One of three theme parks located in Greater London that are operated by Merlin Entertainments Group, Chessington World of Adventures combines a host of rides and shows with a world-class zoo. Whereas nearby LEGOLAND Windsor is aimed at families with kids aged 2-12, and Thorpe Park caters for teens and young adults, Chessington offers something for just about every age group. In addition to the theme park and zoo, the site is also home to the Holiday Inn Chessington, a safari-themed hotel that overlooks the Wanyama Village & Reserve area.

Park History

The origins of Chessington World of Adventures can be traced back to 1931, when a new zoo was established in the grounds of a fourteenth century country mansion by entrepreneur Reginald Goddard. The zoo was eventually acquired by the Pearsons Group in 1978, which subsequently merged with the Madame Tussauds chain to form The Tussauds Group. The newly-formed company embarked on an ambitious £12 million project to build a theme park on the site, and Chessington World of Adventures opened to the public in 1987.