Longer Days, More Rides: Summer Opening Hours at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington & LEGOLAND

With the summer holidays almost here, the UK’s biggest theme parks are preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year by extending their opening hours, giving guests even more time to enjoy their favourite rides and attractions.

If you’re planning a visit over the school holidays, here’s a look at what you can expect from Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers is extending its operating hours throughout the summer, with the theme park typically opening at 10:00am and staying open later on selected days, with closing times reaching 6:00pm during peak dates.

Longer opening hours mean more opportunities to experience favourites including:

• Nemesis Reborn
• The Smiler
• Wicker Man
• Toxicator
• Oblivion
• Minecraft: Meet the Mobs experience (from 18 July)

Thorpe Park Resort

Thrill-seekers heading to Thorpe Park can also enjoy longer summer days. Throughout much of the holiday period, the park is open from 10:00am until 7:00pm, with selected dates operating until 9:00pm for maximum ride time.

Visitors can make the most of:

• Hyperia
• Stealth
• The Swarm
• Nemesis Inferno
• SAW – The Ride
• Colossus
• Thorpe Park Lates: Extended Hours (14, 15, 21, 22 August)

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington continues to offer family fun throughout the summer with opening hours generally running from 10:00am until 6:00pm, while selected peak dates feature extended hours until 7:00pm. The resort remains one of the UK’s best destinations for younger families thanks to its combination of theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE attractions.

Highlights include:

• World of Jumanji
• Vampire
• Mandrill Mayhem
• Croc Drop
• Zoo and SEA LIFE
• World of PAW Patrol

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

LEGOLAND Windsor is welcoming families every day during the school holidays. The park is operating from 10:00am until 6:00pm, with longer hours available on selected dates throughout the summer season. Guests can also enjoy the LEGO Festival during their visit.

Popular attractions include:

• Minifigure Speedway
• Flight of the Sky Lion
• LEGO MYTHICA
• Dragon Coaster
• Hydra’s Challenge

Plan Ahead Before You Visit

Summer holidays are among the busiest times of the year for UK theme parks, so it’s worth planning ahead.

To make the most of your day:

• Arrive before park opening.
• Check the official opening calendar before travelling, as times can change.
• Download each park’s mobile app for live queue times and ride updates.
• Consider staying until closing time, as queue times often reduce during the final hour.

UK Theme Park Spy

Whether you’re chasing record-breaking roller coasters at Thorpe Park, exploring the magical worlds of LEGOLAND Windsor, enjoying family adventures at Chessington, or taking on the iconic coasters at Alton Towers, the extended summer opening hours mean there’s even more time to enjoy everything these fantastic parks have to offer.

Keep checking UK Theme Park Spy for the latest theme park news, ride updates, events and visitor guides throughout the summer.