The new Gruffalo River Ride at Chessington World of Adventures will open on Saturday (March 18).

The much-anticipated ride, based on the best-selling children's book by Julia Donaldson, will take little ones "on a magical riverboat journey through the deep dark wood".

The ride replaces the beloved Bubbleworks ride, in the theme park's Wild Wood's area.

Announcing the ride, Chessington added: "As you float down the lazy river, the world of The Gruffalo will magically unfold in front of your eyes, with exciting twists and turns" - presumably with owl, fox and snake along the way!"

Little ones will be able to come face-to-face with the Gruffalo in the Gruffalo Arena, which will feature a character meet and greet, photo opportunities and the film available for viewing.

There will also be goodies exclusive to Chessington in the gift shop, plus treats to eat at The Gruffalo Bites.

The Gruffalo attraction replaced Professor Burp's Bubbleworks after the ride closed in September 2016.

Bubbleworks opened in 1990 and took visitors on a boat tour through a series of animated and bubble-inspired themes, finishing with the unique fountain tunnel.

The ride completed more than 15 million circuits, welcoming 32 million passengers during its 26 years of operation.

The announcement last July of its impending closure led to an outpouring of nostalgia on social media as people fondly wrote about their memories using the #ByeByeBubbleworks hashtag.


How can I get there?

Chessington is on the A243, just two miles from the A3 and M25 (junction 9 or 10).

  • From the South, take M25 junction 9
  • From the North, take M25 junction 10
  • From London, take the A3 to Hook - Chessington is signposted on the A243

Address

Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT92NE

Parking

Explorer Car Park

The main car park is available at the grass Explorer Gate car park, accessible via Explorer gate off Leatherhead road.

Parking is £3.00 per car and can be pre booked online or during your visit from Explorer Gate.

Lodge Car Park

Lodge Car Park will be available for guests Monday – Friday during term time only and is subject to availability.

Express Parking- Available selected dates from March 18 2017

Express Parking (located at the Lodge Gate Coach entrance) is now available at Chessington and enables you to benefit from entry and exit from the Resort.

Express parking costs £10 per car and can be pre booked online or paid on the day at the staffed entrance.

By Rail

Chessington is within 35 minutes of central London and regular South West Train services run from Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon.

Take the train to Chessington South Station. The park is approximately 10 minutes walk from the station.

By bus

Take the 465 bus from Kingston to Chessington, or the 467 bus from Epsom to Chessington.

Tickets

Prices to Chessington World of Adventures from £28. Children under three go free and don’t need pre-booked tickets.

To book, click here.