Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures Resort stands twelve miles southwest of central London on 52 hectares of parkland. The site began in 1931 as Chessington Zoo, founded by animal collector Reginald Stuart Goddard. In 1987 the Tussauds Group added a theme park, making it one of Britain’s first combined animal and amusement parks. Merlin Entertainments now owns the resort, which includes two hotels, pools and a spa. The zoo houses more than a thousand animals across areas such as Trail of the Kings and Penguin Bay. The theme park offers over forty rides, including roller coasters and family attractions. The resort welcomed roughly 1.5 million visitors in 2022, ranking twentieth in Europe. During the 2020 season it still drew half a million guests, placing it third in the UK. Major rides include Vampire, Dragon’s Fury and The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure. Themed lands such as Forbidden Kingdom and Land of the Tiger reflect different world cultures. In 1987 Prince Edward opened the park on its first day. The site’s history also features a 14th-century mansion rebuilt in Victorian style. Visitors find a mix of animal exhibits and rides spread across themed zones. Wild Woods evokes Central Europe while Shipwreck Coast looks like a nautical harbour town. The Sea Life Centre lets guests walk through an ocean tunnel. Two hotels provide on-site accommodation with views of the zoo. Seasonal events such as Howl’O’Ween and Winter’s Tail add extra entertainment. Paths connect the zoo’s animal villages to the park’s thrill rides and gentle attractions.