A theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium in one — perfect for families with primary-age kids.
Chessington is three attractions on one ticket — theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium — laid out in themed lands. Best fit is families with 4–11 year olds; thrill-seekers will burn through the headline rides in a couple of hours.
Visit official siteAt-a-glance
Key facilities and quirks for this park, in one row.
Paid parking
On-site parking — fee per car
On-site hotel
Themed hotel(s) on resort
Zoo / animals
Animal collection included with admission
Step-free / RAP
Step-free access and Ride Access Pass scheme available
Strict heights
Headline rides have firm height restrictions — measure first
Seasonal opening
Closed in winter — check the season calendar
Opening hours & best times to visit
When the park is open and when the queues are shortest.
Opening hours
- Season
- Late March – early November, plus Howl'o'ween dates
- Typical hours
- 10:00 – 17:00 (zoo and SEA LIFE often open earlier)
- Worth knowing
- Hotel guests get early ride time on World of Jumanji. Some midweek closures in shoulder season.
Busy & quiet times
Quietest
- • Term-time weekdays
- • First half of September once schools go back
- • Wet weekday mornings
Busiest
- • Every weekend in summer
- • All school holidays
- • Howl'o'ween weekends in October
Tip — Hit Mandrill Mayhem and Mandrill Mountain in the first 30 minutes — they're the longest queues by 11am.
Park guide
Everything you need to make the day work.
What to expect
World of Jumanji (with Mandrill Mayhem coaster), Vampire suspended coaster, Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Room on the Broom, Tiger Rock log flume, plus a 1,000-animal zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium included with admission.
Plan your day
Park nearer the Wanyama Reserve entrance and walk in backwards through Africa to hit the headliners first. Save the zoo and SEA LIFE for the afternoon when ride queues peak — animals are happily quiet then too.
Food & drink
Outside food isn't allowed in the park, but there's a picnic area just outside the gates. Pizza Pasta, Fried Chicken Co. and the Wanyama Restaurant (with views of zebras and giraffes) are the standouts inside.
Plan your day
Pick an age group and your must-do rides — we'll suggest a 1-day plan.
Your day at Chessington
Pick an age group, choose your must-do rides, then hit Build my plan — we’ll sketch a full day from gate-open to last ride and give you a link to share.
A rough plan based on typical hours and queue patterns — actual times will vary.
How to get there
By car, train or bus — and where to park.
Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE
By car
M25 J9 or J10, then A243 — about 35 mins from central London. Parking £10/day, Express £20.
By train
Chessington South is a 10-minute walk from the gates, direct trains from London Waterloo (~35 mins).
By bus
TfL routes 71, 465 and 467 stop at the gates.
What to bring
Pack list from people who've actually done this park.
Pack list
- Refillable water bottle (free refill points on park)
- A change of socks for after Tiger Rock
- Sun hat — much of the zoo loop is exposed
- Snacks for under-5s (allowed in the picnic area)
- Pre-booked SEA LIFE slot if visiting on a weekend
Insider tips
Things you'd only know on a second visit.
- 1
Stay at Safari Hotel for the giraffe-view rooms — kids will spend an hour at the window before bedtime.
- 2
The hidden Sea Dragons family coaster in the Pirates Cove area rarely has a queue — perfect first coaster for nervous 6-year-olds.
- 3
Buy the Q-Fast Unlimited if you're visiting on a Saturday — the headline Mandrill Mayhem queue runs 60–90 mins in summer.
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