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Thrill Seekers’ Guide To: Thorpe Park
Everything you need to know about the UK's most thrilling theme park
Located in Thorpe village, Chertsey, the UK’s most thrilling theme park is the place to be all year round. From Fright Nights to challenging yourself to try all the Big 6 rollercoasters in one day, Thorpe Park has become a staple for thrill seekers across the UK and beyond. First opened in 1979, the theme park hosts over 25 rides and attractions including Hyperia, Stealth, THE SWARM, Nemesis Inferno, Ghost Train and Colossus. Additionally, throughout the summer Thorpe Park hosts Summer Sounds; a series of events with live DJ sets whilst the park is open until 21:00 – so you can enjoy the rides during a summery sundown set.
Planning for Thorpe Park can feel overwhelming but this guide will give you everything you need to know before you make your trip to Chertsey.
What is Thorpe Park?
Types of rides at Thorpe Park
Tickets types and costs
Accommodation at Thorpe Park
Food and drink options
Accessibility at Thorpe Park
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Top tips for visiting Thorpe Park
FAQs
What is Thorpe Park?
History
Thorpe Park Estate were private grounds before their demolition in the 1930s, when ownership of the grounds transferred to Ready Mixed Concrete. After the grounds were used as a gravel pit by RMC from 1941 to 1970, the company converted the estate into a park for water sports and leisure activities after the some of the pits flooded. The new water park was formally opened to the public by Lord Mountbatten in July of 1979, where visitors could see the lakes and park grounds, as well as a replica of a Stone Age cave and exhibits of historical water-crafts.
It wasn’t until the 1980s when Thorpe Park was officially developed into the theme park as we know it to be today, with new and more permanent rides and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Early attractions included Thorpe Farm, where guests could commune with the animals on the grounds, plus rides such as Thunder River (known as Rumba Rapids to newer audiences), Logger’s Leap and Park Palladium.
Present Day
The Tussauds Group, now known as Merlin Entertainments, purchased Thorpe Park in 1998, and the theme park has been under their ownership since. The purchase brought invigorated investment into Thorpe Park, with the introduction of new (and now iconic) rides and attractions such as Nemesis Inferno, Stealth and Colossus.
Types of rides at Thorpe Park
Now that you know how the UK’s most thrilling theme park came to be, here is a breakdown of types of rides available to you and your fellow thrill seekers.
Extreme Thrills
- Hyperia – Located in the Fearless Valley, Hyperia is the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. It reaches a top speed of 130 km/h and stands at 72 metres tall. Guests must be 1.3m tall to ride Hyperia.
- Stealth – A ride where guests can go from 0 – 129 km/h on a 62.5 metre-tall structure, Stealth is located on the Amity Speedway. You must be at least 1.4m and maximum 1.96m tall to ride.
- The SWARM – Located in Swarm island, the post-apocalyptic themed ride stands at 39 metres tall, with a 775 metre length. The 4.5 g-force coaster reaches a top speed of 95 km/h, and has a minimum height requirement of 1.4 metres.
- Colossus – The world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster, you can find Colossus in the Lost City. The ride has a top speed of 72 km/h, a 30-metre drop, and a minimum height requirement of 1.4m.
- SAW: The Ride – Would you like to play a game? The famous ride inspired by the themes in the SAW movie franchise is located in the Old Town. It features three inversions, a top speed of 89 km/h, a top height of 30 metres and an appearance from Jigsaw himself. You must be 1.4m tall to ride.
- Nemesis Inferno – For fans of the inverted coaster, Nemesis Inferno is located in The Jungle. Your legs dangle freely at a top height of 29 metres and top speed of 80 km/h. Guests must be 1.4m tall to ride.
- Ghost Train – A horror-themed immersive experience with live actors and multi-sensory special effects. Minimum height requirement is 1.3 metres.
Water Rides
- Tidal Wave – One of Europe’s tallest rides sits in Thorpe Park’s Amity section, and plunges riders 26 metres into the water below. You will be drenched – and if you’re nearby and you don’t get out of the way in time, you will get wet, too. (Fair warning!) Guests must be at least 1.2 metres tall to ride.
- Storm Surge – Grab your friends and head to the Amity area of the park for Storm Surge. Guests will be able to climb into rafts and experience a 19.5 metre-tall spinning water ride. The minimum height requirement for the ride is 1.1m, and guests who are under 1.2m tall must be accompanied by an adult.
- Depth Charge – A four-lane water slide located in Amity. The minimum height for Depth Charge is 90cm, and guests who are under 1.2m tall must be accompanied by an adult.
Family Attractions
- Flying Fish – For the younger thrill seekers, Flying Fish is a first-time coaster located in Amity. The gentle giant stands at 6.1 metres tall, with a top speed of 27 km/h. Riders must be at least 0.9 metres tall, and riders between 0.9m and 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult.
- Mr Monkey’s Banana Boat Ride – Who doesn’t love a classic swinging boat ride? Swing 180 degrees with the whole family in a banana-shaped boat. The minimum height requirement is 0.9m and riders under 1.2m must be accompanied by an adult.
- Zodiac – The gravity-defying big wheel located in the Lost City is great for families and more cautious thrill seekers. The ride reaches a top speed of 31 km/h, a top height of 18 metres, and has a minimum height requirement of 1.4m. Riders under 1.4m must be accompanied by an adult 16+.
- Amity Beach – A place for families to relax by the pool, enjoy some sand and spend quality time together. All children must be accompanied by adults. Please note that Amity Beach is not open all year round, and requires pre-booking.
Ticket types and costs
There are three types of tickets that you can purchase for Thorpe Park:
- Day Passes – Guests can book 1-Day and 2-Day passes to Thorpe Park. Children under 1.2m tall go free with an accompanying adult. Prices start from £29.75 if tickets are purchased in advance on online, and £66 if tickets are purchased at the gate on the day.
- Short Breaks – If one day of Thorpe park isn’t enough, you can book Short Break tickets. These tickets give you access to the theme park as well as a stay at the Thorpe Park Shark Hotel. The theme park also offers package deals for nearby hotels.
- Annual Passes – If one stay isn’t enough, why not get an Annual Pass? You can choose from a standard Thorpe ParkAnnual Pass at £64 per year, a Merlin Essential Pass at £139 per year, Merlin Gold Pass at £239 per year and a Merlin Platinum Pass at £299 per year. While the Annual Pass is only access to the theme park, the Merlin Essential Pass also includes access to Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Warwick Castle, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and SEA LIFE. The Gold Pass includes all the aforementioned perks, plus free parking and up to 20% off retail, food and beverages. The Platinum pass includes everything, plus free refills, one free Fast Track per visit and more.
Accommodation at Thorpe Park
The Shark Hotel
Stay just a stone’s throw away from all the rides and attractions at Thorpe Park’s Shark Hotel. Your booking will include two-day theme park tickets, one-hour Fast Track access, and parking and wi-fi. Choose from themed rooms – Swarm, Hyperia, Stealth or Colossus – or one of the beach-style shark cabins, and enjoy a stay that’s both immersive and comfortable. If staying in the theme park is a bit too overwhelming for you, you can also book an accommodation package with a nearby hotel.
Food and drink options
You’ve been on all the rides, you’ve gone down a water slide, what’s next? It’s time to eat. You have the option to bring your own snacks to Thorpe Park, as well as a refillable water bottle. Your snacks must be sealed before entry to the theme park, and you cannot bring your own alcohol into the premises.
Guests can also choose from the many on-site restaurants such as Boulevard Bites, Spice Kitchen, Tacotaria, Amity Kebabs and more. There is also a KFC and a Burger King, if you’re looking for something tried and true. Plus, plenty of cafes, bars and dessert stands for more options. Guests with dietary requirements, allergies or religious dietary observations will be offered an Allergen Guide to make informed decisions about menu selections. To learn more about what each restaurant offers, click here.
Is Thorpe Park accessible?
Yes it is! Guests with accessibility requirements are entitled to one free carer ticket alongside a full-price ticket. are entitled to one free essential companion ticket alongside a full-price ticket. There is also Accessible Parking available on a first come, first served basis for guests with a Blue Badge identifying a mobility issue. The Accessible Parking is located next to the Welcome Arch. Learn more about Thorpe Park’s Accessibility Policy here.
Guests who require accessibility options can also apply for a free Ride Access Pass. This provides queueing adjustments for anyone who is unable to stand in standard ride queues due to a disability or medical condition. You can find out more about that here. To speak to the accessibility team directly, you can email them at [email protected].
Health, safety and wellbeing
Ride safety regulations
While we encourage all guests to experience the Big 6 rollercoasters and everything else that Thorpe Park has to offer, you’re probably wondering how safe the rides are. The rides are very safe – all the rides must undergo an inspection by an independently certified ride inspection body. For more information about ride safety across all Merlin theme parks, check out Merlin Backstage. For more information on rider requirements, read more here.
Emergency procedures
If you are in need of urgent assistance, you can find The First Aid Centre located at the Lower Dome. For general guest assistance, you can go to Guest Services, which is located in the Lower Dome, opposite Depth Charge.
Security checks
All staff are trained to ensure guests have a safe and secure day at Thorpe Park, and all guests must go through a security check before entry. This includes bags and personal belongings, as well as pockets. This is to make sure no prohibited items are brought into Thorpe Park. Prohibited items include:
- Any item deemed to be a weapon
- Fireworks and/or smoke bombs
- Glass bottles or other articles which may cause injury and/or be deemed offensive or dangerous
- Sharp objects or anything which may be considered a security risk including knives, penknives, scissors, corkscrews, metal nail files, toy or replica guns.
- Intoxicating liquor
- Illegal substances and/or legal highs
- Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades
- Drones
Getting to Thorpe Park
By Train
To get to Thorpe Park via train, the nearest station is Staines. You can plan your journey via National Rail. From Staines Railway Station, the 950 Express Bus goes to Thorpe Park every 15-20 minutes. You can purchase a bus ticket on entry of the 950 via card or cash payment. Alternatively, guests can take a train to Chertsey Station, then catch the 446 bus from the Heriot Road bus stop.
By Bus
Guests can take local bus route 446 to get to Thorpe Park, towards Staines / Hatton Cross if you’re coming from Chertsey Station or Woking. If you’re coming from Heathrow Terminal 4, Hatton Cross Underground or Staines, take the 446 towards Woking. Alight at Thorpe Park.
By Car
You can get to Thorpe at the following address: Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN. The main entrance is located on Staines Road, and is accessible through routes via the M25 and A320. The grounds are a 20-mile drive from central london.
FAQs
Where is Thorpe PArk
Thorpe Park is located near Thorpe village, Chertsey. The address is Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN.
What time does Thorpe Park open and close?
The theme park opens from 10:00 – 19:00 during regular seasonal hours, and 10:00 – 21:00 during Thorpe Park lates.
Are rides included in the ticket price?
Yes – all standard and VIP tickets include most rides and attractions inside the theme park. For more information about what is included in each ticket, read here.
Are the water attractions included in a standard ticket?
Yes, water rides are included in a standard ticket.
Does my ticket allow re-entry?
Yes! Ask a member of staff at admissions for a Hand Stamp, which will allow you to re-enter the theme park as much as you need throughout your visit.
How much is parking?
Standard parking passes cost £13, and Priority parking costs £20. You can learn more here.
Note: Shark Hotel guests, and Gold, Platinum and Premium Merlin Pass-holders receive free parking.
How big is Thorpe
Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s biggest theme parks, with an area of 410 acres.
Is Thorpe Park cashless?
While not all units and retailers at Thorpe Park take cash, there are a few places that accept both cash and card payments. For more information, download the Thorpe Park app to see which retailers and restaurants accept cash. There are also cash points around the theme park.
Is Thorpe Park Accessible?
Yes it is – guests can get free Ride Access Passes with their tickets, one free Carer ticket, and accessibility services for guests with disabilities or medical conditions. For more information, email [email protected].
Can I bring food into Thorpe Park?
Yes – sealed food and snacks, and non-glass refillable water bottles are allowed.
What should I wear?
We’d recommend comfortable shoes and waterproof layers – English weather is unpredictable!
What are the busiest rides?
SWARM, Hyperia, Colossus, Stealth and SAW – The Ride tend to have the longest wait times, so get there early or beat the queues with a Fast Track Pass.
Can I check live queue times?
Yes you can! Download the Thorpe Park App for live queue times, site maps and more.
Get tickets to Thorpe Park here
