Chessington World of Adventures is a theme park and zoo located in Chessington, England. It is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a variety of rides, attractions, and animal exhibits.
With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chessington World of Adventures, including tips for planning your trip and making the most of your time at the park.
One of the main draws of Chessington World of Adventures is its wide range of rides, from family-friendly attractions to high-intensity roller coasters. Visitors can experience everything from the spinning Dragon’s Fury coaster to the water-based Rameses Revenge ride. In addition to the rides, the park also features a zoo with over 1,000 animals from around the world.
Visitors can see everything from lions and tigers to monkeys and sea lions. With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan your visit in advance to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything.
History of Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a 52-hectare theme park, zoo, and hotel complex located in Chessington, Greater London, England, around 12 miles southwest of Central London.
The resort has its roots in Chessington Zoo, which opened in 1931. It was started by Reginald Stuart Goddard, who had bought the estate to showcase his private collection of animals. It was once the largest private zoo in England.
The theme park aspect was developed by The Tussauds Group, debuting on 7 July 1987, as one of the first combined animal-amusement parks in Great Britain. The park was designed to appeal to families with children aged 12 and under. The park’s original attractions included the Runaway Train, the Safari Skyway, and the 3D film Magic Carpet.
In 1990, the park opened the Vampire Transylvania Land, with its famous Vampire roller coaster – now known simply as Vampire, located in the renamed Wild Woods. The ride remains a popular attraction to this day.
In 1998, the park was acquired by The Blackstone Group and became part of the Merlin Entertainments Group in 2007. Since then, the park has undergone several major expansions and renovations, adding new rides and attractions such as the Kobra, the Scorpion Express, and the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure.
Today, Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a theme park with over 40 rides and attractions, a zoo and SEALIFE centre with over 1000 animals, and an onsite Resort Hotel with 150 bedrooms. It remains a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Getting to Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is located in Surrey, England. There are several ways to get to the park, including by car, train, and bus.
By Car
Visitors can find the park with the following address: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE. The park is well signposted and is just two miles from the A3 and M25 (junction 9 or 10).
From the South, take M25 (junction 9) and from the North, take M25 (junction 10). From London, take the A3 to Hook — Chessington is signposted on the A243. Parking is available at the park.
By Train
Chessington is within 35 minutes of central London and regular South Western Railway services run from Waterloo, Clapham Junction, and Wimbledon. Visitors can take the train to Chessington South Station. The park is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the station.
By Bus
Visitors can take the 465 or 71 bus from Kingston to Chessington, or the 467 bus from Epsom to Chessington. For more information, visitors can call the Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or visit their website https://www.traveline.info/ and plan their journey. Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras.
Overall, there are several ways to get to Chessington World of Adventures. Visitors can choose the method that works best for them based on their location and preferences.
Attractions and Rides
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is home to over 40 rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. The park is divided into themed areas, each with its unique attractions. Here are some of the most popular rides and attractions at Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
Roller Coasters
For thrill-seekers, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has five roller coasters to choose from. The Vampire is a suspended roller coaster that takes riders on a journey through the treetops of the Wild Woods. The KOBRA is a thrilling ride that takes visitors on a journey through the heart of Wild Asia, while the Dragon’s Fury is a spinning coaster that takes riders on a journey through the Land of the Dragons.
Family Rides
Chessington World of Adventures Resort has a wide range of family-friendly rides. The Scorpion Express is a runaway train ride that takes visitors on a journey through an abandoned gold mine. The Rameses Revenge is a thrilling ride that takes visitors on a journey through ancient Egypt, while the Tuk Tuk Turmoil is a bumper car ride that takes visitors on a journey through the bustling streets of India.
Children’s Rides
For younger visitors, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has plenty of rides that are suitable for children. The Adventure Tree is a treehouse play area that features slides, rope bridges, and climbing nets.
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure is a gentle boat ride that takes visitors on a journey through the deep dark wood, while the Canopy Capers is a treetop adventure course that features ropes, bridges, and slides.
Overall, Chessington World of Adventures Resort has something for everyone. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun day out with the family, you’re sure to find something that you’ll love at this popular theme park.
Animal Encounters
Chessington World of Adventures is not only a theme park but also a zoo and SEA LIFE Centre. The park is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals by taking part in various animal experiences and encounters.
Zoo
The zoo at Chessington World of Adventures is home to a wide variety of animals, from tigers to giraffes. Visitors can see the animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviours. Some of the most popular animals at the zoo include:
- Tigers
- Gorillas
- Lions
- Penguins
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Meerkats
For a more immersive experience, visitors can participate in animal encounters. These experiences allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals and learn from expert keepers. Some of the animal encounters available at the zoo include:
- African Animals: Wake up and scatter feed our African Animals (minimum age 2+)
- Giraffe Feed: Hand-feed the giraffes and learn about their behaviour and habitat
- Penguin Feed: Get up close and personal with the penguins and learn about their diet and behaviour
SEA LIFE Centre
The SEA LIFE Centre at Chessington World of Adventures is home to a variety of sea creatures, from sharks to sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the different habitats and behaviours of these creatures and see them up close in their tanks. Some of the most popular sea creatures at the SEA LIFE Centre include:
- Sharks
- Stingrays
- Sea Turtles
- Octopuses
- Jellyfish
- Seahorses
For a more immersive experience, visitors can participate in the SEA LIFE Centre’s animal encounters. These experiences allow visitors to get up close and personal with the sea creatures and learn from expert keepers. Some of the animal encounters available at the SEA LIFE Centre include:
- Behind the Scenes Tour: Go behind the scenes and see how the SEA LIFE Centre operates
- Turtle Feed: Hand-feed the sea turtles and learn about their diet and behaviour
- Ray Feed: Get up close and personal with the rays and learn about their diet and behaviour
Overall, the animal encounters at Chessington World of Adventures offer visitors a unique and educational experience. Visitors can learn about the different animals and their habitats while getting up close and personal with them.
Accommodation Options
When planning a trip to Chessington World of Adventures, visitors have a few different accommodation options to choose from. This section will cover the two main types of accommodation available: on-site hotels and nearby hotels.
On-Site Hotels
Chessington World of Adventures has two on-site hotels: the Chessington Safari Hotel and the Explorer Glamping. Both options allow guests to stay right in the heart of the theme park, with easy access to all of the rides and attractions.
The Chessington Safari Hotel offers a range of different room types, including standard rooms, themed rooms, and suites. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can also enjoy a range of on-site facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.
For those looking for a more unique experience, the Explorer Glamping offers luxury tents with all the comforts of a hotel room. Each tent comes with a private en-suite bathroom, a mini-fridge, and a TV. Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to the Explorer Glamping Village, which includes a communal BBQ area and a fire pit.
Nearby Hotels
For those who prefer to stay off-site, there are plenty of nearby hotels to choose from. Some of the closest options include:
- Premier Inn Chessington: located just a 5-minute drive from the theme park, this hotel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
- Holiday Inn London – Kingston South: located a 15-minute drive from the park, this hotel offers spacious rooms and a range of on-site facilities, including a fitness centre and restaurant.
- Travelodge Kingston Upon Thames Central: located a 20-minute drive from the park, this budget-friendly hotel offers basic rooms and free parking.
Other nearby hotel options include the Hilton Cobham, the Brook Kingston Lodge Hotel, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Kingston upon Thames.
When choosing a nearby hotel, it’s important to consider factors such as distance from the park, on-site facilities, and price. Many hotels also offer package deals that include theme park tickets, so be sure to check for any special offers before booking.
Overall, whether you choose to stay on-site or nearby, there are plenty of accommodation options available to suit every budget and preference.
Dining Options
Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re after a sit-down family meal, a light snack, a coffee pick-up, or a sweet treat, there’s something for everyone!
The resort caters for various dietary requirements, and allergy information is available at the outlets. Visitors can ask the friendly hosts for more information.
Restaurants
The resort has several restaurants that offer a diverse range of cuisines. The Zafari Bar & Grill is an African-themed restaurant located in the Chessington Resort Hotel.
It offers a range of international specialties, fresh from the grill. The Temple Restaurant is a unique and interactive dining experience located in the Resort Hotel. Visitors can see how many species and wildlife they can uncover in the ruins while enjoying a delicious carvery menu or tasty meat-free alternatives.
Cafes
The resort has many cafes that offer a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages. The Adventure Point Pizza Pasta is a popular choice for visitors who want a quick bite to eat. The Captain’s Fish and Chips is another favorite, serving up freshly battered fish and chips. For those who want something a little different, the Dirty Fries is the ultimate street food, with a range of toppings to choose from.
Picnic Areas
For those who prefer to bring their own food, the resort has several picnic areas where visitors can enjoy their meals. The Land of the Dragons picnic area is a popular choice for families with young children. It is located near the Land of the Dragons ride and play area and has plenty of seating and shade. The Trail of the Kings picnic area is another great option, located near the Trail of the Kings animal exhibit.
Overall, the dining options at Chessington World of Adventures Resort are diverse and cater to all tastes and preferences. Visitors can choose from a range of restaurants, cafes, and picnic areas, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Special Events
Chessington World of Adventures is not only a theme park but also a venue for special events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a range of events from seasonal celebrations to music festivals. Here are some of the special events that visitors can look forward to at Chessington World of Adventures:
Wilderfest
Wilderfest is a summer festival that takes place at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Visitors can enjoy live music, festival food, and roaming entertainment. The festival is suitable for all ages and is a great way to celebrate summer with family and friends.
Mardi Grrra!
Mardi Grrra! is a street party that takes place at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Visitors can join the celebration and dance to the beats of the party. The event is suitable for all ages and is a great way to experience the carnival atmosphere.
Howl’o’ween
Howl’o’ween is a spooktacular event that takes place at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed activities and attractions, including a spooky maze and scare zones. The event is suitable for all ages and is a great way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends.
Winter’s Tail
Winter’s Tail is a Christmas event that takes place at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Visitors can enjoy festive activities and attractions, including a Santa’s Grotto and a Christmas market. The event is suitable for all ages and is a great way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
Chessington World of Adventures also offers Early Booking Offers for some of its events, allowing visitors to save money on their tickets. Visitors can check the Chessington World of Adventures website for more information on upcoming events and Early Booking Offers.
Tips and Tricks for Visitors
Chessington World of Adventures is an exciting theme park with many attractions and activities to enjoy. To help visitors make the most of their experience, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Before visiting, it is a good idea to check the opening times and schedule for the day. Visitors can also book tickets and parking online to save time and avoid queues.
- Arrive early: To avoid the crowds and long queues, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning. This will also give visitors more time to explore the park and enjoy the attractions.
- Pack essentials: Visitors should bring sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes, as well as water bottles to refill at the park’s many water stations. It is also a good idea to bring a backpack or bag to store personal items.
- Use the FastTrack: For those who want to skip the queues, the FastTrack pass is available for purchase. This pass allows visitors to bypass the regular lines and enjoy the attractions more quickly.
- Start at the back of the park: To avoid the crowds and long queues, visitors can start at the back of the park and work their way forward. This will also allow them to experience the most popular rides and attractions before the crowds arrive.
- Take breaks: With so much to see and do, visitors should take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. There are many food and drink options available throughout the park, as well as shaded areas and benches to relax.
- Watch the shows: Chessington World of Adventures offers many live shows and performances throughout the day. Visitors should check the schedule and plan to attend at least one show during their visit.
By following these tips and tricks, visitors can have a fun and enjoyable experience at Chessington World of Adventures.
Accessibility Information
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is committed to making sure that all guests have an enjoyable and accessible visit. The resort provides a range of services and facilities to ensure that guests with disabilities can enjoy their visit to the fullest.
Ride Access Pass
Guests with disabilities who are unable to queue for extended periods may be eligible for a Ride Access Pass. The pass allows guests to access rides via the exit or a dedicated entrance, depending on the ride’s layout. To apply for the pass, guests must complete an online application at least seven days before their visit. The pass is valid for up to six people, including the guest with the disability.
Carer Tickets
Guests with disabilities who require a carer to accompany them can receive one free carer ticket upon presentation of valid documentation. The guest with the disability and any additional members of their party will pay full price.
Accessibility Guide
Chessington World of Adventures Resort provides an online Accessibility Guide to help guests plan their visit. The guide includes information on the accessibility of rides, attractions, and facilities throughout the resort. The guide also provides information on the availability of accessible toilets, parking, and changing places facilities.
Theme Park Accessibility
The resort provides a range of accessibility services to ensure that guests with disabilities can enjoy the theme park to the fullest. These services include:
- Accessible toilets and changing places facilities
- Accessible parking spaces
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Quiet rooms available
- Audio description and hearing loops available in some attractions and shows
Accessibility Planning
Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a range of ticket options to suit guests with disabilities. Guests who require a carer to accompany them can receive one free carer ticket upon presentation of valid documentation. The resort also provides information on the accessibility of its attractions and facilities to help guests plan their visit.
In conclusion, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is committed to providing an enjoyable and accessible experience for all guests. The resort provides a range of services and facilities to ensure that guests with disabilities can enjoy their visit to the fullest.
Contact Information
Chessington World of Adventures is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so they have made it easy for visitors to get in touch with them. Whether you have a question about ticket prices, opening hours, or anything else, there are several ways to reach out to the park’s customer service team.
Telephone
If you prefer to speak to someone over the phone, you can call Chessington World of Adventures’ call centre at 01372 731657. The call centre is open from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Please have your booking reference ready so that the team can assist you as quickly as possible.
Contact Form
Alternatively, you can complete a contact form on the park’s official website. A member of the customer service team will then be in touch to discuss your query further. This is a great option if you prefer to communicate in writing or if you have a more complex question that requires a detailed response.
Social Media
Chessington World of Adventures is active on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can use these channels to get in touch with the park’s customer service team, as well as to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events.
Address
If you prefer to send a letter or visit the park in person, you can find the park’s address on their official website. The address is Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.
Overall, Chessington World of Adventures makes it easy for visitors to get in touch with them. Whether you prefer to speak to someone over the phone or communicate in writing, there are several options available to you.