Chessington World of Adventures Resort
What began as a humble zoo back in 1931 has now grown to become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Chessington, Greater London. Developed by the famous Tussauds Group, The Chessington World of Adventures Resort complex now consists of two on-site hotels, a campsite, high-rope courses, a zoo of over 1000 animals, and a themed area with rides and shows. The combination of wildly popular rides and educational experiences make Chessington World of Adventures a great way to spend a day in Greater London.
Explore Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington theme park consists of ten exciting themed regions with varied cultural settings. From the Forbidden Kingdom of Ancient Egypt to the fantastical Land of Dragons, the park has something for everyone.
Mexicana
Originally termed ‘Calamity Canyon’, Mexicana is a wild-west themed town with shopfronts and saloons. The Wild Mouse roller coaster is a particularly enjoyable ride filled with tight turns and bunny hops. Scorpion Express is another intriguing ride through a typical early 20th century American mine.
Pirates' Cove
With enthralling rides such as the Seastorm and the Blue Barnacle, the Pirates’ Cove section offers an array of swashbuckling adventures. The open seated gondola will rock back and forth, emulating the rough seas that were once ruled by feisty pirates.
Land of the Tiger
Clamber atop an artificial log and go on the Tiger Rock log flume ride in this fabulous oriental-themed area. The ride has two famous hair-raising drops, one inside a rock tunnel and the other through the mouth of a massive tiger carved into the cave exit.
Wild Woods
A medieval Central-Europe themed town square that is reminiscent of vampires and dark woods, the Wild Woods section is a sight to behold. The haunted Halloween vibe is evident throughout the area. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure also opened a few years ago, making Wid Woods a must-see.
Forbidden Kingdom
If you are a fan of spooky mummies guarding ancient tombs, Forbidden Kingdom is right up your alley. ‘Croc Drop’, an SBF Visa drop tower, is expected to open in March 2021 as a replacement to Rameses Revenge. Tomb Blaster is another intriguing ride that involves a fictional shootout in an Ancient Egyptian tomb.
Land of the Dragons
As the name suggests, this themed area is dedicated to the lore of legendary dragons of the past. Regarded as the ultimate paradise for kids, Land of the Dragons contains soft play areas such as Dragon’s Playhouse as well as a treehouse-style attraction known as Canopy Capers.
Wild Asia
This is an Indian jungle-themed region that draws inspiration from Beano children’s comics. Wild Asia presents a unique bumper cars experience with electrically powered Asian rickshaw tuk tuks. The area is primarily known for its collection of thrill rides such as KOBRA, Monkey Swinger, and Jungle Bus.
The Rainforest
Originally built as a Toytown, the region was a fresh take on the popular Madagascar animated franchise from 2012 to 2020. Several of the buildings from the old Toytown have been remodelled as traditional African Huts. In 2020, it was refurbished once more with River Rafts and a mini log flume.
Wanyama
Wanyama is an African-themed area that serves as a backdrop to the excellent Safari Hotel. ‘ZUFARI - Ride Into Africa!’ is an off-roading safari experience that takes you deep into the 22-acre site that serves as an abode for giraffes, white rhinos, ostriches, and innumerable other fascinating species.
Things To Do Chessington World of Adventures Resort
The rides, shows, and zoo exhibits coupled with top-notch shopping and dining experiences make Chessington World of Adventures Resort a full-day theme park and zoo experience unlike any other.
Rides & Attraction
Chessington World of Adventures has a great blend of roller coasters, flat rides, water rides, dark rides, and children’s rides.
Griffin’s Galleon and Sea Dragons are some of the best rides suitable for little explorers. Vampire, Scorpion Express, and Rattlesnake bring a jaw-dropping roller coaster ride for thrill-seekers.
Zoo & SEA LIFE
With over 1,000 fabulous species of animals from across the planet, the Chessington Zoo is a place worth visiting for children and adults alike. Here, you will get up close and personal with adorable creatures like the Humboldt penguin and Rothschild's giraffe as well as fearsome predators such as the Asiatic lion.
Daily Shows & Activities
Feeding shows are the primary attraction at the park. Watch graceful animals such as stingrays, penguins, and sea lions as they are fed by the zoo staff. Gruffalo’s New Groove is a show conducted at The MANE Stage that is especially loved by children. The Children’s Zoo features cuddly creatures such as guinea pigs and sheep.
Savannah Splash Pool & Gym
The Savannah Splash Pool is an African plains-themed pool with life-sized figurines of giraffes, hippos, and other animals found in the Savannah. You can take some time out to relax at the adjoining sauna, steam room, or spa pool as well. The well-equipped gym is open to members and guests staying overnight at the resort.
Go Ape
Go Ape offers a forest-themed adventure that includes canopy exploring, zip line slides, and rope ladder climbing. Situated in the Explorer Car Park, guests do not require a ticket for Chessington World of Adventures Resort in order to access this activity.
Photography
Buy a Day DigiPass and enjoy unlimited access to digital photos during your rides. Many rides allow you to purchase photos of your rides immediately after you complete the ride. Ensure that you purchase whatever photos you need before leaving the park since all photos of the day are purged by the system each night.
Shopping
There are several shops that sell souvenirs, chocolates, and plush toys in Chessington World of Adventures Resort. The Gruffalo Gift Shop and the Adventure Point Gift Shop have a great collection of products for children. The SEA LIFE shop has water toys, educational books, and pirate-style showpieces.
Dining
There is no shortage of cafes, hotels, and ice cream parlours at the Chessington World of Adventures. If you are looking for a quick treat between rides, Tuk Tuk Treats and Donut Express are incredible places to eat. Zafari Bar & Grill and Temple Restaurant offer an array of international specialities.
Hotels
Looking for a place to spend the night near Chessington World of Adventures? The Azteca & Safari Hotel is an animal-themed hotel that also has standard family and couple rooms available for overnight stay. If you are feeling more adventurous, you could try the Explorer Glamping tents and spend your night in a well-maintained tent.
Know Before You Visit
If you are planning on visiting Chessington World of Adventures Resort, here are a few important pieces of information and tips to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Chessington opening times are as follows:
- Wed to Fri: 10 AM - 8 PM
- Sat & Sun: 10 AM - 6 PM
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Best time to visit:
- The best time to visit Chessington World of Adventures is on the weekdays. Crowds are much higher on weekends and public holidays, and it can become quite a hassle to wait in long queues to enjoy some popular rides and attractions. March to May are the best months to visit Chessington theme park.
Address: Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE, United Kingdom
Parking: Parking is available at Chessington World of Adventures. The parking rate is £4 per car for guests to the Theme Park & Zoo. Express parking is available, at a cost of 10 Pounds per car.
Getting There:
- Train:
Chessington is located about 35 minutes away from central London. Take the South Western Railway services from Clapham Junction, Waterloo, or Wimbledon and get off at Chessington South Station. The park is a 10-minute walk from here. - Bus:
Take bus 465 from Kingston and get off at Chessington.
Take bus 467 from Epsom and get off at Chessington. - Taxi/Car:
Chessington World of Adventures is located on Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE. The park is located on the A243, approximately two miles from the M25 and A3 highway.
- Nursing rooms are available next to the toilets at the Lodge Gate.
- Lockers are available at Wild Woods, Land of the Dragons, and Adventure Point areas. Small lockers cost 1 Pound per hour, and 5 Pounds for a day. Large lockers are available for 2 Pounds an hour and 10 Pounds for the entire day.
- Microwaves are available at Zafari Bar & Grill, Temple Restaurant & Bar, and the Adventures Point Square Pizza Pasta.
- Strollers are available for rent at the Lodge entrance for a price of 10 Pounds (single) or 15 Pounds (double).
- Wristbands can be collected for children so that parents can write their phone numbers on them. If the child gets separated from the group, this makes it easy to contact you.
- Free WiFi is available almost throughout the park.
- A mobile application is available to see live queue times.
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at the park.
- The resort is entirely wheelchair accessible., However, certain sections are steep and may require additional assistance.
- All rides have been adapted for wheelchair access.
- Rides that require guests to walk unaided for a short distance have also been made accessible for wheelchair users.
- Disabled changing places are available in the Wild Woods area. There is adequate space to fit a wheelchair, along with two carers, an adjustable bench, house, toiler, and shower.
- A ride access pass is available for guests who have difficulty with everyday social interaction, do not understand the concept of queues, have a limited ability to follow instructions and may get agitated waiting for long periods.
- Designated disabled parking slots are available at Chessington World. Parking coast 4 Pounds per day, and guests must have a valid Blue Badge displayed on the vehicle.
- Pets and other animals are not allowed into the park.
- Commercial photography at Chessington World is not allowed.
- Guests must dress appropriately at all times in the park. Stilettos and loose clothing are not allowed on certain rides for safety reasons.
- Smoking is not allowed at the park except at the designated smoking rooms.
When visiting Chessington Theme Park, keep the following tips in mind for a memorable experience:
- You can bring packed lunches and enjoy picnics at the park.
- Carry water bottles to ensure that you stay hydrated. There are numerous spots around the park where you can refill water.
- Take sunscreen and hats, since it may get quite sunny during the day as you explore the park.
- Carry a raincoat with you at all times, since the weather is quite unpredictable in the UK, and can change quickly!
- If there is continuous rain for more than an hour, you can avail the Rainy Day guarantee which gives you a free ticket back to Chessington on a different day.
- Consider carrying snacks to keep you going for longer. You can avoid the long queues at the various eateries post 3 PM. On certain days, kids' meals are also free post-3 PM.
- The Vampire Burger Kitchen: Offering 100% beef or chicken breast burgers, this is one of the best places in the park for a quick and filling meal.
- Smokehouse BBQ & BAR: If you enjoy pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, Smokehouse BBQ & BAR offers flawless smoked meat.
- Zafari Bar & Grill: Treat your tastebuds to international delicacies in this African themed restaurant that is only open for guests at the Chessington Resort Hotel.
- Dragon’s Lair Cafe: Take a quick coffee break and savour some fresh muffins or sandwiches at this cafe.
- The Coffee Hut: This is another great destination for cakes, muffins, handmade sandwiches, and tasty Costa coffee.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Relish classic ice cream scoops at Ben & Jerry’s.
- Tuk-Tuk Treats: Exhausted after all the thrilling rides and shows? Unwind with a delicious cone of ice cream and chilled drinks at Tuk Tuk Treats.
- Azteca & Safari Hotel: This hotel features both standard and themed rooms. The ‘Room on the Broom’ and ‘Gruffalo’ themed rooms are popular among kids. If your little ones find animals more enthralling than fictional characters, you can find an eclectic collection of animal-themed rooms as well. Free car parking and breakfast are available here.
- Explorer Glamping: Spend a leisurely evening outdoors before turning in for bed in one of the cosy tents. Free WiFi and power sockets are available in the fully-lit wooden floored tents.
Hotels near Chessington:
- DoubleTree by Hilton: This incredible hotel is located only 13.5 miles from Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
- Crowne Plaza Heathrow: This is a great place to stay if you are looking for accommodation near the airport.
- Hallmark Hotel Croydon: The hotel is known for its extensive meal options and accommodation of special diets (vegan options).
Chessington World of Adventures has an assemblage of amazing shops primarily selling kids products such as animal plush toys, gifts, and chocolates.
- Sea Life Shop: This is an excellent shop to find water toys, books about marine life, and pirate/mermaid-themed gifts.
- Maharaja’s Market: Filled with exotic products, the Maharajas Market is a must-visit in the Wild Asia section of the park.
- The Gruffalo Gift Shop: Head to this shop immediately after The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure to pick up souvenirs and goodies.
- Adventure Point Gift Shop: Get themed T-shirts, keychains, and refreshments at the Adventure Point Gift Shop.
- Tiger Rock Gift Shop: Get terrific tiger-themed plush toys and goodies after taking the exciting Tiger Rock ride.
- Explorer Supplies: Stock up on refreshments and other essentials before you head on all your wild adventures at the park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington World of Adventures is a theme park, zoo, and resort, that offers educational experiences and thrilling attractions to visitors.
Chessington World of Adventures is located on Leatherhead Road, Chessington in Surrey.
Chessington opening times are as follows: Wed to Fri: 10 AM - 8 PM and Sat & Sun: 10 AM - 6 PM. Chessigton is closed on Monday & Tuesday
The best time to visit Chessington World of Adventures is on weekdays since crowds are much lesser.
Chessington World of Adventures is located on an area of 128.5 acres, which includes its zoo, the theme park, as well as its hotels.
You will need at least 7 to 8 hours to explore Chessington World of Adventures.
Chessington World of Adventures combines educational activities with thrilling rides and attractions like very few other theme parks in the world.
Chessington World of Adventures is an outdoor park.
The best things to do inside Chessington World of Adventures are enjoying the various rides, attractions, and shows, taking a safari, and seeing the underwater paradise of SEA LIFE.
Yes, Chessington World of Adventures has numerous attractions for toddlers and is a great way for families with young kids to spend the day.
No, there is no strict dress code at Chessington World of Adventures. However, offensive clothing is not allowed.
Yes, guests are allowed to bring food from outside into the Chessington World of Adventures.
Chessington World of Adventures features cafes, fast food joints, and restaurants.
Yes, there is an ATM located at Adventure Point in the Guest Help and Information area.
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at Chessington World of Adventures.
Yes, lockers are available for a nominal fee at Chessington World of Adventures.
Yes, baby rooms and nursing facilities are available at Chessington World of Adventures. They are located next to the toilets at Lodge Gate.
Standard parking is £4 per car for Theme Park & Zoo guests. Pre-book online and save yourself time on the day. The car park is accessible just off Leatherhead Road.
No, children cannot enter the Chessington World of Adventures alone. They must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.
First aid is available at Chessington World of Adventures. However, please note that it can only be used to treat minor injuries.