Rides and a real zoo in one day, and it works better than you would think
Chessington World of Adventures is a family theme park and zoo in Chessington, Surrey, part of the Merlin Entertainments group. Over 40 rides across multiple themed lands plus a full zoo featuring gorillas, tigers, sea lions, penguins and giraffes. The combination of rides and live animals makes it one of the most varied family days out at any single UK attraction.
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Suspended roller coaster, the signature ride at Chessington since 1990. Cars hang below the track with legs dangling free, sweeping through banked turns through a wooded section. Refurbished and running well. Height: 120cm.
Water rapids ride with South Asian jungle theme passing through the park's big cat enclosures with views of live tigers from the ride. Guests will get moderately to very wet. Height: 90cm.
Open-sided jeep safari past live giraffes, rhinos, ostriches and other animals. Passes through water splash sections. One of the most genuinely unique attractions at any UK theme park. Height: 90cm.
Log flume in the Transylvania area with winding water channel and final drop. Guests will get wet. Height: 90cm.
Indoor dark ride through an Egyptian tomb setting, shooting laser targets with individual scoring. No height restriction, suitable for all ages.
Available online at chessington.com, cheaper in advance. Zoo included in standard admission. Merlin annual passholders enter as part of their pass. Hotel packages with early park entry available.
Book Official Tickets →Staying at the Chessington hotel gives early entry before general admission opens.
A genuine addition that is easy to overlook when focused on rides.
Sea lion shows run at set times and are well worth catching.
Useful if your family visits multiple Merlin parks.
Check out TobesVerse Chessington World of Adventures videos and visit notes on the channel.
Yes, particularly for mixed age families. The combination of theme park rides and a full zoo makes it one of the most varied family days out in the UK.
Yes. The zoo is included in standard admission at no extra cost and contains gorillas, tigers, sea lions, giraffes, penguins and many other species.
Vampire is the headline coaster and consistently the most popular. Zufari is the most unique experience. For younger children, Dragon Falls and Tomb Blaster are family favourites.
London Waterloo to Chessington South, approximately 35 minutes, then a 10 minute walk to the park entrance.
Yes. Multiple rides for young children throughout the park and the zoo provides additional appeal for all ages.
Yes. Part of Merlin Entertainments alongside Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor. Merlin annual passholders can visit as part of their pass.
A full day from opening to close covers rides and zoo comfortably. Most families find one full day sufficient.
Weekdays in term time for shortest queues. Busiest during summer holidays and bank holiday weekends. Halloween events run in October.
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