Car Hire Chessington

It’s not every town where you’ll spot giraffes from your hotel window or hear jungle drums near the car park. Chessington sits in north Surrey, wrapped by quiet residential roads and patches of woodland, with the A3 and A243 bringing in visitors from all directions. This area in historical county of Surrey has a population of almost 19,000. Spring tends to be the sweet spot, when lighter evenings stretch out your time outdoors—but even in winter, there’s still plenty running, especially at weekends. With family-friendly attractions, surprising green spaces and Kingston Upon Thames just a short drive away, it’s a spot that offers more than first meets the eye.

Attractions In Chessington

It’s tempting to think you know what you’re in for here—but we uncovered a mix of surprises between the headline rides and quiet green corners. Chessington blends excitement with the kind of spots you only find if you pause and look twice. Here’s what to explore.

Chessington Zoo

Still at the heart of the resort, this zoo has been delighting families since the 1930s. It’s more compact than you might expect, which makes for relaxed exploring. You’ll find it just off Leatherhead Road, sharing space with the theme park. From big cats to squirrel monkeys, the enclosures are thoughtfully laid out and there’s often a keeper talk or feeding session to catch. It’s open daily from 10am to 5pm—though between January and March, food outlets close early, so pack snacks or eat beforehand.

Sea Life Chessington

Tucked inside the main resort, this aquarium offers a surprisingly immersive dive into marine biology. We were drawn in by the jellyfish tanks and ended up lingering over the coral displays. It’s ideal for a rainy afternoon or a slower pace after rollercoasters. Note that it’s closed on weekdays during term time but open 10am to 3pm on weekends. A popular option with those based in Ewell, it makes for a well-rounded family day out.

Chessington World Of Adventures Resort

You can’t talk about the area without mentioning this sprawling, multi-zone theme park. Rides range from family-friendly river boats to scream-inducing coasters. It’s worth considering the Reserve and Ride system if you visit during school holidays—we found queues for some attractions hitting the hour mark. The resort is open 10am to 3pm daily but longer hours kick in during peak seasons. Parking is on-site and plentiful, making it one of the easier big parks to drive to in the South East.

The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure

This indoor dark ride merges storytelling with soft thrills. Based on the beloved children’s book, the slow-moving boats glide through scenes brought to life with projection and scent effects—yes, you’ll smell roasted fox along the way. Situated within the theme park zone, it’s a highlight for younger families and stays open 10am to 5pm.

Go Ape Chessington

For something a little wilder, we climbed into the treetops at Go Ape—quite literally. This high-ropes course near the zoo entrance offers everything from beginner trails to “Extreme” zip lines. Expect a few scrapes and lots of laughter. Staff are hands-on and safety-conscious. It’s open daily from 9am to 4pm. While driving in from Epsom, we decided to stop here first and stretch our legs the adventurous way.

Land Of The Dragons

Bright colours, interactive play zones and smaller rides make this section of the park a magnet for under-10s. We nearly missed the entrance—it’s tucked in a quieter corner—but it was one of the more relaxed spots to let children explore at their own pace. Open from 10am to 7pm most days.

Wild Asia

This Asia-themed section brings together a dash of jungle spirit and wide-open paths. Alongside rides and arcade stalls, there’s a tiger enclosure worth a look. We wandered through around midday and found it less crowded than the western side of the park. This spot draws a lot of interest from people in Surbiton, who often pop in for a few hours of spontaneous adventure.

Chessington Azteca Hotel

Even if you’re not staying overnight, this hotel adds a bit of flair to the resort atmosphere. The Wanyama view rooms offer balcony glimpses of giraffes and zebras roaming below. Reception is friendly and check-in smooth, with 24/7 access if you’re arriving late. A good base if you’re doing the full weekend experience. Tucked within easy reach of Tolworth, it’s also a convenient pick for those not keen on a long drive home.

Enid Blyton Blue Plaque

On Hook Road, just a short drive from the main attractions, you’ll find a quieter tribute—the Blue Plaque honouring children’s author Enid Blyton. She wrote under the pen name Mary Pollock during her time here. The plaque sits on a private residence, so it’s a brief stop but a lovely literary nod.

Winey Hill

Just off Barwell Lane, this hillside patch gives sweeping views over Chessington’s green edges. It’s the kind of place you might stumble upon while driving between attractions. Quiet, uncrowded and ideal for a short walk or picnic—especially when the sun’s out. During a visit to Cheam, we found time to pass through this peaceful spot for a breath of fresh air.

Ashok King Of Chessington Statue

An unexpected historical feature along Leatherhead Road, this statue is easy to miss. Set back slightly from the road, it offers a brief but thought-provoking moment in a town more often known for thrill rides. An ideal detour for drivers coming from Ashtead, especially if you’re keen on hidden landmarks.

Chessington Castle Hill

A lesser-known spot near Rollesby Road, this site hints at earlier settlements in the area. There’s not much signage but the view alone is a reward—and it gives a sense of how deep Chessington’s history runs beneath the modern layers. Approaching from Worcester Park, this was an easy first stop before heading into the resort zone.

Making The Most Of Chessington

With its balance of adrenaline and slower, family-friendly corners, Chessington manages to be both high-energy and oddly calming. There’s no shortage of cafés inside the resort—but if you’re driving out, Hook Parade has some great lunch spots and independent coffee shops. Hotels are clustered around the resort, though those wanting quieter nights might prefer staying near Esher or the greener edges of nearby villages.