What if I told you that this thrilling theme park was once just a flooded gravel pit? Believe it or not, Thorpe Park has a surprising history that goes way beyond rollercoasters. Today, we are standing in front of the famous Thorpe Park.
Thorpe Park is located in the village of Thorpe. It lies between Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey. The park is operated by Merlin Entertainments. Thorpe Park boasts over 30 exhilarating rides, live events, and the unique Thorpe Shark Cabins.
Let’s jump back in time. In the 1930s, the Thorpe Park Estate was torn down. The area then became a gravel pit. Ready Mixed Concrete Limited excavated gravel from 1941 to 1970. But they later decided to transform the site into a leisure attraction. The initial concept was themed around British maritime history. The empty gravel pits were flooded to achieve this effect.
Did you know that the Water Ski World Championships were held here in 1975? Leisure Sport Limited, a subsidiary of RMC, managed the 400-acre park. It was used for water sports, leisure, and heritage exhibitions.
Lord Louis Mountbatten officially opened Thorpe Park to the public on May 24, 1979. This was his last public appearance. The park featured a replica Stone Age cave, a Celtic farm, and a Viking camp. Ancient water vehicles and aircraft were also on display.
In the early 1980s, Thorpe Park was redeveloped into a theme park. Permanent themed rides and attractions were added. Space Station Zero, the park’s first rollercoaster, opened in 1984. In 1998, The Tussauds Group purchased the park. Major attractions like Tidal Wave, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, and Stealth were introduced.
Blackstone Group purchased The Tussauds Group in 2007. The company was merged into Merlin Entertainments. Merlin sold Thorpe Park to Prestbury under a sale and leaseback agreement. As of 2023, LXi REIT Plc owns the site. Merlin operates it under a 35-year lease.
Thorpe Park primarily targets teenagers and young adults. Rides like Saw The Ride and The Swarm cater to this audience. However, Merlin has also aimed to attract families. They introduced attractions like Angry Birds Land and an on-site hotel.
In 2019, Thorpe Park confirmed the permanent closure of Logger’s Leap. This log flume had been closed since 2015. In 2021, plans for a new rollercoaster called Hyperia were announced.
Hyperia opened to the public on May 24, 2024. It’s the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. It reaches a height of 236 feet and speeds of 81 mph.
Thorpe Park is divided into nine themed areas. These include Amity, The Jungle, Old Town, and Lost City. Each area offers unique rides and attractions. Don’t miss the thrilling rides like The Swarm, Stealth, and Colossus. For a spooky experience, check out Ghost Train. Families can enjoy Mr. Monkey’s Banana Ride and Dobble Tea Party.
So, as you explore Thorpe Park, remember its transformation from a gravel pit to a premier theme park. Enjoy the feel-good thrills.