Hook Green Chessington
A thrilling theme park and zoo offering a blend of exciting rides, animal encounters, and themed lands for family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Hook Green Chessington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thrilling theme park and zoo offering a blend of exciting rides, animal encounters, and themed lands for family fun.
"The park has something for everyone, with friendly staff and a great mix of rides and animals."
🎯 Secret Day Perks
Look for 'secret days' offering cheap tickets, discounted food, and even walk-on rides!
🎟️ Beat the Queues
Consider quick access tickets if budget allows, or plan strategically to minimize wait times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mandrill Mayhem
World of Jumanji
Experience the thrill of the UK's first Jumanji-themed rollercoaster with its unique 'wing coaster' design.
Dragon's Fury
Wild Asia
A fast-paced, spinning wild mouse coaster with a dynamic layout that offers a fun, unpredictable ride.
Animal Enclosures
Various areas
Explore a diverse range of animals, from lions to meerkats, offering a fantastic family-friendly experience.
Vampire
Transylvania
A classic suspended looping coaster that offers a unique, inverted ride experience with thrilling inversions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds with Smart Timing
Maximize Your Visit: Tickets & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Secret Day Perks
Look for 'secret days' offering cheap tickets, discounted food, and even walk-on rides!
🎟️ Beat the Queues
Consider quick access tickets if budget allows, or plan strategically to minimize wait times.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of fun.
🧺 Picnic Power
Bring your own picnic to save on food costs, though be mindful of wasp locations near refill stations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secret Day Perks
Look for 'secret days' offering cheap tickets, discounted food, and even walk-on rides!
🎟️ Beat the Queues
Consider quick access tickets if budget allows, or plan strategically to minimize wait times.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for a full day of fun.
🧺 Picnic Power
Bring your own picnic to save on food costs, though be mindful of wasp locations near refill stations.
📱 Stay Connected
Download the park app for maps and ride times to navigate efficiently.
🦁 Animal Encounters
Don't miss the animal enclosures; they're a highlight for many families and offer a different pace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally have a very enjoyable time at Chessington, praising the friendly staff, the mix of rides and animals, and the ease of access to attractions on quieter days. However, some note that certain rides could benefit from more maintenance, and queue times can be long during peak periods. The cost of upgrades and food options are also points of consideration for some. [^Review]
"We stayed in the Safari Hotel for 4 nights and had the best time! The room was clean and large which was great as we could put some toys out on the floor for our 14 month old. The one thing that stood out the most was the friendliness of the staff. Every single person we came into contact with from the reception team, cleaners and restaurant staff were friendly, helpful and polite. On the first morning our breakfast was served in the Temple Restaurant and we were greeted by Joanne who blew us away with her attentiveness and thoroughness to show us exactly where everything was. We felt so welcome. The next morning and for the rest of our stay we had breakfast at the Zafari restaurant where Julie looked after us. Julie was AMAZING with our daughter and would make a special effort to come over every morning to check we were okay and play with our daughter. Julie would sing songs and play with her and it really made us feel we were in the right place for our family. Julie is a STAR. We enjoyed 2 days in the park itself and loved every part of it. Seeing the animals was our favourite as this is something we could all do as a family. We had a great stay and will definitely be back. Thank you! 🙂"
Sophie Foulkes
"I visited Chessington World of Adventures today with my family and had a really good time. The weather was lovely, which always helps, and I was impressed with how easy it was to get on the rides. Most of them had little to no queue at all, so we could go straight on, which was fantastic with young children. The kids really enjoyed themselves and there was a nice mix of rides suitable for their ages. On the downside, some of the rides could definitely do with a bit more cleaning and maintenance, as a few looked quite worn. I also noticed a bit of a rat problem near some of the bins, which was unpleasant to see. Overall though, we had a very enjoyable day out and I would recommend it to families, especially if you can go on a quieter day like we did."
Tom Rudd
"Lovely day with the children, my only criticism is the time it takes to get onto the ride, the cost to upgrade is just too much, but the time wasted on getting people off and on I think could be improved to speed things up. The guys in the ticket office were brilliant after some issues with my tickets not coming through they sorted it very quickly."
Tim King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chessington World of Adventures is accessible by car via the A3 and M25 motorways. For public transport, take a train to Chessington South station, which is a short walk from the park. Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, Chessington offers on-site parking. It can get busy, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or checking for pre-booking options to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Chessington South train station is the closest, with regular services. Several bus routes also stop nearby, making it a viable option for those avoiding driving.
From London, take the A3 towards Kingston, then follow signs for Chessington. From the M25, exit at Junction 10 and follow the A3 towards Kingston, then signs for Chessington.
While not explicitly advertised as 'park and ride,' utilizing public transport from a nearby train station like Chessington South is a common and effective way to reach the park without driving directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the day and whether you book in advance. It's generally cheaper to buy online. Look out for special offers and 'secret days' for significant discounts.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but they are typically more expensive than pre-booked online tickets. Booking in advance is highly recommended to save money and guarantee entry.
Yes, discounts are often available through various channels, including online promotions, family packages, and sometimes through specific affiliations like Blue Light Card. Keep an eye out for 'secret days' for the best deals.
Opening hours vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's best to check the official Chessington World of Adventures website for the most up-to-date information for your planned visit date.
Yes, Chessington offers 'Quick Access' passes that allow you to bypass standard queues for certain rides. These can be purchased separately and are often recommended for busy days, though they can be costly.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Mandrill Mayhem in the World of Jumanji, Dragon's Fury for a spinning thrill, and the classic Vampire coaster. The Gruffalo ride is also a hit with younger visitors. +2
Yes, Chessington features a zoo with a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and meerkats. Seeing the animals is a popular activity for families.
Plan to visit the animal enclosures early in the day or during quieter periods. Some visitors suggest dedicating a portion of your first day to 'sightseeing' the animal enclosures.
Chessington is very family-friendly, with rides suitable for all ages, including toddlers. The Gruffalo ride and the animal enclosures are particularly popular with younger children. +1
To experience most of the park, including rides and animal enclosures, a full day is recommended. For a more relaxed visit or to see everything, consider a two-day trip.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chessington offers various dining options, from quick service to sit-down restaurants. However, choices can be limited, especially for those seeking healthy options. Bringing your own picnic is a popular alternative.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy within the park. This is a great way to save money and cater to specific dietary needs.
While specific options can vary, most food outlets will have some vegetarian choices. Vegan options might be more limited, so checking menus in advance or bringing your own food is advisable.
The Safari Hotel and Temple Restaurant offer dining experiences, with staff like Joanne and Julie receiving high praise for their attentiveness and service. For quick bites, various kiosks are available. [^Review]
Refillable cups are available for purchase, but the stations can be few and poorly signposted. Be aware of potential wasp issues near outdoor refill points.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture thrilling moments on rides like Mandrill Mayhem and Dragon's Fury. The animal enclosures offer great opportunities for wildlife photography, and the park's themed areas provide unique backdrops. +1
Generally, photography is allowed on rides, but always check for specific restrictions. Some rides may require you to secure your phone or camera. POV footage is popular on TikTok. +1
Look for elevated spots around the park for panoramic views. The areas around the themed lands, like World of Jumanji, offer visually striking scenes.
A versatile camera or smartphone is ideal. For animal photography, a telephoto lens can be useful. Consider a waterproof case for rides like the log flume.
Drones are generally not permitted within theme parks like Chessington due to safety and operational reasons. Always check the park's official policy regarding aerial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
To make the most of your family visit, consider bringing a picnic to manage food expenses and dietary needs. Arriving early can help you experience popular attractions before the crowds build. The park's layout is generally manageable for strollers, and there are plenty of shaded areas for breaks.
💰 Budget Travelers
While quick access passes are available, they are an additional expense. Prioritizing which rides are most important to you and utilizing the park's app for wait times can help you manage your day effectively without needing to purchase skip-the-line options.
🎢 Rollercoaster Enthusiasts
To maximize your ride count, aim for weekday visits to reduce queue times. Consider the park's opening and closing times to plan your attack on the major coasters. Some enthusiasts even recommend riding in different seats for varied experiences on rides like Dragon's Fury.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Chessington: From Zoo to Thrill Park
Recent developments, such as the construction of the World of Jumanji area and the upcoming Minecraft-themed world, signal a significant investment in new attractions. The park is actively developing two major construction projects that are set to 'transform the park forever.'
The park's commitment to innovation is further evidenced by the planned return of the Kobra ride with a Minecraft theme, showcasing a willingness to adapt and integrate popular culture into its offerings.
Navigating Chessington with Young Children
Beyond the rides, the park's zoo is a major draw for families. Seeing a variety of animals up close provides an educational and entertaining experience that complements the theme park attractions. Many visitors highlight the animal enclosures as a favorite part of their trip, offering a calmer pace and something for everyone in the family to enjoy together.
Practical advice for families includes bringing a picnic to manage food costs and dietary needs, and ensuring everyone wears comfortable shoes for a day of exploring. The park's staff, particularly in the hotels and restaurants, are often praised for their friendliness and attentiveness towards children, making the overall family experience more enjoyable and stress-free. [^Review]
The Thrill Seeker's Guide to Chessington
Don't overlook Vampire, a classic suspended looping coaster that delivers inversions and a thrilling ride through its Transylvania-themed area.
To maximize your thrill-seeking experience, consider visiting on a weekday to minimize queue times. While quick access passes are an option, strategic planning and arriving early can help you get on your favorite rides multiple times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit