Surrey, United Kingdom
> 2026 Updates: Amity Beach waterpark has permanently closed after 35 years; the area has been converted into "The Launchpad" rest area. Rumba Rapids is not in our ride list: its pumps were removed and boats were missing during the closed season, although the official website still listed it at the time; check the park's website for its status. King Pig's Wild Hog Dodgems has been rethemed to Big Easy Bumpers.
Thorpe Park is the UK's ultimate thrill destination, best suited for older children (140cm+), teenagers, and adults. While it has fewer attractions for very young children compared to other parks, it offers an unbeatable collection of intense roller coasters and attractions.
Important Note for Families
Thorpe Park is primarily designed for thrill-seekers aged 12+. If you have children under 120cm, consider Chessington World of Adventures or Legoland Windsor instead, which cater much better to younger families.
Height Breakdown
No Height Restriction
3 attractions, including:
- Sunset Cinema (4D movie experience — under 12 with adult)
- The Playground
90cm Minimum (4 Rides)
Family options for younger visitors (all require adult accompaniment):
- Flying Fish (90cm with adult / 110cm alone)
- Mr Monkey's Banana Ride (90cm with adult / 120cm alone)
- Depth Charge (90cm with adult / 120cm alone)
- High Striker (90cm with adult / 110cm alone)
110cm Minimum (4 Rides)
- Storm Surge (110cm with adult / 120cm alone)
- Zodiac (110cm with adult / 140cm alone)
- Dobble Tea Party (110cm)
- Big Easy Bumpers (110cm with adult / 130cm alone)
120cm Minimum (2 Rides)
- Tidal Wave (120cm — prepare to get soaked!)
- Quantum (120cm)
130cm Minimum (4 Rides)
- Hyperia (130cm) — UK's tallest and fastest!
- Ghost Train (130cm)
- Detonator (130cm)
- Rush (130cm)
140cm Minimum (8 Rides)
Where Thorpe Park excels:
- Stealth (140cm, max 196cm) — UK's fastest launch coaster!
- The Swarm (140cm, max 195cm)
- SAW - The Ride (140cm)
- Colossus (140cm, max 196cm) — ten inversions
- Nemesis Inferno (140cm)
- The Walking Dead: The Ride (140cm)
- Samurai (140cm)
- Vortex (140cm)
Best For
- Teenagers (13-17): Absolutely perfect
- Adults (18+): Excellent thrill rides
- Families with older kids (140cm+): Full park access
- Families with young children: Limited options — only 7 rides and attractions accessible under 110cm, consider other parks
Unique Experiences
Water Rides
- Tidal Wave - Massive water drop, you WILL get drenched
- Storm Surge - Spinning rapids ride
- Bring waterproofs or buy a poncho (£5)
Scarefest Events
- Fright Nights (October) - Europe's premier Halloween event
- Multiple scare mazes (additional cost)
- Park transformed with themed areas
- Not suitable for young children
Best Times to Visit
- Quietest
- Weekdays in May, June, and September
- Busiest
- Saturdays, Fright Nights, school holidays
- Tip
- The park often reaches capacity on busy days - book online!
Top Tips for Visitors
- Reserve & Ride - Digital queue system, book your ride times via app
- Arrive early - Stealth and Hyperia have longest queues
- Fastrack - Essential on busy days (book in advance)
- Locker strategy - Rent a locker for bags (some rides don't allow loose items)
- Waterproofs - Bring them or buy a poncho for water rides
Facilities
- Food courts - Multiple options but can be pricey
- Lockers - Available near major rides
- Photo points - Every major ride has on-ride photos
- First aid - Central location near entrance
Getting There
- By Car
- M25 Junction 11 or 13 (30 mins from Central London)
- By Train
- Staines Station, then bus 950 (15 mins)
- Parking
- £10-15 depending on season
Age Recommendations
- Under 8 years: Not ideal — very limited rides
- 8-12 years (110-140cm): Some options with adult accompaniment, but 8 major rides require 140cm
- 12+ years (140cm+): Full park access to all 25 attractions
- Adults: One of the best UK parks for adults
Money-Saving Tips
- Book at least 7 days in advance online for 30-40% off
- Annual passes if you plan 2+ visits
- Bring packed lunch (picnic area outside security)
- Book Fastrack when booking tickets for discount