Chessington World of Adventures

Updated 25/07/2025

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Key Takeaways for Chessington World of Adventures

• Multi-Experience Destination: Chessington combines a theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE centre in one location, offering adventure, wildlife, and fun in a single visit.
• Thrill Rides for All Ages: From high-speed rollercoasters like Mandrill Mayhem and Dragon’s Fury to family favourites like The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, the park caters to thrill-seekers and younger visitors alike.
• Immersive Theming: Themed lands such as Wild Asia, Mexicana, and World of Jumanji transform each ride and attraction into a story-driven experience.
• ZOO and SEA LIFE Attractions: Home to over 1,000 animals, including lions, gorillas, and penguins, plus an aquarium featuring sharks and stingrays, perfect for wildlife lovers.
• Scenic Location: Set in Chessington, Surrey, the park blends thrilling attractions with green spaces and natural surroundings, just 12 miles from London.
• On-Site Resort Hotels: Chessington offers themed hotel stays and short break packages, allowing guests to extend the adventure overnight.
• Seasonal Events & Family Fun: Regularly hosts themed events such as Halloween’s Howl’o’ween, Christmas specials, and character meet-and-greets throughout the year.
• Accessible & Family-Friendly: Designed with facilities, height-appropriate rides, and amenities that welcome families with children of all ages.

Introduction to Chessington World of Adventures

Nestled in the leafy heart of Surrey, just a short journey from the bustle of central London, Chessington World of Adventures offers a thrilling escape into a world where adventure, wildlife, and fantasy collide. This vibrant theme park and resort in Chessington, England, is set against a backdrop of lush green landscapes and rolling countryside, making it as scenic as it is exciting.

From the moment visitors arrive, they’re drawn into a realm bursting with colour, sound, and energy, whether it’s the roar of a rollercoaster overhead or the quiet gaze of a majestic lion just feet away. Combining exhilarating rides, a captivating zoo, and immersive themed lands, Chessington is more than a day out; it’s a multi-sensory journey perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers alike.

With its unique blend of natural beauty and heart-racing attractions, Chessington World of Adventures stands out as one of the UK’s most enchanting travel destinations.

Thrilling Rides at Chessington World of Adventures

Strap in and get ready to tremble, Chessington World of Adventures offers a pulse-quickening lineup of rollercoasters and thrill rides nestled in the lush Surrey landscape. From adrenaline-charged spinning coasters to heart-pounding launches, each ride delivers a unique rush of excitement.

Signature Rollercoasters & High‑Octane Attractions

Mandrill Mayhem (World of Jumanji)

Launched in 2023, this flagship coaster by Bolliger & Mabillard is Chessington’s first-ever inversion ride. Riders are catapulted forward and backwards across twin LSM launches, soar through a junior scorpion‑tail spike, navigate an inline twist, and spiral through a dramatic 405° arc, all at speeds reaching 45 mph (72 km/h). It’s a lush, cinematic adventure through the Jumanji jungle that contrasts natural beauty with intense thrills.

Dragon’s Fury (Land of the Dragons)

This Maurer Söhne spinning coaster is a fan favourite. Its extended layout sweeps guests around and through the dragon-themed area, delivering fast-paced spins and sudden tilts. With two lift hills powering its journey and playful theming woven throughout, Dragon’s Fury is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.

Vampire (Wild Woods)

One of the UK’s only suspended floorless coasters, Vampire clings to its track as it swoops beneath you through the forested terrain. With overhead seating and sweeping curves that hug the landscape, it combines eerie yet thrilling scenery with a smooth, swooping ride experience.

Rattlesnake (Mexicana)

A classic wild‑mouse coaster, Rattlesnake delivers sharp, quick turns across a compact track. While not the tallest or fastest, peaking around 28 mph (45 km/h), its wild western theming, immersive queueline, and rustic station bring vibrancy to every sharp twist and sudden drop.

More Active Attractions to Get Your Pulse Racing

While not coasters, several other rides rise to the thrill challenge:

• Croc Drop: An immersive drop-tower in Forbidden Kingdom, themed to the crocodile god Sobek. Dare to face the vertical plunge?.

• KOBRA (Wild Asia): A Zamperla Disk’O coaster simulating a snake’s whip-like motion, though note this ride may still be refurbished under future park developments.

Why These Rides Stand Out

• Variety of Thrill Levels: From the multi-launch excitement of Mandrill Mayhem to the suspended swoops of Vampire, thrill-seekers can experience varied sensations, from vertical drops to disorienting spins.

• Themed Environments: Every coaster is set within carefully crafted areas, Jumanji jungles, dragon lairs, gothic woods, and Wild West towns, making each ride feel like a journey in itself.

• Scenic Integration: Tracks weave through forests, dip beneath tree canopies, and spiral around lush landscapes, blending natural beauty with engineered adventure.

• All-ages accessibility: High-thrill rides coexist with more family-friendly attractions like the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure or Zufari safari truck tour, ensuring everyone can find their sweet spot.

  
  

At a Glance

Immersive Animal Experiences at Chessington

Chessington World of Adventures sets itself apart by seamlessly integrating its zoo heritage with its theme park attractions. The park is home to over 1,000 animals, representing more than 100 species. Visitors can embark on a trek through the Trail of the Kings, coming face-to-face with magnificent big cats, or explore the Wanyama Village & Reserve to observe grazing zebras and ostriches. The SEA LIFE centre adds an aquatic dimension, featuring a stunning underwater tunnel where guests can marvel at sharks and rays gliding overhead.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Shows

Chessington caters to families with a diverse range of attractions suitable for all ages. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure brings the beloved children’s book character to life in a magical boat journey. Live shows and demonstrations, such as the Zufari: Ride into Africa presentation, combine entertainment with education, offering insights into animal behaviour and conservation efforts. During peak seasons, special events and themed experiences add extra magic to family visits.

Planning Your Chessington Adventure

To make the most of your visit to Chessington World of Adventures, careful planning is essential. Purchasing tickets online in advance often results in significant savings and helps avoid long queues at the entrance.

The park’s Fastrack system allows visitors to skip lines on popular attractions, maximising ride time. For those looking to extend their stay, the Chessington Resort Hotels offer themed accommodations and exclusive perks, including early park access.

Getting There

By Car:

• Address: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE, England.
• From London: It’s approximately 20 miles southwest of central London. Take the A3 or M25 and follow signs for Chessington.
• From the M25: Exit at Junction 9 (A243) and follow the signs for Chessington.

By Train:

• Nearest Station: Chessington South or Chessington North.
• From London Waterloo: Trains run regularly to Chessington South, taking about 35 minutes. From the station, it’s a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk to the park entrance.
• From London Victoria: You can take a train to Chessington North, which is slightly further away but still accessible by a short bus or taxi ride.

By Bus:

• Various local bus services run to Chessington from nearby towns and stations. Check local bus timetables for the best routes.

Car Parking

Parking Charges:

• Standard Parking: Usually around £10 to £15 per day.
• Preferred Parking: Available for an additional charge, closer to the entrance.
• Blue Badge Parking: Free and available in designated spaces for those with disabilities.

Car Parking Tips:

• Pre-booking: It’s often cheaper to pre-book parking online when you buy your tickets. Check the Chessington website for details.
• Parking Zones: The car park is quite large, so be sure to note your parking zone or take a photo of your car’s location to help you find it later.

What You Need to Know

Tickets:

• Purchase: You can buy tickets online in advance, which is usually cheaper and will save you time at the gate. Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the entrance.
• Types: There are various ticket options, including standard admission, family passes, and annual memberships.

Opening Hours:

• Seasonal Variations: Opening hours vary depending on the season and day of the week. Typically, the park opens around 10:00 AM and closes between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Check the Chessington website for current hours.

Facilities:

• Food and Drink: The park offers various dining options, including restaurants, snack stands, and picnic areas. You can also bring your own food and drink, but there are restrictions on certain items.
• Guest Services: There are guest services desks throughout the park where you can get help with lost items, first aid, and other queries.

Attractions:

• Rides and Shows: Plan your day by checking the park map and schedule of shows. Popular attractions can have long queues, so consider using the park’s FastTrack system if you want to skip the lines for an additional fee.

Accessibility:

• The park is designed to be accessible to all visitors. There are wheelchair rental services, accessible toilets, and other facilities for guests with disabilities. It’s a good idea to check specific accessibility details on the Chessington website or contact them directly if you have particular needs.

Weather:

• The park operates in most weather conditions, but some outdoor rides may be closed in adverse weather. Check the forecast before you go and dress appropriately for the weather.

Conclusion

Chessington World of Adventures continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of thrills, animal encounters, and family entertainment. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, an educational experience, or simply a day of fun-filled memories, this iconic theme park delivers on all fronts. With its commitment to conservation, continuous innovation, and diverse attractions, Chessington World of Adventures remains a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts of all ages.

FAQs – Chessington World of Adventures

If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to consult the official Chessington World of Adventures website for the latest updates and event listings.

Attractions Nearby

Experience Days Nearby