Chessington History 1987

Chessington had been a zoo for many years and it was only after the purchase by Tussauds that it was decided it would be made into a theme park. After a few years of planning and building, Chessington Zoo was ready to re-open as Chessington World of Adventures mid-year in 1987 (July 6th). Opened by Prince Edward the park was the premier place to be in the south, and opened with what are now regarded as some classic rides.

Children’s rides included the Old Crocks Rally, Chessington Railroad, Safari Skyway and the re-introduction of the Circus along with Clownaround Coaster and the Flying Jumbos.

Family attractions included Circus World, Dragon River (now Tiger Rock) the park’s log flume, Runaway Mine Train (now Closed) the figure-of-8 powered coaster and the 5th Dimension, the classic dark ride following the actions of a television repair robot as he tried to defeat the evil inside.

Finally the thrill ride of the year was the Magic Carpet.

Opening to great reviews Chessington World of Adventures brought people closer to some of the big rides without having to travel up north to get them. With Thorpe Park nowhere close to competing with Chessington big things could be planned. For those familiar with the park may have found it unrecognisable from just the zoo days, although most animals had been retained in their new home.