Chessington World of Adventures: Coasters and Critters Southwest of London

Our first park stop took us to Chessington World of Adventures, just southwest of London. Part theme park and part zoo, Chessington has a wonderfully immersive feel, with themed lands winding around real animal habitats. It was a great, gentle start to the trip and a fun way to meet the group we'd be traveling with.

We spent the day working our way through the themed lands and rides, soaking up the atmosphere of a park that blends thrills with a genuine sense of adventure. It set the tone perfectly for the days of coasters still to come.