Visit Thorpe Park From London: Thorpe Park's Best Rides
Now Go See It is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Visiting Thorpe Park from London is easy with our comprehensive park guide. We answer all your questions including Thorpe Park queue times, ticket prices, and listing Thorpe Park’s best rides.
Thorpe Park Visit Guide: (Jump To)
Thorpe Park, located just outside of London, is one of the UK's premier theme parks, known for its thrilling coasters, fun attractions for all ages, and themed attractions. This guide will provide detailed information on everything you need to know for a perfect visit to Thorpe Park.
Getting to Thorpe Park From London
Thorpe Park By Car
In the unlikely event that you’re traveling with a car in the UK. you can reach Thorpe Park by car from London in about 50 minutes depending on traffic. You’ll take the M25 motorway, exit at Junction 11, and follow the A320 to Thorpe Park. If you’re visiting from elsewhere in England you can program the park’s address to your favorite mapping and navigation app.
Address and Postcode for Thorpe Park
Map: Google Maps
THORPE PARK Resort
Staines Road
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 8PN
Thorpe Park Parking
As you approach the park you’ll see plenty of handy signs directing you to the parking lot. Standard Thorpe Park parking costs £10 per day. The parking lot is within a short walking distance from the park entrance.
Accessible Thorpe Park Parking is available near the entrance for Blue Badge holders. Ensure your badge is displayed correctly.
If desired, you can pay for your Thorpe Park parking fee in advance online on the park’s official website. While it doesn’t save you any money, it’s a convenient option to save time upon your exit.
Train To Thorpe Park
The easiest way to reach Thorpe Park from almost anywhere in the United Kingdom (and beyond) is by train. Frequent and inexpensive scheduled trains make reaching Thorpe Park by train easy.
Nearest Train Station to Thorpe Park
The nearest train station to Thorpe Park is the Staines Railway Station. It is located about 3 miles from Thorpe Park. Direct trains to Thorpe Park run from London Waterloo, taking approximately 35 minutes. Depending on the location of your accommodations you will also find direct and simple transfer routes from London’s other main stations like St. Pancras, Paddington, or Victoria.
Staines to Thorpe Park
Once you reach the station it is very easy to get from Staines to Thorpe Park. A shuttle bus to Thorpe Park runs regularly throughout the day whenever the park is open. Payment for the bus costs £4 round trip (return) per person. Payment is made when boarding the bus with cash or card. Note that you cannot use your Oyster Card for payment on the bus. Don’t lose your paper receipt, this serves as your return ticket.
The Thorpe Park Express is operated by Sullivan Buses. The Thorpe Park coach bus is blue in color and parks right outside of the Staines station. It says “Thorpe Park Express” across the top of the bus. You can’t miss it. The Thorpe Park bus runs on route 950.
Thorpe Park Coach Bus
It is possible to take a coach bus to Thorpe Park from destinations across England. National Express provides coach bus services to nearby London Heathrow Airport. From Heathrow, you can take the 446 Bus at Hatton Cross Station (Stop A) to Thorpe Park. This journey will take about an hour. You could also choose to hire a taxi or rideshare to the park. The drive is about 20 minutes.
Thorpe Park Hotels
Staying near Thorpe Park offers the convenience of easy access to the park. Staying at an official Thorpe Park Hotel offers additional perks and benefits.
Thorpe Park Shark Cabins
These nautical-themed cabins are located within walking distance of the park entrance. You enter the cabins through a giant shark mouth. Inside the shark, you’ll find your cozy cabin. The compact, yet comfortable rooms have double beds, bunk beds, and en-suite bathrooms. Cabins have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee supplies. Buffet breakfast is included in the stay. Special upgraded rooms are themed to the park’s coasters and decorated with coaster concept art. Perks include Fastrack access on your second day.
Other Hotels Near Thorpe Park
If you’re not staying inside London or are just coming to visit the park for a Thorpe Park short break, these hotels close to Thorpe Park are great options. Consider booking with our partner Booking.com for competitive rates and deals.
Hilton London Heathrow Airport
Map: Google Maps
Located about 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus to the park entrance this Hilton property has modern rooms, an onsite restaurant, and a fitness center. The hotel is connected to the airport making it a great choice if you arrive by air. Consider booking with our partner Booking.com for competitive rates and deals.
A guide to simplify using your everyday purchases to earn airline miles and hotel stays for your next adventure.
Travelodge Chertsey
Map: Google Maps
This no-frills Thorpe Park Hotel is approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) and an 8-minute bus ride from the park entrance. Rooms have coffee and tea machines, wi-fi, free television, and free parking. These affordable rooms can be rented for as low as £36 per night. Consider booking with our partner Booking.com for competitive rates and deals.
Premier Inn Staines
Map: Google Maps
Located about 10 minutes by bus from the park. This Thorpe Park Hotel is another affordable option. The hotel has comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and paid parking. Consider booking with our partner Booking.com for competitive rates and deals.
Campsites Near Thorpe Park
Various campsites near Thorpe Park are available. This is a great option to save money on hotels or a great way to enjoy the outdoors between your time at Thorpe Park.
Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This Thorpe Park caravan site is approximately 7 minutes by car to the park entrance. The site offers a range of facilities including electric hookups, Wi-Fi, and a children's play area. It's set on the banks of the River Thames, providing a beautiful camping experience.
Laleham Camping Club
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Another great option for campsites near Thorpe Park is the Laleham Camping Club. This campsite offers electric hookups, hot showers, and a play area for children. It’s a good spot for those who enjoy walking and cycling, with the Thames Path nearby. Thorpe Park can be reached by car in just 10 minutes.
Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This Thorpe caravan park option is slightly further from the park, but still just 20 minutes by car. This site offers amenities such as a laundry room, shower facilities, and a dog walking area. It's close to several local attractions and offers easy access to the Thames. This is a great option if you’re planning to stay longer and visit more area attractions.
Check out our other posts about great European Theme Parks.
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
Best Time to Visit Thorpe Park
Plan your Thorpe Park trip on a weekday to enjoy a less crowded experience in the park. Visiting during the off-peak season especially weekdays while school is still in session is a great strategy to avoid long lines. Typical school terms begin in late September and end in mid-July.
Thorpe Park Tickets
Various ticketing options are available for your visit to Thorpe Park. If you’re looking for Thorpe Park discounts it’s best to plan ahead and buy tickets in advance to secure the best rates.
Price of Thorpe Park Tickets
Standard day tickets allow you to visit the park for just one day. Tickets start at £29 when bought in advance or £66 and up when bought at the ticket counters on the day of your visit.
If you plan to visit multiple times in a year, consider a Season Pass for unlimited entry and additional benefits. Yearly access to Thorpe Park starts at £99 and comes with plenty of perks like discount friend days and discounts in the stores.
We purchased the Merlin Pass which allowed access to Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, The London Eye, SEA LIFE aquariums, the London Dungeon, and Madame Tussauds wax museums. That pass also starts at £99.
It’s always best to purchase tickets online in advance to take advantage of discounts and special offers.
Thorpe Park Weather Ticket Guarantee
The park has a generous weather policy stating that if the rides are closed for more than an hour during your visit due to weather you will be issued a free ticket for another day. Ask about the Island Return Guarantee if your visit is rained out.
We recommend the GoCity Pass to save loads of money on attractions.: Check it out by clicking this affiliate link: GoCity
Thorpe Park Fast Track Passes
The best way to make the most of your time in the park is by utilizing a fast track for Thorpe Park. Various Fast Track options are available, from single-ride passes to unlimited access for the day.
Thorpe Park Fast Track Passes can be bought online, at the park, or on the park’s app. Prices vary depending on the level of access.
One Shot Theme Park Fastrack - Starts at £10. This Fastrack allows you to skip one line once. This option is ideal during the busiest parts of the day or to sneak in one final “must ride” before park closing time.
Hydration Fastrack - This water ride pass starts at £10 and lets you skip the line to ride the wave on Tidal Wave, Rumba Rapids, and Storm Surge. This is a great way to get a quick cooldown on a hot day.
Thrill Fastrack - This £20 pass lets you pick and skip any five lines on The Walking Dead: The Ride, Flying Fish, Vortex, Zodiac, Detonator, Quantum, Samurai, Rush, or Big Easy Bumpers.
Coasters Fastrack - This pass lets you skip the line for five different coasters. Your choices are Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, Stealth, SAW – The Ride, and THE SWARM. This Fastrack starts at £32.
Ultimate Fastrack - For £100 you can skip the line for the park’s top 18 attractions. You also get one free refillable Coca-Cola drink bottle. Note that the park’s newest coaster, Hyperia is excluded.
Map of Thorpe Park
Like most parks, Thorpe Park has gone away from offering paper maps. The easiest way to navigate the park is by using the park’s official app. If you’d like to see the current attractions you can also download a PDF map of Thorpe Park.
If you need to navigate to the park, You’ll find the park here on Google Maps.
Map: Google Maps
Thorpe Park Map PDF: Link
Thorpe Park Map App: Link
Opening Times For Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park opening times and Thorpe Park closing times vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and weather. Always check the park’s website for the current Thorpe Park opening times and hours.
The park almost always opens at 10 am daily. Thorpe Park closing times vary but are typically 5 pm, 6 pm, or 7 pm. The park is often open as late as 9 pm during the Halloween Fright Nights events.
It’s advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to get a head start on the crowds. You can enter some parts of the park before the rides start up at 10 am. Be sure to head to the most popular rides first (e.g., Stealth, Hyperia) to avoid long waits later.
Thorpe Park Height Restrictions
Many rides have height restrictions for safety reasons. Double-check these on the Thorpe Park website before your visit. In addition to height, some rides in the park have maximum chest, torso, and thigh restrictions.
35 inches (0.9 meters) - Depth Charge, Flying Fish, High Striker, and Mr. Monkey’s Banana Ride.
43 inches (1.1 meters) - Big Easy Bumpers, Dobble Tea Party, Rumba Rapids, Storm Surge, and Zodiac
47 inches (1.2 meters) - Quantum and Tidal Wave
51 inches (1.3 meters) - Detonator, Ghost Train, Hyperia, and Rush
55 inches (1.4 meters) - Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, Samurai, Saw: The Ride, Stealth, The Swarm, Walking Dead: The Ride, and Vortex
The park map and information boards list height restrictions for each ride. Attendants will check anyone who looks like they may be under the minimum height before being allowed to board the ride.
Note that Ghost Train, Saw: The Ride, and Walking Dead: The Ride require riders to be age 13+.
Your Vacation is just a click Away.
Book your stay at a VRBO Today.
Thorpe Park Lockers and Storage
Large lockers are available after the entrance inside the large central The Dome building. Smaller, single-use lockers are available near major rides for storing personal items while enjoying the ride.
Lockers are rented on a timed basis, with larger lockers costing more. Keep change handy for the machines. Large lockers are £10, small are £5.
Thorpe Park Queue Times
Thorpe Park queue times, or how long you wait in line has a big impact on your enjoyment of the day. Our tips above for the best times to visit the park might help you avoid long Thorpe Park queue times. You can also see above for information on Fastrack passes that allow you to bypass lines for a fee.
If you’re trying to see the current Thorpe Park queue times for rides whether your in the park or at home deciding to visit you can use the Thorpe Park app.
Thorpe Park’s Best Rides
Thorpe Park has 19 top attractions and thrill rides with other smaller attractions for kids and families throughout the park.
Thorpe Park’s Hyperia
Thorpe Park’s newest coaster is Hyperia. This record-breaking coaster is the tallest and fastest in the UK. With speeds up to 80mph this new attraction is sure to be a delight.
Stealth
Stealth is one of the UK’s fastest roller coasters, launching riders from 0-80 mph in under 2 seconds. The ride features a vertical climb and a 205-foot drop.
The Swarm
Our favorite ride of the day Stealth is the UK’s first winged roller coaster. We loved the smooth ride, inversions, and near-miss head-chopper elements. The ride is themed around an apocalyptic alien invasion, with immersive effects like a crashed plane and an upside-down squad car. Be sure to experience the ride from both the left and right wings for different perspectives.
Saw – The Ride
Jigsaw is back with a horror-themed roller coaster based on the Saw movie franchise, featuring a beyond-vertical drop. The ride combines thrilling drops and inversions with chilling thematic elements and special effects. Suitable for horror fans and thrill-seekers riders must be aged 13+.
Colossus
Colossus is a wild ride known for its 10 inversions, including corkscrews, loops, and a quadruple barrel roll. The ride’s multiple inversions and tight turns make it a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts. Hold on tight and brace yourself for the intensity of the multiple inversions.
Nemesis Inferno
This inverted roller coaster with a jungle theme, features loops, rolls, and corkscrews. Nemesis Inferno is Known for its smooth ride and intense inversions. Try to sit in the front row for the best view.
Walking Dead: The Ride
This immersive experience is based on the hit television show and graphic novels. The entire coaster is located indoors with riders zipping through total darkness. It’s a must-ride for fans of the series.
Ghost Train at Thorpe Park
Due to the frightening elements of this attraction, the park asks that riders be thirteen years old and above. Complete with special effects, live actors, and motion simulation this ride is an experience all on its own.
Zodiac at Thorpe Park
The park likes to brag that Zodiac lets riders defy gravity. Riders board small caged cabins that spin in a raising circular motion.
Quantum at Thorpe Park
Quantum is a magic carpet ride at Thorpe Park. This theme park staple has riders swaying back and forth on a large boat-like structure.
Flying Fish
This low-intensity coaster is the perfect first coaster for kids who are tackling their fears. The cutely themed fish coaster can be enjoyed by all ages.
Ready Player One 4D Experience
This is a 4D cinema experience featuring the action film Ready Player One. The theatre experience combines 3D visuals with physical effects like water sprays and seat vibrations. It’s a great option for a good break from the thrill rides and sunshine.
Storm Surge
Storm Surge is a water ride where guests sit in circular rafts that spin as they descend a winding flume. It’s a fun and refreshing ride for a hot day. Its mild thrills are suitable for all ages. You will get wet.
Rumba Rapids
This is a gentle river rapids ride through a tropical-themed setting. It’s a family-friendly ride with moderate splashes and scenic views. We managed to stay almost completely dry on the ride.
Depth Charge
Depth Charge is a full-on multi-lane water slide where riders race to the bottom in tiny rafts. You will get wet as you compete to be the first to the bottom.
Tidal Wave
A massive drop that creates a huge splash is the feature of Tidal Wave. The ride is known for getting riders soaking wet. Ride on a warm day or wear a poncho and bring a change of clothes.
Amity Beach
Lined with real sand this giant pool is a great place to enjoy on a summer day. Kids can play in the water, build sandcastles, and cool off while mom and dad relax in the sunshine.
Food at Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park offers a variety of dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down meals, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Note that some season pass holders receive a discount.
Cape Cod Fish & Chips
Located near Amity Cove they serve traditional British fish and chips, served in a seaside-themed setting.
Burger King
Fast food burgers, fries, and drinks. Home of the classic Whopper. It’s a convenient and quick meal. Look for meal deals to save money.
Pizza Pasta Buffet
An all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, and salad buffet. You’ll find various pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts available with some gluten-free and vegetarian options. It gets busy at lunchtime, so arrive early to avoid long waits.
KFC
The familiar Fast food chicken meals you know and love. It’s a safe choice for a quick and familiar meal.
Tacotaria
Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, and nachos fill the menu of Tacotaria. They also have vegetarian options available.
Events and Seasonal Activities
Thorpe Park hosts various events and seasonal activities, adding extra excitement to your visit and creating opportunities to visit during different times of the year.
Thorpe Park Fright Nights
In late October, around Halloween, the park transforms with haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky decorations. Past year’s haunted mazes have included attractions like "The Walking Dead: Do or Die" and "Creek Freak Massacre."
Fun and scary areas of the park called scare zones feature actors dressed as zombies, ghosts, and other creatures. The goal of these scare actors is to scare the daylights out of you. Some family-friendly events like trick-or-treat trails, costume competitions, and spooky shows are also available.
Book tickets in advance as Thorpe Park Fright Nights are extremely popular.
Thorpe Park Oktoberfest
Running for about three weeks starting in early September is Thorpe Park’s Oktoberfest. The German-themed event features traditional food, drink, and Bavarian entertainment.
The big highlight of the festival is the food and drink. Park stands offer authentic German sausages, pretzels, and traditional beer. Entertainment includes live music, traditional Bavarian dancing, and interactive games. Plus all the park rides are open to enjoy.
Thorpe Park is one of the best theme parks in Europe. Its proximity to London makes it easy to visit for any theme park enthusiast visiting the city. With the new addition of Hyperia Thorpe Park has upped their roller coaster game. With a range of rides that appeal to all ages, a solid collection of water rides, and seasonal festivals visiting Thorpe Park makes sense any time of year.
