Artist impressions showing how new overnight safari-style lodges at Chester Zoo will look have been revealed.
It’s been a long time coming, but the highly anticipated 51-lodge wildlife experience, called The Reserve, is finally set to open to the public at Chester Zoo this August after several years in the works, and these stunning new CGIs provide a glimpse of what visitors can expect.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges, available for up to nine people.
Some of the lodges will be located at the side of a lake, while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat that are home to Northern giraffes.
ADVERTISEMENT
The new artist’s impressions also show the resort’s very-own restaurant, The Amboseli Restaurant, as well as the Tsavo Lounge, where guests will be able to enjoy freshly-prepared food and drinks on a lakeside terrace.
Those working on the “very special” project say a stay at The Reserve will help to fund Chester Zoo’s global conservation projects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chester Zoo has released new images of its luxury overnight safari-style lodges / Credit: Supplied
“There’s nothing else quite like The Reserve at Chester Zoo in the UK,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO at Chester Zoo, as the new images were released today.
“It’s so much more than just a short break – it’ll provide guests with unforgettable experiences and bring them face-to-face with extraordinary animals, all while helping to protect the wild world and fund powerful conservation action.”
It’s described as being “the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK.”
As mentioned, the grand opening of The Reserve at Chester Zoo is planned for August 2025, and bookings go on general sale at 9am tomorrow (Wednesday 29 January), with a range of packages available – including exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, the chance to interact with conservation experts and special out-of-hours access to the zoo.
In the off-season, prices for the Chester Zoo lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50.
And then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486 (though that does include guided safari tours and going behind-the-scenes with the giraffes).
Find out more and book your stay in the new lodges on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Travel & Tourism
Hotel prices have surged by a whopping 659% on Oasis Live ’27 opening night in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
In some rather unfortunate but expected news, it has been revealed that Manchester hotel prices for Oasis Live ’27 next year have surged.
And not just surged by a little bit, surged by a lot… we’re talking a 659% surge.
Just as they did for the rumoured dates, the experts at SeatPick have gone on to analyse the average cost of accommodation in Manchester on the now-confirmed concert nights in June 2027 to see how much out-of-town fans may have to part with.
It was revealed that hotel prices have surged by 659% on Oasis’ opening night at the Etihad Stadium on 4 June 2027, while on the first weekend (5 and 6 June) of tour dates, they’ve soared by up to 462% and are, on average, 98% higher than a weekday price.
Overall, the analysis uncovered that 12 June has the most expensive average two-star hotel cost at £253, while the highest average five-star hotel is £409 for the night on 19 June.
“Our analysis uncovered an enormous markup for local accommodation on nights that Oasis is rumoured to perform in Manchester,” explained Gilad Zilberman, who is the CEO at ticket platform SeatPick.
“Being aware of these accommodation costs and additional expenses can help fans plan and avoid being caught off guard by inflated prices on concert nights.
“To find the best deals on hotels, concertgoers should scan budget chains in the city or look slightly outside of the centre in hotspots served by local bus routes or regional trains, such as Salford and Trafford.
“Booking early might also be beneficial for fans dedicated to seeing the band perform.
“You can opt for free cancellation options, in case rumoured dates change, or you’re no longer able to attend.”
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
Travel & Tourism
Drinks prices revealed as Manchester Airport’s first-ever Wetherspoons pub opens inside T2
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… Manchester Airport’s first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub has officially opened its doors inside Terminal 2.
The 300-seater pub – which welcomed its first customers earlier this week – is named The Belle Vue after Manchester’s historic showground.
Throughout the pub, you’ll spot design features that nod to the city’s sporting heritage – including vintage event posters and memorabilia, a ‘locker wall’ hosting trophies and other sporting exhibits, and a cricket-themed design in the carpets and bar panels.
Creating around 150 jobs in the process, The Belle Vue is the final planned new eatery to open in the airport’s redeveloped Terminal 2, marking one of the final steps in the super-terminal’s decade-long, £1.5bn transformation.
Manchester Airport’s first-ever Wetherspoons pub has opened inside Terminal 2 / Credit: Supplied
According to the MEN, pints are priced from £6.20 for Carling and Coors lager, £6.45 for Budweiser, £6.60 for Guinness, and £6.70 for Poretti and 1664 Biere.
Prosecco is £9.20 for 175ml glass and £37.10 for the full bottle, while spirts and mixers are £6.80 for singles and £10.20 for doubles.
There’s also the classic Wetherspoons tea and coffee machines, where you can refill as many times as you like for just £3.60.
“It’s a proud moment to see the final new retail unit opening in our new-look Terminal 2,” commented Richard Jackson, who is the Retail Director at Manchester Airport.
“To be rounding off this 10-year programme by adding such an iconic name as Wetherspoon to the terminal is particularly special and we know that it will prove extremely popular with passengers. We think they’ll love the nods to Manchester’s heritage in the décor and design – and of course the name.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th January 2025 
