🐯First Time at Chessington World of Adventures 🎢🌍

Let me start by saying: Chessington World of Adventures is so much more than I expected.

I’d heard the name loads of times growing up, but somehow never made the trip — until now. And honestly? I’m kicking myself for not going sooner. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, animal lover, or just in it for the family fun, Chessington delivers a full-on day of adventure, chaos, and charm.

🚗 Getting There & First Impressions

Located on the outskirst's of london it was only a 36min train journey from Waterloo, and then a 10 minute walk from Chessington South station. 

On arrival there was no queue which meant a quick trip through the security scanner and ticket scan! The park is clean, themed to the nines, and you can tell there's been a lot of love poured into every corner. It’s got that classic British theme park vibe, but with a unique twist that blends zoo, aquarium, and rides all in one.

🦁 The Zoo Bit (Yes, There Are Real Animals!)

This was honestly a highlight. I wasn’t expecting such a decent-sized zoo experience, but there are over 1,000 animals — from lions, tigers and gorillas to penguins, otters, and some cheeky monkeys.

The Trail of the Kings was especially cool — seeing the big cats up close is always magical (and slightly terrifying). Plus, the Sea Life Centre was a surprise gem. Small but beautifully designed and perfect for a breather between rides.

🎢 The Rides: Family-Friendly with a Splash of Thrill

If you’re expecting Alton Towers-level adrenaline, this isn’t quite that — but what it does have is loads of variety. Most of the rides are family-friendly, but there’s enough thrill to keep older kids (and childish adults like me) entertained.

Here are a few standouts:

• Vampire – This classic suspended coaster totally won me over. It swoops through the trees in near darkness, and the theming is wonderfully spooky. It’s now one of my favourite rides — I didn’t expect to love it so much!

• Mandrill Mayhem – The newer coaster in the World of Jumanji area. It’s a launch coaster that goes both forwards and backwards — smooth, fun, and beautifully themed. I queued twice, no regrets.

• Dragon's Fury – A spinning coaster that had me laughing and screaming in equal measure. Be warned: it's wild.

• The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure – So charming. It’s an indoor boat ride through scenes from the beloved children’s book. Great for the little ones and a dose of nostalgia for the grown-ups.

• Tomb Blaster – Classic shoot-’em-up dark ride. Still fun, although the targets felt weirdly hard to hit!

There’s also plenty of gentle rides and play areas for tiny adventurers, which makes it super family-friendly.

🍔 Food & Rest Spots

As with most theme parks, the food is fine. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent enough. I grabbed a chicken wrap and chips that did the job, and there are snack stands pretty much everywhere.

Top tip: if you’re staying all day, book a picnic table or bring your own snacks — the queues for food can get long around lunchtime.

🌳 Theming & Vibes

One thing I really loved was how immersive the park is. The World of Jumanji looks amazing — seriously, the theming is next level. Every area has its own style, from the wilds of Africa to ancient Egypt and fantasy forests. It's got that slightly quirky, chaotic British charm, and I was there for it.

💸 Was It Worth It?

I’d say yes, especially if you book in advance for discounted tickets. It’s a full-day experience, and with so many different zones (rides, zoo, aquarium), it offers something for everyone. I used my Merlin Annual pass for entry.

And shout out to the gift shop — surprisingly good value for a theme park! Plenty of souvenirs that don’t feel overpriced, with a good range from fun toys to branded merch. Worth a browse before you leave! Remember you get discount with your merlin pass (except sale items)

Final Thoughts: 🐾🦓🌈

Chessington World of Adventures surprised me in the best way. It’s not just a theme park — it’s a proper multi-sensory day out. Perfect for families, great for a fun friend group trip, and ideal for people who want a bit of everything: coasters, creatures, and colourful chaos.

Would I go back? 100%. Especially to try and beat my score on Tomb Blaster.

If you've never been, do it. Pack your comfy shoes, charge your phone (for the animal pics alone), and get ready for a wild adventure.

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