Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures Resort combines a theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE centre all in one incredible day out. With over 40 rides and attractions plus 1000+ animals, it's perfect for families with children aged 3-12.
Data last verified on 17 January 2025. Always confirm critical restrictions with the park on the day of your visit.
Quick Stats
- Total Rides:
- 40
- No Restrictions:
- 8
- Adult Price:
- £62
- Child Price:
- £56
- Parking:
- £8
- Updated:
- 17 January 2025
Park Photos
Licensed imagery to help preview the experience
Rides by Height Requirement
All Rides & Attractions
Filter Rides
Ride Name | Type | Height Requirement | Intensity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adventure Tree Carousel Classic carousel ride with jungle-themed animals. | Family | 130cm alone | Gentle | 2:00 |
Barrel Bail Out Gentle spinning barrels perfect for younger adventurers. | Family | 90cm with adult 120cm alone | Low | 1:30 |
Blue Barnacle Swinging pirate ship that rocks back and forth on the high seas. | Family | 110cm with adult 130cm alone | Medium | 1:30 |
Canopy Capers Gentle spinning ride for little explorers. | Family | 90cm alone | Gentle | 1:30 |
Croc Drop Drop tower ride with views over the park before the thrilling plunge. | Drop Tower | 120cm with adult 130cm alone | High | 1:00 |
Dragon's Fury Spinning wild mouse coaster with unexpected turns and drops through medieval towers. | Coaster | 120cm alone Max 195cm | High | 1:30 |
Dragon's Playhouse Indoor soft play area with slides and climbing for young children. | Play Area | 140cm alone | Gentle | 10:00 |
Elmer's Flying Jumbos Gentle flying elephant ride themed to the beloved Elmer character. | Family | 110cm alone | Gentle | 1:30 |
Griffin's Galleon Mini swinging ship ride for little pirates. | Family | 90cm with adult 120cm alone | Low | 1:30 |
Jungle Rangers Outdoor adventure playground with climbing frames and slides. | Play Area | 120cm alone | Gentle | 10:00 |
Mamba Strike Spinning disc ride that swings and rotates for a dizzying experience. | Family | 120cm with adult 130cm alone Max 196cm | Medium | 2:00 |
Mandrill Mayhem World's first Jumanji-themed roller coaster with bouncing launch through the jungle. | Coaster | 120cm with adult 130cm alone Max 196cm | High | 1:30 |
Ostrich Stampede Bouncing ostrich ride with up and down motion in the African savanna. | Family | 120cm with adult 130cm alone Max 196cm | Medium | 1:30 |
Rattlesnake Wild spinning mine train roller coaster through a gold mine. The park's most intense thrill ride. | Coaster | 140cm alone Max 196cm | High | 1:15 |
River Rafts Gentle water raft journey down the river. | Water | 90cm with adult 120cm alone | Low | 3:00 |
Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey Fly on a broomstick through the enchanted forest with the Witch and her Cat. | Family | 110cm alone | Low | 2:00 |
Sea Dragons Gentle dragon carousel ride perfect for toddlers. | Family | 110cm alone | Gentle | 1:30 |
Seastorm Swinging and spinning seafaring adventure. | Family | 90cm with adult 110cm alone | Low | 2:00 |
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure Award-winning gentle boat journey through the deep dark wood with the beloved Julia Donaldson character. | Dark Ride | 110cm alone | Low | 5:00 |
Tiger Rock Log flume with dramatic plunge through Tiger habitat. One of the UK's most impressive themed water rides. | Water | 120cm with adult 130cm alone | Medium | 4:00 |
Tiny Truckers Drive your own truck around a track. Under 110cm only. | Family | 110cm alone | Gentle | 3:00 |
Tomb Blaster Laser gun dark ride through ancient Egyptian tomb. Blast targets and compete for the high score! | Dark Ride | 110cm alone | Low | 4:30 |
Trawler Trouble Gentle boat swing ride on the water. | Family | 90cm with adult 110cm alone | Low | 1:30 |
Treetop Hoppers Flying elephants-style aerial carousel through the treetops. | Family | 90cm with adult 110cm alone | Low | 1:30 |
Vampire Chessington's iconic suspended roller coaster swoops through trees at 45mph. A family favourite since 1990! | Coaster | 110cm with adult 130cm alone Max 196cm | High | 2:00 |
Zufari: Ride Into Africa! Open-top truck safari adventure through African savanna encountering rhinos, giraffes, and more. | Family | 100cm with adult 130cm alone | Medium | 8:00 |
Location
Loading map...
Address
Complete Park Guide
Complete Park Guide
Chessington World of Adventures Height Guide
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a unique combination of theme park thrills, zoo encounters, and SEA LIFE aquarium experiences. With over 40 rides and attractions spread across themed lands including Wild Woods, World of Jumanji, and Land of the Tiger, plus encounters with over 1,000 animals, Chessington offers an unforgettable family adventure in Surrey.
Organized insights
Plan ahead quickly
Need-to-know tips
Height Strategy
Height Restrictions Overview
Chess
Chess
ington operates a three-tier height system designed to cater to different age groups:
- Little Adventurers (0.9m and under): Can enjoy 14 attractions with adult supervision
- Family Adventurers (0.9m - 1.2m): The sweet spot with access to most attractions
- Brave Adventurers (1.2m+): Full access to all thrill rides
Height Strategy
Height Categories Explained
Children under 90cm can enjoy attractions like:
Under 90cm (Little Adventurers)
Children under 90cm can enjoy attractions like:
- Gruffalo River Ride Adventure: Gentle boat ride (must be accompanied)
- Room on the Broom: Magical flying broomstick ride
- Jungle Bus: Safari adventure through animal enclosures
- River Rafts: Water adventure for the whole family
- Sea Dragons: Gentle carousel ride
- Treetop Hoppers: Gentle flying elephants-style ride
90cm - 110cm
This height range opens up more adventurous attractions:
- Elmer's Flying Jumbos: Must be under 110cm (with adult)
- Tiny Truckers: Drive your own vehicle (under 110cm only)
- Jungle Bus: Safari ride (90cm+, under 110cm with adult)
- Treetop Hoppers: Gentle aerial ride (90cm+, under 110cm with adult)
110cm - 120cm
Access to family thrill rides:
- The Gruffalo River Ride: Can ride alone at 110cm+
- Vampire: The park's signature suspended roller coaster (110cm+, under 130cm with adult)
- Dragon's Fury: Spinning coaster (120cm minimum)
120cm - 140cm
The main thrill rides unlock:
- Tiger Rock: Log flume with big drop (120cm+, under 130cm with adult)
- KOBRA: Inverting pendulum ride (120cm minimum)
- Mandrill Mayhem: World of Jumanji shuttle coaster (120cm+, under 130cm with adult)
140cm+ (Brave Adventurers)
Full park access including:
- Rattlesnake: Wild spinning mine train coaster (140cm minimum)
- All other attractions: Unrestricted access
Family Planning
What Makes Chessington Special for Families?
Chessington is unique because your ticket includes:
Theme Park + Zoo + SEA LIFE
Chessington is unique because your ticket includes:
- Theme Park: 40+ rides and attractions
- Zoo: Over 1,000 animals including lions, tigers, gorillas, and meerkats
- SEA LIFE Centre: Underwater tunnel and ray lagoon
This means even if your child is too small for many rides, they can still enjoy a full day exploring animal habitats and marine life.
Family-Friendly Focus
Unlike pure thrill parks, Chessington caters specifically to families with younger children:
- 14 attractions accessible to children under 90cm
- Most attractions designed for 90cm-120cm range
- Gentle theming: Based on The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and family-friendly IP
- Educational elements: Learn about wildlife conservation
Height Strategy
Top Rides by Height Category
The park's signature family dark ride featuring the beloved Julia Donaldson character. Gentle boat journey perfect for little ones.
Must-Do Attractions Under 120cm
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure (90cm+, under 110cm with adult) The park's signature family dark ride featuring the beloved Julia Donaldson character. Gentle boat journey perfect for little ones.
Room on the Broom - A Magical Journey (No height restriction with adult) Fly on a broomstick through the enchanted forest with the Witch and her Cat.
Jungle Bus (90cm+, under 110cm with adult) Safari adventure bringing you face-to-face with real animals including rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.
Must-Do Attractions 110cm+
Vampire (110cm+, under 130cm with adult) Chessington's iconic suspended roller coaster swoops through trees at 45mph. A family favourite since 1990!
The Gruffalo River Ride (110cm to ride alone) Experience this award-winning dark ride independently.
Must-Do Attractions 120cm+
Tiger Rock (120cm+, under 130cm with adult) Log flume with dramatic plunge through Tiger habitat. One of the UK's most impressive themed water rides.
Mandrill Mayhem (120cm+, under 130cm with adult) Brand new for 2023! World's first Jumanji-themed roller coaster with bouncing launch.
Dragon's Fury (120cm minimum) Spinning wild mouse coaster with unex pected turns and drops.
Must-Do Attractions 140cm+
Rattlesnake (140cm minimum) Wild spinning roller coaster through a gold mine. The park's most intense thrill ride.
KOBRA (120cm minimum) Inverting pendulum that swings you upside down.
Height Strategy
Tips for Visiting with Different Heights
Focus on the zoo and SEA LIFE centre! These are included in your admission and offer hours of entertainment. For rides, stick to Room on the Broom, Toadie's Crazy Cars, and the various play areas.
If your child is under 90cm: Focus on the zoo and SEA LIFE centre! These are included in your admission and offer hours of entertainment. For rides, stick to Room on the Broom, Toadie's Crazy Cars, and the various play areas.
If your child is 90-110cm: This is the perfect age for Chessington! Most family attractions are accessible including The Gruffalo River Ride, Jungle Bus, and Treetop Hoppers. You'll get excellent value from your visit.
If your child is 110-120cm: Now you can experience Vampire, the park's headline attraction. This height range gives access to 90% of the park's rides.
If your child is 120cm+: Almost everything is accessible. Focus on Tiger Rock, Dragon's Fury, and Mandrill Mayhem for the best thrills.
If your child is 140cm+: Full park access including Rattlesnake, the most intense coaster.
Planning Tips
Money-Saving Tips
- Book online in advance: Save up to 40% vs gate prices
- Visit off-peak: Weekdays in term-time are significantly cheaper
- Annual passes: From £99 for Discovery Pass if you'll visit 2+ times
- Combine with hotel stay: Packages often include breakfast and early park access
- Pre-book parking: £8 online vs £15 on the day
- Bring packed lunches: Picnic areas available outside main entrance
Planning Tips
Best Times to Visit
Quietest times:
- Weekdays in January-March (excluding half-term)
- Weekdays in September-October
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally quietest
Busiest times:
- Summer holidays (July-August)
- Halloween Half Term (October)
- Weekends in spring and summer
Special Events:
- Howl'o'ween (October): Family-friendly Halloween event
- Chessington Summer Festival (July-August)
- Christmas at Chessington (December): LEGO-themed festive event
Family Planning
Facilities for Young Families
- Baby Care Rooms: Multiple locations with changing facilities and feeding areas
- Height Check: Measure children at entrance and receive wristband
- Pushchair Parking: Available at all major attractions
- Rider Switch: One adult can wait with non-riders while the other rides, then swap
- Lost Children: Meeting point at Guest Services
- Accessibility: Most attractions accommodate transfers from wheelchairs
Guide Section
Food and Dining
Multiple dining options from quick-service to sit-down restaurants:
Multiple dining options from quick-service to sit-down restaurants:
- Kids meals: £6-9
- Adult meals: £10-14
- Snacks: £3-6
- Drinks: £3-4
Popular options:
- Burger Kitchen
- Smokehouse (BBQ)
- Chop Suey (Asian fusion)
- Gruffalo's Kitchen (breakfast character dining)
On the Ground
Getting There
By Car:
- M25 Junction 9, follow A243 towards Leatherhead
- Sat Nav postcode: KT9 2NE
- Parking from £8 (pre-book online)
By Train:
- Chessington South station (0.5 miles, 10-minute walk)
- Direct trains from London Waterloo
- Free shuttle bus from station to park entrance
By Bus:
- Route 71 from Kingston
- Route 465 from Kingston and Dorking
Planning Tips
Opening Times
Chessington typically opens at 10:00 AM with closing times varying:
Chessington typically opens at 10:00 AM with closing times varying:
- Peak season (summer, weekends): 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Mid-season: 5:00 PM
- Low season (winter weekdays): 4:00 PM
Guide Section
Nearby Accommodations
- Chessington Safari Hotel: On-site themed accommodation
- Chessington Azteca Hotel: On-site with pool and entertainment
- Holiday Inn Leatherhead: 10 minutes drive
- Premier Inn Tolworth: Budget-friendly, 5 miles away
Guide Section
What to Bring
- Swimwear: For Tiger Rock and Gruffalo River Ride (you will get wet!)
- Change of clothes: For younger children after water rides
- Sun cream: Limited shade on queue lines
- Waterproof jacket: British weather is unpredictable!
- Snacks and water: To save money (can consume outside park entrance)
Guide Section
Final Thoughts
Chessington World of Adventures offers exceptional value for families, especially those with children aged 3-10. The combination of theme park, zoo, and aquarium means there's something for everyone, regardless of height restrictions.
Chessington World of Adventures offers exceptional value for families, especially those with children aged 3-10. The combination of theme park, zoo, and aquarium means there's something for everyone, regardless of height restrictions.
The height requirements are very family-friendly with 14 attractions accessible to children under 90cm. The 90cm-120cm range is the sweet spot where children can enjoy The Gruffalo River Ride, Vampire, and most family attractions.
Worth it? Yes, especially if you book online in advance and visit during off-peak times. The inclusion of the zoo and SEA LIFE centre makes it excellent value compared to paying separate admission to a theme park and zoo.
For families with very young children (under 90cm), the zoo and SEA LIFE centre alone justify the visit, with rides being a bonus.
For the most up-to-date height restrictions, ride availability, and opening times, always check the official Chessington website before your visit.