iconic gig footage, brass section, live harmonica and strings, play, alongside the world’s premier Oasis tribute band.
Can you believe Oxygen is turning a year old this month?
That’s right – MediaCity’s massive trampoline park has been open one whole year this month, and you’re invited down to celebrate, with play sessions available for just £10 this weekend.
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Whether the kids want to try out some new tricks on the trampolines and giant airbag, or love heights and fancy exploring the High Ropes Course and indoor ‘Sky Rider’, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
With Open Play, Toddler Play, birthday party bookings and even dedicated SEN Peaceful Play sessions – there’s something for everyone. And then after all that fun, you can gather up the gang and get stuck into food and drinks from the on-site cafe.
Get booking your day out at Oxygen MediaCity here.
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in March, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in April, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too. From mini tiramisu drawers, to Magnum-stuffed croissants, egg custard tarts, and more, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of one Greater Manchester pub
Danny Jones
Local figure Sacha Lord is once again looking to help support Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene once again this spring by putting a total of £2.5k behind the bar of one lucky pub.
Well, let’s be honest, we’re about to be the real lucky ones.
It’s far from the first time that the Night Time Economy Advisor has done this, having previously put sizeable sums towards shared tabs on a few ocassions over the last few years.
Lining up his next handout for this coming early May bank holiday (perfect timing), it’s going to be a super and potentially very sloppy Sunday…
Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester.
Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.
Sharing the video above online earlier this week, the 54-year-old simply wrote, “Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester. Bank Holiday Sunday, 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.”
The message is as straightforward as ever: “Support your local pub.”
Now obviously, the fact that people can reply with their go-to boozers and help influence the decision is one thing – something that has certainly always created an attraction each time he’s done this – but it’s also just a good way of marketing these watering holes to begin with.
Whether or not someone’s favourite public house tucked away in one of the 10 boroughs, or their bar of choice here in Manchester city centre, ends up being selected or not, it’s obviously great publicity having their names plastered on a notable social media account.
This is especially so when you see how much the post itself ends up being reshared and the overall exposure Lord ultimately lends them via creating such a big crowd discussion.
Here’s hoping we get proper beer garden weather over that long weekend.
It’s also worth noting that the further support stunts like this have helped garner support for other regional businesses – in particular, indies that are battling the cost of living crisis and so many other challenges within the sector – has proved crucial for some places to stay open to begin with.
A good example is the Thirsty Korean, who teamed up with the Altrincham-born entrepreneur to cover hundreds of bills back in 2023, and has now been able to expand into a larger venue down the road from their original Chorlton location.
The obstacles facing the hospitality industry remain varied and numerous, but gestures like this can go a long way to helping prop up those who need it.
Emily Sergeant -
21st June 2022 
