‌

Plan your visit to Thorpe Park Resort

How to visit Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park Resort is the UK’s most thrill-focused theme park, built around high-intensity roller coasters and adrenaline rides. With over 30 attractions spread across themed islands and peak queues that can exceed 90 minutes, how you sequence your day makes or breaks the experience. A smart plan helps you prioritise headline coasters, manage wait times, and avoid burning out before the afternoon rush.

Navigating your way

Orientation verdict: Thorpe Park is compact compared to multi-park resorts, but queue patterns are extreme, and ride order matters.

Thorpe Park is laid out across themed islands connected by walking paths around a central lake. All visitors enter through the main Dome area, after which rides branch out clockwise and counter-clockwise. Most guests instinctively turn right at rope drop, which creates early bottlenecks. Using the official Thorpe Park app for live queue times and reversing the crowd flow can save 1–2 hours across the day.

Roller coaster descent on Tidal Wave ride at Thorpe Park, London.

Entrances

👉 Main entrance (The Dome)

Single public entrance for all ticket holders, security, and bag checks.

Roller coaster descending with riders at Thorpe Park Resort.

👉 Start left for Stealth and Colossus, then loop toward Swarm Island and Amity

👉 Finish with Saw – The Ride and indoor attractions when queues peak

Person in a tribal mask and costume at Halloween event in Thorpe Park.

Optional add-ons

👉 Hyperia single-rider line (when operating)

👉 Fright Nights mazes during October (separate entry points)

Man with backpack using phone at a bus stop.

Tools

👉 Thorpe Park Resort app for live queue times, ride closures, and mobile food ordering

How to make the most of your time

Roller coaster loop on The Swarm ride at Thorpe Park, London, with trees and track in view.

Snapshot visit

Duration: 3–4 hrs

Route: Stealth → Colossus → Saw – The Ride → Swarm

What you get: The four signature coasters with minimal walking and maximum intensity.

Riders on the SAW roller coaster at Thorpe Park, London, descending a steep track.

Half-day thrill run

Duration: 5–6 hrs

Route: Stealth → Colossus → Hyperia → Swarm → Saw – The Ride

What you get: All headline coasters with smarter queue timing and recovery breaks.

Riders on The Swarm roller coaster at Thorpe Park London, experiencing a thrilling descent.

Full-day experience

Duration: 7+ hrs

Route: Stealth → Hyperia → Colossus → Swarm → Amity → Saw → indoor rides

What you get: Complete coaster lineup plus flat rides and shows without rushing. Expect 12,000–15,000 steps.

Handy tips

  • Reserve ahead: On busy weekends, coaster queues reach 90–120 minutes by noon.
  • Reverse the crowd: Most guests turn right at opening; go left first to save time.
  • Pick calmer windows: Tuesdays and Wednesdays outside school holidays are quietest.
  • Locker strategy: Paid lockers are required for many coasters; bring a contactless card.
  • Fright Nights: October evenings sell out early, and rides close intermittently for mazes.
  • Single rider: Available on select coasters and can cut waits by 30–50%.

Explore Thorpe Park Resort

Thorpe Park’s islands are built around thrill intensity, from record-breaking coasters to immersive horror events.

Intense thrills

This category is home to Thorpe Park’s most extreme attractions, aimed at adrenaline-seekers looking for high speeds, dramatic drops, and powerful inversions. Expect multi-launch roller coasters, vertical climbs, sudden drops, and near-miss elements that create a strong sense of speed and suspense.

Best for: Hardcore thrill-seekers, teens, and adults who enjoy high-intensity rides.

Exhilarating fun

Strike a balance between excitement and accessibility. Expect fast-paced action and immersive themes without reaching the extreme intensity of the park’s top thrill rides. This category includes dynamic roller coasters, water rides, and motion-based experiences that still offer plenty of excitement. These rides are ideal for visitors who want a rush without going fully extreme.

Best for: Older children, teens, and adults looking for excitement with broader appeal.

Little thrills

Designed for younger visitors and families, offering gentle rides with fun themes and manageable speeds. These attractions focus on enjoyment, colour, and interaction rather than big drops or intense forces. Many Little Thrills attractions allow adults to ride alongside children, making them ideal for family bonding.

Best for: Young children, families, and visitors who prefer calmer experiences.

Shows and events

Beyond rides, Thorpe Park Resort features a rotating schedule of live shows, seasonal events, and limited-time entertainment. These experiences add variety to the day and provide a break between rides. Shows and events may include live performances, themed celebrations during holidays, and special late-opening events on selected dates.

Best for: All visitors, especially those looking to pace their day or enjoy entertainment beyond rides.

​View all rides

Before you get there

Timings

See peak hours and seasonal closures.

Location

Find the fastest train and bus routes.

Rides

Use crowd hacks from locals to prepare your itinerary.

Before you book Thorpe Park tickets

  • Standard 1-day tickets give access to all rides, but during weekends and school holidays, queues regularly exceed 90 minutes for top coasters by midday. 
  • Pre-booked tickets are essential, as gate prices are higher and availability can be limited.
  • Ride reservation options allow you to skip standard queues on selected attractions, which can save several hours on peak days. These are most valuable during summer, weekends, and Fright Nights. 
  • Multi-day tickets offer better value if you plan to spread rides across calmer mornings and evenings.

Ticket comparison table

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range
1-day ticket

Access to all rides and lands

Cheapest option; expect queues

From £34

2-day ticket

2 consecutive park days

Full experience without rushing

From £39

Thorpe Park opening hours & best time to visit

AttractionDayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Thorpe Park Resort

Mon–Sun

10am–6pm*

~1 hr before close

Jan–Mar

*Opening hours extend to 8–9 pm during summer and Fright Nights. Times vary seasonally.

​View detailed timings

Best time to visit

Crowd gathered at Thorpe Park's Ghost Train entrance.

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays outside school holidays are best, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Weekends and Fridays after 11am see the longest queues, particularly for Hyperia and Stealth.

Tidal Wave Ride splash at Thorpe Park, large water plume in amusement area.

Peak season vs low season

June–August and October are peak months with heavy crowds. April–May and September offer the best balance of ride availability and manageable wait times.

Takeaway: Visit Thorpe Park midweek in spring or early autumn for shorter queues and cooler weather.

Where is Thorpe Park Resort located?

Thorpe Park Resort is located in Chertsey, Surrey, just outside London, beside Staines Reservoir.

Address: Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PN | Find on Maps

Closest landmark: Staines-upon-Thames, ~3 km away

How to get there

Couple taking a selfie on a train journey to London.

By public transport

By train: South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Staines (35 mins), then bus or taxi (10 mins).

By bus: Route 950 runs from Staines station to Thorpe Park entrance (~15 mins).

Driver using GPS navigation in car to reach Kuranda Village.

By car

Take the M25 to Junction 11, follow the signs to Thorpe Park.

On-site parking is available for a fee; pre-booking is recommended on busy days.

​See full directions

Entrances

EntranceLocationWho is it forCrowds & wait times

Main entrance

The Dome, Staines Rd

All visitors

Security queues 15–30 mins peak

Facilities

  • Lockers – Paid lockers near major coasters.
  • Restrooms – Available across all zones.
  • Food outlets – Fast food, snacks, and sit-down dining.
  • Shops – Souvenirs and ride merchandise near exits.
  • Guest services – Located at the Dome entrance.

Accessibility

General facilities

Priority access passes are available for eligible guests.

Step-free routes across most areas.

Physical disabilities

Ride access varies by attraction; some require transfers.

Wheelchair access throughout the park.

Hearing impairments

Written ride safety instructions available; staff assistance on request.

Visual impairments

Staff support is available at guest services.

Visiting with family

  • Baby changing facilities are near the main restrooms.
  • Child-friendly rides in Angry Birds Land.
  • Stroller-friendly paths across most areas.

Events

Fright Nights (October)

Thorpe Park’s flagship Halloween event features scare mazes, themed zones, and late-night rides. Dates sell out weeks in advance.

​Know more

Rules and restrictions

  • All visitors undergo security screening.
  • Loose items must be stored in lockers on major coasters.
  • Height restrictions apply to most thrill rides.
  • Photography is allowed, except on rides.
  • No re-entry once you exit the park.
  • Service animals permitted; pets are not allowed.

Dress code

Guests enjoying drinks and a map at Thorpe Park London.

There is no formal dress code at Thorpe Park. However,

  • Closed shoes are strongly recommended, as flip-flops are not permitted on most rides. 
  • Secure clothing is required; loose items must be removed before boarding.

Where to shop

Thorpe Park Resort offers a variety of themed retail outlets where visitors can pick up souvenirs, ride-branded merchandise, and practical essentials.

  • The Island Shop & Megastore: As one of the park’s largest retail spaces, The Island Shop & Megastore offers a broad range of Thorpe Park merchandise, from branded clothing and gifts to practical items for your day in the park.
  • SAW Store: Located near SAW – The Ride, this shop focuses on merchandise inspired by one of Thorpe Park’s most intense roller coasters. Expect bold apparel, accessories, and souvenirs themed around the ride’s dramatic drop and horror-inspired design.
  • Inferno Shop: Situated close to Nemesis Inferno, the Inferno Shop offers ride-branded clothing and memorabilia tied to this popular inverted coaster. 
  • Colossus Shop: Found near the Colossus roller coaster, this shop features merchandise celebrating one of the park’s most recognisable rides. Items often include logo-based souvenirs and wearable memorabilia.
  • SWARM Supplies: Located near THE SWARM, Swarm Supplies stocks merchandise inspired by the park’s winged roller coaster. The shop’s theming reflects the ride’s post-apocalyptic setting, with a selection of souvenirs and apparel.

Where to eat

Vibes Bar & Kitchen

Casual bar-style dining serving burgers, loaded fries, and drinks—good for a sit-down break.

Boulevard Bites

Grab-and-go street food options ideal between rides.

Spice Kitchen

Counter-service meals with Indian-inspired flavours and rice bowls.

Cape Cod Fish & Chips

Classic fish and chips served cafeteria-style with indoor and outdoor seating.

Tacotaria

Fast-service tacos and Mexican-inspired street food.

Pizza & Pasta Buffet

All-you-can-eat, self-service pizza and pasta in a relaxed dining space.

Amity Kebabs

Counter-service kebabs and wraps for a filling meal on the go.

Colossus Hotdogs

Classic hot dogs and simple snacks, ideal post-ride.

Calypso Bar

Bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with seating nearby.

Where to stay

Thorpe Park is not in central London, but staying nearby is convenient for early entry.

  • Thorpe Shark Cabins (on-site): Immersive themed cabins with park access.
  • Premier Inn Staines (8-min drive): Budget-friendly and reliable. (View on Maps)
  • Hilton Cobham (22-min drive): Comfortable mid-range option. (View on Maps)

Tip: Many visitors stay near London Waterloo and visit Thorpe Park as a day trip.

Insider tips

  • On busy days, Hyperia and Stealth hit 120-minute waits by midday. Ride them first or use single rider lines. 
  • Lockers are mandatory for many coasters, so pack light or budget £5–£10 extra. 
  • During Fright Nights, expect reduced ride capacity after 4pm as scare zones activate. 
  • If rain is forecast, indoor rides become congested—use wet weather to your advantage by riding outdoor coasters when others avoid them.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Thorpe Park

Most visitors need a full day (6–8 hours) to experience the major rides.

Get inspired for your London visit

London Travel Guide

London Trip Planner

Theme Parks in London