Thorpe Park with kids - the ultimate theme park and hotel guide!

Table of Contents

Welcome to my guide on visiting Thorpe Park theme park with kids – including a review of our family day out, hotel options, ride information, photos and money saving tips. If you’re looking for a fun day out with older kids and teenagers then Thorpe Park is a great option – with loads of thrilling rides it’s not for the faint hearted! 😂 (Though all the water rides are great if, like me, that’s more your cup of tea!)

CRAZY DEAL! 😍 When you book a short break stay at Thorpe Park, between 3rd February and the 1st March 2026, you’ll get an Essential Merlin Annual Pass included for each person staying for FREE! You’ll need to stay between the 27th March and the 26th June 2026 – you can find all the details in my guide: How to get a FREE Merlin Annual Pass – short break offer!

If you want to stay on-site with the kids, I’ve added information about the Thorpe Park Shark Cabins too (their hotel equivalent) and the perks that come with booking a short break trip. In my guide, I’ve hopefully answered all of the questions you might have, including practical information like opening times. So here’s everything that you need to know about visiting Thorpe Park theme park with kids, and the short break hotel options too.

Visit: April 2025 (Updated February 2026)

Where is Thorpe Park theme park located and how do I get there?

Thorpe Park is located in Chertsey, Surrey, just 20 miles southwest of Central London, making it a convenient day trip for families based in the capital. If you’re driving, the park is easily accessible from the M25 – simply take junction 11 or 13 and follow the signs for Thorpe Park Resort. There’s ample on-site parking, and the parking charge of the car park is £12 – however if you stay on-site in the Thorpe Park Shark Cabins (their hotel equivalent) then parking is free. For those travelling without a car, you can catch a direct train from London Waterloo to Staines railway station. Once at Staines, there’s a dedicated Thorpe Park shuttle bus (number 950) that operates regularly and drops you right at the park entrance.

Who owns Thorpe Park?

Thorpe Park is part of the Merlin Entertainments family – the same group behind Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor and loads of London attractions (like the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Dungeon and Shrek’s Adventure). If you’ve got a thrill-seeker (or a few!) in the family it can be worth considering a Merlin Annual Pass – if you’ll use it for multiple days out year round, it can be great value for money if you’re planning to visit lots of UK family attractions. Keep your eyes peeled too as they reduced the Merlin Essential Pass to £79 per person just before Christmas! And, children under 90cm don’t need one – they can enter for free with an adult pass-holder so if you’ve got little ones it can be a pretty good deal.

What are the Thorpe Park opening and closing times?

Thorpe Park generally opens its gates at 10am and closes between 5-6pm, depending on the season and day of the week. Some days, outside of peak season, it may be closed – so click here to check that your dates are available before planning annual leave and accommodation. During peak times like the summer, or for special events (including Fright Nights), the park often stays open later sometimes until 9pm. Opening dates run from March through to early November. Always check the Thorpe Park website before visiting, as opening times can vary or change due to events or weather conditions.

What is Thorpe Park like – what rides are there?

Thorpe Park is well-known for its huge rollercoasters – unlike other parks (which often offer some tamer rides) the majority of the coasters at Thorpe are for hardcore thrill-seekers so it’s perfect for adults and teenagers. The newest addition, Hyperia, is currently the tallest and fastest coaster in the UK with a huge drop and speeds topping 80 mph – Finn absolutely loved it! Stealth is another stand-out ride, accelerating from 0 to 80 mph in just 1.8 seconds – a must for any adrenaline junkie.

The Swarm is the UK’s first winged rollercoaster and delivers a thrilling flight experience through near-miss structures. SAW – The Ride is themed after the horror movie franchise, complete with terrifying drops, a mechanical saw and twisted loops. Then there’s Colossus, which was the first ten loop rollercoaster, and Nemesis Inferno – a fiery inverted coaster with multiple loops and turns.

For younger guests or those not keen on intense rides (like me!), attractions like Flying Fish (a family-friendly coaster) and Rumba Rapids (a fun water ride) offer more relaxed experiences. If you like water rides Thorpe Park is excellent – it definitely has some of the best and a few to choose from too. A couple of them are calm, but Tidal Wave definitely lives up to its name! 😂 Luckily we were warned to bring a fresh set of clothes for that one (though we really needed spare shoes too!) because we got absolutely drenched! We had a fluke 25 degree day at the end of April for our visit and it was perfect for the water rides – which are definitely my favourite!

Click here to see a full list of all the rides available and the height restrictions – it’ll take you straight to the relevant section on the Thorpe Park website.

When is Thorpe Park Fright Night – and are there age restrictions?

Fright Nights take place annually throughout October, typically starting at the beginning of the month and running until Halloween or early November. These evenings feature live scare mazes, immersive horror zones and extended ride times – with many rides operating in the dark, adding to the eerie atmosphere. While there’s no strict age limit, the event is designed to be scary and is strongly recommended for visitors aged 13+. Younger children may find the content too intense, and those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Some individual mazes may have specific age restrictions so it’s worth checking ahead.

Which is better – Thorpe Park, Alton Towers or Chessington?

Deciding whether to visit Thorpe Park, Alton Towers or Chessington really depends on the age and interests of your children. Thorpe Park is best suited to teenagers and older thrill-seekers. It has fewer rides for younger children and its focus is firmly on high-speed / high-intensity attractions, as well some awesome water rides. (My kids aged 12 and 13 thought Thorpe Park was absolutely brilliant!) Alton Towers, while still offering major coasters like The Smiler, balances thrill rides with a more rounded family experience – it offers a variety of rides for kids of all ages as well as CBeebies Land for toddlers and little ones. Check out my Alton Towers review for more information – we had an awesome day there as well – and it’s definitely another one of Finn and Lola’s favourite theme parks.

Chessington World of Adventures is the most family-focused of the three theme parks. It combines gentle rides, a zoo and a SEA LIFE centre, making it ideal for children under 10 years old. If your kids are younger or easily scared, Chessington offers the most suitable family-friendly day out of the three. Check out my Chessington World of Adventures review or my Chessington Hotel Resort guide for more information – it’s a brilliant theme park for a short break, the safari hotel is awesome, we loved it!

Why is Thorpe Park so popular?

Thorpe Park is incredibly popular thanks to its reputation as the UK’s top destination for big thrill rides. It packs a lot into a relatively small space, with iconic coasters like Stealth and The Swarm drawing in adrenaline lovers from across the country. The park also excels at immersive events like Fright Nights and boasts the newest major coaster in the UK, Hyperia. Its proximity to London makes it especially attractive, offering a full day of adventure without many families needing to travel far. Personally, I think the theming at Thorpe Park is great too – which really sets the scene for the terrifying rides!

Will Thorpe Park close if it rains?

The park remains open in the rain, so there’s no need to worry about a few showers. However, in cases of extreme weather – such as thunderstorms or high winds – certain rides may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. If your visit is significantly disrupted by weather, Thorpe Park may offer a Rainy Day Guarantee that allows you to return on another date. Be sure to check the terms and conditions for eligibility.

Thorpe Park with fast track – is it worth it?

If you’re visiting during a busy period – such as weekends or school holidays – then Fast Track tickets can make a huge difference to your day. Queues for the most popular rides like Stealth, Hyperia and SAW can often exceed an hour. Fast Track allows you to skip these lines and maximise your ride time. You can choose to Fast Track individual rides or purchase a bundled pass that includes access to multiple coasters. We visited on a term-time week day and the queue times were great! If you can visit at less popular times you shouldn’t need to splurge out any extra for fast track options, but it might be useful for the busier rides at peak times.

Aim to hit the most popular rides first thing in the morning, over lunchtime (when people are busy eating) or not long before the park closes, and avoid peak-dates and times of year. The wait times during our trip were typically between 15 and 35 minutes for the big rides – you can see the queue times on a screen near each ride (or on the app) to plot your route around those. If you stay in the Thorpe Shark Cabins (their hotel equivalent) there are some fast track perks, plus you’ll get a second day to give you more time to go on your favourite rides again – check their short break options for more information.

Thorpe Park short breaks – can I book tickets with a hotel stay?

Thorpe Park doesn’t have a hotel, instead they have their ‘Shark Cabins’ – individual accommodation pods with enough room for a family if you’re visiting with kids. Staying at the Thorpe Park Shark Cabins offers a unique and immersive experience, placing you right in the heart of the action at Thorpe Park Resort. These quirky, compact cabins are just steps away from the park’s thrilling rides, providing an ideal base for families and thrill-seekers alike. A stay at the Thorpe Shark Cabins comes with a host of benefits designed to enhance your theme park adventure with the kids – so if you don’t want the hassle of finding a hotel nearby, here are the extra perks that come from a stay on-site:

Two-Day Theme Park Entry: Enjoy access to Thorpe Park for two consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all the rides and attractions.
One Hour Fast Track Access: On your second day, benefit from one hour of fast track access during the first or last hour of park operations (excluding Hyperia), allowing you to enjoy select rides with reduced queue times.
Buffet Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast included in your package, ensuring you’re fuelled up for the day’s adventures.
Free Parking: Guests receive complimentary parking, adding convenience and value to your stay.
Live Entertainment: Evenings at the cabins feature live entertainment and interactive games providing fun for the whole family.
In-Room Amenities: Each cabin includes an en-suite with a rain shower, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and an interactive TV with Freeview.
10% Discount: Enjoy a 10% discount on snacks and merchandise in participating shops within the park.
Proximity to Rides: Being located within the park means you’re just seconds away from the UK’s most thrilling rides, allowing you to maximise your time on attractions.

For an even more immersive experience, you could consider upgrading to one of the ride-themed cabins. These cabins feature unique theming based on popular rides such as Colossus, Hyperia, Nemesis Inferno, Stealth and The Swarm. Guests staying in these themed cabins receive additional perks:

Coasters Fast Track: On your second day, enjoy five total uses of fast track access on select coasters including Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, SAW – The Ride, Stealth and The Swarm.
Hyperia Cabin Exclusive: Guests in the Hyperia-themed cabin receive a single-use Hyperia fast track ticket and unlimited fast track on a coaster of their choice on the second day.

Click here for more information about staying on resort at Thorpe Park with the kids – including prices and availability for your dates – for a deeper dive into the ‘Shark Cabins’ (their hotel equivalent).

Can you take bags on the rides?

Most of the bigger thrill rides do not allow bags to be taken on board for safety reasons. However, each ride has a designated baggage hold where you can leave your items during the ride. These areas are typically supervised, but it’s still a good idea to avoid bringing valuables. If you’re staying in a Thorpe Shark Cabin, larger suitcases and overnight bags can be stored in your room. Whilst at the park, it’s probably wise to wear items with zipped pockets for your valuables and make use of the lockers for bigger bits.

How do I book a Thorpe Park Shark Cabin with a Merlin Annual Pass?

A Merlin Annual Pass can be an amazing way to save money on UK attractions, and some pass types also come with discounts for the resort hotels. (Check what’s included before purchasing.) If you are a Merlin Annual Pass holder, and you’d like to book a Shark Cabin stay at Thorpe Park, you’ll need to visit the Merlin Holiday Club area of the website. From there, enter your Merlin Annual Pass number in order to book a discounted hotel stay – click here to head straight to the Thorpe Park Merlin Holiday Club page.

Can I bring food to Thorpe Park?

Yes – you are allowed to bring your own food and drink into Thorpe Park. This is a great way to save money, especially for families. There are several picnic areas scattered throughout the park where you can sit down and enjoy your packed lunch. That said, there are also plenty of food outlets offering everything from burgers and pizzas to vegan-friendly options and sweet treats if you’d prefer to dine in the park. We had lunch at burger king (which cost around £35 for our family of four) – I’d highly recommend hunting out the quieter one, we initially looked to eat at the Burger King next to Hyperia and it was so busy! You also can refill water bottles for free throughout the park, so don’t waste money buying bottled water.

How much are Thorpe Park tickets and where can I find discounts?

Thorpe Park can be a pricey family day out, with pre-booked tickets typically costing around £30 for a one-day entry ticket. Avoid buying your tickets on the gate as they will be dearer – though children under 1.2m can enter for free. Luckily, Thorpe Park theme park also take part in lots of discount schemes – so keep your eyes peeled to save some money on your entrance tickets. Here are some of the deals and discounts that I’ve come across for one day tickets to Thorpe Park:

Cereal boxes: Cereal brands like Kelloggs often run promotions where you can find discounts or even free tickets (things like 2 for 1) for Thorpe Park by purchasing specially-marked boxes so look out for these in the supermarket.
Other supermarket savers: It’s not just cereal boxes either – Carex recently offered a 50% discount for lots of Merlin attractions via a campaign on their hand soaps, so look for qualifying products if you’re planning a visit.
Kids Pass: Kids Pass is a subscription service that offers discounts on family days out, including theme park tickets for places like Thorpe Park – you can trial it for £1, so it’s well worth signing up if you’re planning some days out with the kids.
Love to Visit: The ‘Love to Visit’ website offers discounted tickets for family days out and attractions all over the UK – so check to see their latest deals for Thorpe Park.

Tesco Clubcard: Tesco shoppers can use their Tesco Clubcard points to get some money off Thorpe Park tickets, or pay for them in full and enjoy a free day out.
Thorpe Park website: Thorpe Park run offers on their own website, so make sure you check there first – at the time of writing they’re running a £29 ticket offer!
Merlin Annual Pass: As I mentioned before, if you’re a regular thrill-seeker, you can access absolutely loads of attractions with a Merlin Annual Pass including: Alton Towers, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor and Thorpe Park; indoor fun like SEA LIFE centres, Shrek’s Adventure!, The London Eye and Madame Tussauds; and historical and immersive experiences like Warwick Castle, The Dungeons and even Cadbury World. Kids under 90cm go free and you can check out all of the pass options and what’s included here: Are Merlin Annual Passes worth it and which pass is best?

Thorpe Park Annual Pass: Merlin also recently introduced annual passes that are cheaper and park specific – you can get an annual pass for Thorpe Park from £64.

Final thoughts

Thorpe Park is a fantastic family day out if you’ve got older kids – I think it’s one of the best UK theme parks for teenagers. With a little bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy your day without it being too expensive if you hunt out discounts and ticket offers and pack up a picnic. For multi-day visits it’s worth looking at the short break offers for the Thorpe Park Shark Cabins – they offer the ‘second day free’ with on-site stays so it can work out to be more cost effective and they have some great themed spaces that the kids would love. We had such a great day at Thorpe Park and my kids definitely cannot wait to go back! For more information, and prices for your tickets or stay, click here to check out the Thorpe Park website.