Latest news with #ChessingtonWorldofAdventures
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Parents blasted for leaving sleeping child in a buggy alone while they go on a RIDE at Chessington theme park
IT'S the summer holidays - theme parks are heaving, queues are long, and parents across the country are doing their best to keep the kids entertained. But one shocking video has sparked a furious debate over just how far some 2 The parents were attending Chessington World of Adventures Credit: Alamy A TikTok clip filmed at Chessington World of Adventures has gone viral after capturing what appears to be a sleeping toddler left alone in a buggy while their parents allegedly hopped on a ride. The video, shared four days ago by user @ Since it was posted, it's racked up a staggering 769,600 views and 521 comments, with many users slamming the behaviour that is being blasted as just 'wrong.' Sharing their shock, the video was captioned with: 'cannot believe someone done this!' READ MORE ON SUMMER HOLIDAYS According to the video's creator, the parents had gone on the ride themselves, leaving the buggy - and the baby - behind. Although some users tried to defend the decision, saying that they're sure it was 'fine', the majority were appalled. One wrote: 'Will never understand why they take the child who's too young for the rides (or kids under a certain age) if they don't have enough adults to stay with the younger ones and leave their kids in crowded environments just so they can selfishly go on the rides.' A second added: 'Not only would the baby be incredibly scared waking up to not see its parents, not being funny but someone could literally push that stroller away with the baby in it and I don't even wanna think of what could happen after that. Most read in Fabulous 'These parents shouldn't have a baby if they can't look after one end of the [day].' While a third said: 'I bring my baby to the bathroom in my house cause I panic she's gonna wake up and panic. Seeing this just made me so sad.' Experience the Best of British thrills by exploring the top theme parks across the UK However, some also pointed the finger at onlookers and wrote: 'To be fair everyone walking past the child is also at fault here. 'If everyone could see the child had been left alone…why did no one actually step in and help by alerting a staff member.' The park's official guidelines clearly state that children must be supervised at all times. Brit parents bugbear As families across the UK embark on summer outings, a new poll reveals the top frustrations that can turn a daytrip dream into a nightmare. According Other common annoyances cited by parents range from being stuck in sweltering traffic to lugging around heavy cool-boxes and enduring seemingly endless queues. These perennial problems are making a significant number of parents rethink their holiday plans, with 32 per cent admitting they'd prefer to spend more time relaxing at home during the school break. 2 The video shows the child sleeping in the buggy on their own Credit: tiktok/@coachrobcradds How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' Despite nearly half of parents (47 per cent) feeling the pressure from social media to orchestrate jam-packed, adventurous excursions, a substantial 79 per cent recognise the immense value of staying home. They see it as a prime opportunity to truly reconnect with their children after the whirlwind of the school year. The study further reveals a significant shift in parental preference, with 45 per cent of those surveyed claiming some of their most cherished days are spent with their children right in the comfort of their own home. This home-centric approach offers a noticeable reduction in stress for 33 per cent of parents, contributing to more relaxed days. Additionally, 14 per cent appreciate the opportunity to host playdates for their children's friends, fostering social connections in a familiar environment. And, perhaps most appealing for many, 24 per cent value the simple pleasure of being able to put their feet up on the sofa and unwind for a while. Where can kids eat for free this summer? THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune. Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the 'endless' summer holidays. ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop. Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day. Little ones are covered, too. Kids under 18 months get a free Ella's baby food pouch with any purchase. BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze. Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99. It's available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends. BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1. Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu. DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out. Dunelm's Pausa Cafes are offering free kids' meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink. Available all day, every day. BILL'S: Dine in at a Bill's restaurant to get up to two free kids' meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal. Valid weekdays only until August 30. IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store. On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids' pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p. Other mini meals are available for £1.50. PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased. The offer runs every day until August 11. TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids' meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe. You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer. THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes. Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips. All kids' meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
New deal offers 'two parks for the price of one' at Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park and more
The 'Twice the Fun' promotion from Merlin could cost as little as £29 per person for two great days out With the school summer holidays now in full swing, families across the UK could soon be feeling the pinch as they try to keep children entertained without breaking the bank. From pricey entrance fees and snack stops to souvenir shops and meal deals, a fun-filled day out can quickly turn into a costly affair. To help ease the burden, Merlin Entertainments has launched a limited-time "Twice the Fun" offer that gives families a second theme park visit absolutely free, saving at least £29 per person. Running until August 18, the offer allows guests who purchase tickets to one of Merlin's major UK attractions - Alton Towers, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures - to claim free entry to a second participating theme park of their choice. The promotion is only available to snap up until August 17, so families are being encouraged to book early. That said, fun lovers have until September 30 to redeem their second visit, extending the thrills and spill beyond the school holidays. Visitors can mix and match their entertainment choosing from four of the UK's biggest attractions. These include: LEGOLAND Windsor Packed full of fun for brick lovers of all ages, LEGOLAND Windsor feature a range of family-friendly rides, live shows and building activities, along with Miniland areas that recreate local landmarks and attractions using LEGO bricks. This summer there is also a new Ninjago celebration with interactive activities and a 4D film, an updated pirate show featuring Captain Redbeard and a treasure hunt, refreshed Miniland missions and the launch of a new ride, Minifigure Speedway. To book tickets for LEGOLAND Windsor, click here. Chessington World of Adventures Offering more than 128 acres of fun, Chessington World of Adventures brings together a zoo, Sea Life aquarium, theme park and resort-style accommodation. This year, visitors can explore Sea Life Island inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, meet PAW Patrol characters, enjoy two new live shows and discover over 1,000 animals alongside rides and attractions across the park. Alton Towers Based in Staffordshire, Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, home to another world of adventure. Set in the 550 acres of land in a historic country estate, it's a firm favourite with thrill seekers of all ages. The park features lots of high-adrenaline rides like The Smiler, Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, and TH13TEEN, alongside family-friendly attractions including CBeebies Land and waterpark. widget Thorpe Park A high‑octane theme park located in Surrey, Thorpe Park is famous for its intense rollercoasters, record-breaking thrill rides and water attractions. Visitors can plunge into the likes of Hyperia, Stealth, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, The Swarm and SAW – The Ride, alongside water attractions and a variety of family-friendly rides like Flying Fish, Zodiac, and Quantum. If the Merlin deal doesn't suit, Wowcher is offer cut price entry tickets to Gulliver's Theme Park locations in Matlock Bath, Rother Valley and Milton Keynes. Prices start from £12.50 per person and are valid on selected dates until September, 28. Elsewhere, Virgin Experiences is offering Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Lunch for Two for £88.50 each. A full day of food and entertainment, visitors have called this deal "excellent value for money" and "a must for HP fans." As some of the UK's best loved attractions, Merlin resorts have received plenty of glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. One visitor to Alton Towers said: " Amazing! I have no words! If you want to have a fun day with family or friends or just on your own! Alton Towers is the place. It's a must!" Another added: "Absolutely had a great time weather was brilliant. All the rights were working and the staff were very helpful in every manner everyone enjoyed themselves. Highly it's a great day out." When it comes to Chessington World of Adventure, one review said: " Absolutely fantastic day out! So much to do with plenty of rides and rollercoasters for all ages as well as loads of animals to see and an aquarium. Brilliant value for money." Not every thrill seeker was quite so impressed, with a visitor to Thorpe Park saying: "We went for a day at Thorpe Park with no fast track ticket and they were the worst queues i have seen at a park ever. Ignoring that though the are great and brilliantly made and really fun to ride." Despite some displeasure about queue lengths, most visitors loved their time at Thorpe Park: "Swarm and Collosus are amazing top thrills. Rate 5 star cause absolutely amazing park money well spent." LEGOLAND Windsor also wins high praise with one fan exclaiming: "Absolutely brilliant! Absolutely hands down the best day we have had! We have never been before but will definitely be back." How to get the "Twice the Fun" deal from Merlin Customers should begin by booking their Twice the Fun tickets and downloading them for easy entry. After booking, they will receive an email containing their booking details and unique barcodes—this email must be kept safe, as it is required to redeem the second visit. The complimentary second theme park visit can be redeemed any time up until September 30. To do so, customers should select the logo of their chosen second theme park and follow the booking instructions. When prompted, they must enter the unique barcodes from their original confirmation email. Each guest's ticket has a separate barcode, so all barcodes must be entered—for example, four guests will require all four individual barcodes to complete the second booking.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Save almost £40 on a family day out to Chessington World of Adventures this summer holiday
If you're looking for things to do with the kids during the summer holidays, a family day out to Chessington World of Adventures is always a hit – and you can now save £40 As the kids get ready to break up for their summer holiday, it can suddenly feel like you've got an endless amount of time to fill to keep them busy. Booking family days out can end up being expensive, especially if you have more than one child, which is why we've tracked down a great way to save yourself almost £40 on one fun-filled family day out. When you book via Virgin Experience Days, you can nab yourself a visit to Chessington World of Adventures for a family of four with 24% slashed off the usual price. Whilst the experience would usually cost £152, for a limited time you can snap it up for £116 thanks to Virgin Experience Days' summer sale, saving you £36. By booking the experience, you'll get access for a group of four people to the whole theme park – it doesn't matter how many kids or adults make up the four people (although children obviously must be accompanied by a grown up!). Plus, anyone under 90cm will also get free admittance alongside your group, which makes it great if you have younger kids tagging along too. As well as granting you access to all 40 rides and attractions in 10 different themed lands, the Chessington World of Adventures experience will also give you admission into the zoo and the sea life centre with more than 1000 exotic animals, so you can make a whole day of it. The voucher will also be valid until October 2025, although be sure to double check this when you book! An experience day is always a great way to save some money on a family trip, not to mention handy for giving you some ideas on how to keep the kids entertained while they're off school. Other sites worth checking out for ideas include Red Letter Days and Visit Britain, which are both full of great day out ideas in locations across the country. There are also plenty of nationwide activities and experiences to book through Virgin Experience Days, so if you don't fancy making the journey to Surrey for Chessington World of Adventures, you can always find other things to do that are more local to your area. From theme parks and zoos to activities and even historical sites, there's no shortage of ideas on how to spend the six weeks holiday. For more details and ideas, you can visit the Virgin Experience Days website. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Top six UK theme parks you can easily reach by train this summer – and how to find the cheapest family fares
A DAY trip to a theme park is part of what makes up the summer holidays for most families. So 8 There are plenty of theme parks around the UK that are easily reached by trains Credit: Alamy 8 Chessington World of Adventures is less than 15 minutes away from the station Credit: Alamy First up is The park has it all, over 40 rides, a zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Some of the best rides include the Barrel Bail Out, as long as you're not standing nearby, because the aim of the game is to soak bystanders. It's also home to Mandrill Mayhem the largest rollercoaster and themed around Read More on Attractions Travel Editor (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the theme park to try out the You can get to the theme park by getting the train to Chessington South then walking 14 minutes to the main entrance. The second theme park is Earlier this year, it was named the best family-owned theme park in the country by Most read in Family has been kept in the family since it opened. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has 38 rides, 10 rollercoasters and five water rides. I was one of the first to try Blackpool Pleasure Beache's 'new' ride 8 Trainline also have top tips on how to save money on tickets Credit: Alamy 8 Adventure Island is accessible from Southend train station Credit: Alamy Some of the most popular include The Big One, Icon, Valhalla, and the Grand National. The park also has Nickelodeon Land with rides for younger visitors. To get to park, take the train to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station, then a five minute walk. The colourful theme park is right on Southend's seafront and has over 40 rides and attractions. You can go start slow with the spinning teacups or get hit the big rides like the Gerstlauer Eurofighter that has a vertical drop and loop. The park also has arcades, a sea-view café strip, and a small aquarium. To get there, take a train to Southend Central, then it's a 10-minute walk to the park gates. 8 Head to this theme park in Kent to play with diggers all day Credit: Alamy Here, kids can operate real JCBs, ride on dump trucks, and dig holes with their digger of choice. There are hands-on driving experiences too like Pre-booked tickets to Diggerland cost £25.95pp plus a £4 booking fee - or £38pp on the day. Take the train to 8 Dreamland is full of vintage rides - and a new log flume Credit: Alamy For fans of retro, head to The beachside amusement park is full of restored vintage rides, a roller disco, summer concerts and art shows. It's where you'll find the In July 2025, Dreamland opened its The new ride has two "high-thrill" drops with both a 50ft plunge and 30ft plunge along the way. It also has nearby water guns that guests can use to spray riders as they go past, with coin-operated pistols. Deputy Travel Editor To get there by train, take one to 8 Barry Island Pleasure Park is less than five minutes from the train station Credit: Alamy Of course, we cannot forget about The classic British fairground is right by the beach, and recognisable to fans of the BBC series It has the classic dodgems and ghost trains as well as helter-skelters and candy floss stands. It's the best of both worlds really as once you're dizzy from the rides, head down to the golden sands of To get there, take a train to Barry Island, then follow signs to the seafront which is less than five minutes on foot. Trainline's Top Tips On How To Save This Summer For any families taking the train this summer, follow these handy tips to save on tickets... Save with Railcards : Get discounts on off-peak fares using digital Railcards. Families can make big savings by using a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' tickets. Other options like the 16–25 Railcard or Two Together Railcard are perfect for friends or couples planning a fun park day out. GroupSave perks : If you are travelling in a group of 3–9 you can save up to 1/3 on tickets when you book together. One person just needs to book for the whole group to unlock GroupSave - for eligible journeys a pop-up message in the Trainline app will prompt you to 'Apply discount' . Save with Advance Fares : Many long-distance routes to theme parks – especially popular ones like Southend, Blackpool or Margate – offer Advance train tickets that can be significantly cheaper than buying on the day. Book early for the best prices, especially during summer weekends or school holidays when demand can be higher. 8 You can easily get to these theme parks on the train this summer Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PAW Patrol hotel rooms opening at Chessington World of Adventures
A familiar four-legged hero made a surprise appearance in London this week. Skye, the high-flying pup from PAW Patrol, was spotted at London Waterloo station en route to Chessington World of Adventures, where she was helping unveil the UK's first PAW Patrol-themed hotel rooms. Howard Ebison, divisional director at Chessington World of Adventures, said: "We're delighted to receive Skye's seal of approval on our new PAW Patrol hotel rooms. "Every detail has been carefully curated to capture all the fun of Adventure Bay and create an unforgettable experience for young PAW Patrol fans. "As we get ready for the opening of the UK's first and only PAW Patrol-themed land in spring 2026, it's a thrill to bring the magic of this world-famous series to our guests. "We can't wait to welcome families to Chessington World of Adventures and see the smiles on children's faces as they go on their own PAW-some adventures right in their hotel room. "It's more than just a room – it's an adventure waiting to happen." Read more Fan store pops up in London as excitement builds for Oasis comeback tour South Norwood school selected to stage first-ever European production of Frozen Final support acts revealed for Stevie Wonder as Hyde Park gears up for summer gigs The new rooms, officially opening on October 24, are designed to transport families straight into the world of Adventure Bay. Each room includes a periscope with panoramic views, a control panel styled after the iconic Lookout Tower, a mural of the PAW Patrol pups, and colourful bean bags. Children can sleep in bunk beds designed to look like the PAW Patroller vehicle, with each room accommodating up to two adults and three children. Guests staying in the PAW Patrol rooms will also receive a 'Pup Pass,' offering fast-track entry to daily meet-and-greets with characters including Chase, Skye, and Rubble, both in the park and at the hotel. Chessington has also announced that a full PAW Patrol-themed land will open at the resort in spring 2026. In the meantime, fans can enjoy existing themed activities, including meet-and-greets and the PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure, featuring an activity trail and character interactions. Marie Marks, senior vice president of global experiences at Paramount, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Chessington World of Adventures on these incredible new hotel rooms, giving PAW Patrol fans the ultimate opportunity to live like Adventure Bay residents. "PAW Patrol is a world that begins on screen but truly comes to life through experiences like this. "This delightful hospitality concept invites guests to extend their PAW Patrol encounter beyond the boundaries of the theme park and immerse themselves in an around-the-clock Adventure Bay adventure." Skye's journey to Chessington even caught the attention of South Western Railway staff at London Waterloo. Chico Coulibaly, regional manager for London Waterloo, said: "It was a treat to welcome Skye to London Waterloo on her way to Chessington World of Adventures' new PAW Patrol hotel rooms. "Taking only 35 minutes by train, the best way to get there is on South Western Railway." The PAW Patrol hotel rooms are available to book now for stays from October 24, starting at £155 for a family of four including bed and breakfast. Bookings include early ride access, a Pup Pass for fast-track meet-and-greets, and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass. Guests who stay before the themed land opens in 2026 will also have a chance to be among the first to ride the new PAW Patrol rollercoaster when it launches.
