There is a place nearby, where you can one minute be surrounded by the dark and mysterious reaches of Transylvania before finding yourself just a few moments later entrenched in the mystical Eastern wonders of the Orient. There’s even a chance to witness exotic wildlife in the flesh should you so choose. And before you think it, this place is not a fantasy or a work of fiction. It‘s actually extremely easy to access; it’s just down the road at Chessington World of Adventures.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or simply after a wholesome family day out, you’re certain to be entertained. With a vast array of rides, amusements and animal exhibits, there really is something for everyone and many leave the place wishing that they had just a few more hours to spend there. CWoA is a local institution, known previously as Chessington Zoo. Since those early days, the park has undergone several facelifts, the latest of which saw the addition of a 150 room Holiday Inn hotel, enabling guests to extend their stay and make the most of their visit.
In 2008, CWoA opened the Sea Life centre, a 250,000 litre aquarium allowing visitors to come face to face with a range of marine wildlife such as miniscule shrimp, glowing jellyfish and even fearsome sharks. The Sea Life centre is a real treat for guests and is a new dimension of the park’s focus on animals. Of course, the land based creatures are just as impressive; Trail of the Kings showcases some heavyweight kings of the jungle such as the Asiatic Lions and Sumatran Tigers whereas the Monkey and Bird Garden features a selection of colourful and striking winged creatures and playful, mischievous monkeys.
The rides at CWoA vary from family oriented to the more adrenaline based. A compulsory visit must go to the Vampire, a rollercoaster that suspends you above the ground leaving your feet dangling and flies you rapidly through the air above the park. It’s a thrill-a-minute adventure and highly recommended but is certainly not a tame experience! Another highlight is Dragon Falls, a winding river adventure that comes with a big plunge at the end - it’s sure to leave you both excited and a little soaked.
But if fast and stomach churning rides aren’t you’re thing, there’s plenty to keep you going. Younger visitors can enjoy Beanoland, an area based on cartoon character Dennis the Menace and friends. There you’ll find the big spinning Billy’s Whizzer and the highly enjoyable Roger the Dodger’s Dodgems. If you’re looking for something less child focused then head to the Forbidden Kingdom and check out Tomb Blaster. Armed with a laser gun, you’re transported through an ancient Egyptian labyrinth where shooting little green lights earns you points which can be viewed in your seat.
Those who label CWoA as an attraction purely for children obviously haven’t paid a visit in a while. Whilst there is, admittedly, a strong family atmosphere, it is genuinely possible to enjoy yourself, regardless of your age. So if your in the area and your bemoaning the lack of things to do, bear in mind that there’s a massively entertaining theme park lying just around the corner waiting for you.
(Chessington Chat Magazine, 2009)
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