- News all the latest
- Theme Park explore the park
- Resort tour the resort
- Future looking forward
- History looking back
- Community and meetups
-
ℹ️ Heads up...
This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks. - Favourite Ride
- oblivion
-
The car park has been made into a Covid-19 drive through (Image: Surrey Advertiser - Grahame Larter)
A drive through facility to test NHS workers for coronavirus has opened up at Chessington World of Adventures.
Pictures from the resort, between Epsom and Esher, show a series of cabins, information for patients and cars being directed by staff in high-vis jackets.
A spokesman for the Chessington World of Adventures said on Friday (March 27): "We have worked with the Department for Health and Social Care and other partners, to set up an isolated coronavirus testing area to test NHS workers in one of our main car parks.
"We are proud to be able to offer our assistance to the NHS during this unprecedented time."
One sign at the site instructs drivers to keep their engine running, apply the handbrake and switch off their mobile phone and radio.
NHS England has been contacted for more information on the operation. However, it did say on February 28 that it had begun rolling out “drive through” services at some sites to test people for coronavirus.
Signs at the site providing instructions for patients (Image: Surrey Advertiser - Grahame Larter)
Access to the site will be through referral only.
Following a referral, people are invited to an appointment in their car, during which two community nurses carry out a swab in the nose and mouth, which are checked and assessed within 72 hours.
People are also asked to self-isolate while checks are completed to prevent any potential onward spread of the virus.
The practice means people do not have to enter a hospital or GP surgery to test for the virus.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, medical director for Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said on February 28: “Anyone who is worried about coronavirus should call NHS 111 for up to date advice.
A driver follows directions at the site (Image: Surrey Advertiser - Grahame Larter)
“We’ve set up the ‘drive through’ service to make sure people in our community can get safe, convenient and quick checks for coronavirus, as part of NHS efforts to keep everyone safe.
“It’s crucial that, as a community service, we help residents in our area to get accurate, timely advice while managing extra pressure on the NHS, and so far we’ve had good feedback from people that the swabbing service offers reassurance at what can be a difficult time.”
Both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock took to Twitter on Friday to confirm that they had tested positive for Covid-19.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty is also self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms. - Favourite Ride
- Professor Burp's Bubbleworks
- Favourite Ride
- Taron
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Themeparksandy1981
TS Member
I think merlin know with owning most of attractions in central London and 3 near the M25 they know they got no real competition so they know London’s ain’t gonna travel further Out so adding just minimum at each park just keeps them coming back.
SiK80
TS Member
You mean it looks like your typical Merlin addition. Surprised they haven't tried to use "World's first" yetThis is inexcusably poor. The entire point of a theme park is to provide escapism and unique experiences. This looks like an uninspired, lacklustre, lazy excuse to advertise a “new” ride.
Islander
TS Member
Interesting to note that Chessington's North car park has been repurposed into a drive-through Coronavirus testing facility for NHS workers - details here.
Drive-through coronavirus test site opens for NHS workers at Chessington World of Adventures
The resort is working with the Department of Health, a spokesman confirmed
Doublethink
TS Member
Are they selling Corona Virus commemorative pin badges?And after your test you get a lovely In-Test Photo (ITP) to remember your day with.
£12.00 with a free digital download
bluesonichd
TS Member
you can buy theses

The most exciting "attraction" there......Interesting to note that Chessington's North car park has been repurposed into a drive-through Coronavirus testing facility for NHS workers - details here.
Hairobics
TS Member
I hate that Chessington has turned into this, but at the same time I love watching things burn!
For now they’re fine; vampire and the like are propping up the park whilst these smaller, no effort rides are just padding out the place, but what happens in twenty odd years (or sooner?) when the good rides are gone? We’re just gonna be left with a seriously mediocre line up! It’s gonna be brilliant to see how much of a mess it’ll be! It’s like a train wreck! I just can’t look away!
For now they’re fine; vampire and the like are propping up the park whilst these smaller, no effort rides are just padding out the place, but what happens in twenty odd years (or sooner?) when the good rides are gone? We’re just gonna be left with a seriously mediocre line up! It’s gonna be brilliant to see how much of a mess it’ll be! It’s like a train wreck! I just can’t look away!
AT86
TS Member
I can’t help but feel slightly depressed as the ‘progress’ made in UK theme parks over the last 20 years.
Compare say, Storybook Land at Alton Towers that was opened by Tussauds 24 years ago to that of Rainforest opened by Merlin last month.
Both are small areas of their respective parks aimed at young children.
One had a themed entrance feature, large animatronic, landscaping, water features and a well themed ride.
And the other one is, well. This.
Compare say, Storybook Land at Alton Towers that was opened by Tussauds 24 years ago to that of Rainforest opened by Merlin last month.
Both are small areas of their respective parks aimed at young children.
One had a themed entrance feature, large animatronic, landscaping, water features and a well themed ride.





And the other one is, well. This.


ChristmasPud
TS Member
Exactly. Same small scope family area, similar rides, same studio that designed it all. Look at how far things have declined in that time, instead of improving.I can’t help but feel slightly depressed as the ‘progress’ made in UK theme parks over the last 20 years.
Compare say, Storybook Land at Alton Towers that was opened by Tussauds 24 years ago to that of Rainforest opened by Merlin last month.
The whole of Chessington really does feel like a 'pretend' theme park now. While kids won't notice the terrible quality they will quickly grow out of it and will be missing out on half the fun and discovery that parks used to offer.
Cheap materials, bad design ideas, boring brand and theme
Dar
TS Member
The whole of Chessington really does feel like a 'pretend' theme park now. While kids won't notice the terrible quality they will quickly grow out of it and will be missing out on half the fun and discovery that parks used to offer.
Cheap materials, bad design ideas, boring brand and theme
Yeah, I think it could be heading towards seaside park quality. The kind you cringe at as a kid because it's so obviously done by someone that's forgotten what kids like and thinks primary colours and cute animals are interesting to anyone over 6.
The new flume is a prime example, it looks like something you'd see at Gt. Yarmouth or on a pier somewhere, not in a park run by the biggest entertainment operator in the UK
jmc
TS Member
I am sorry, but this is absolutely dire. Who sanctions this rubbish? Does Nick Varney have any care for what the resort theme parks are doing? What of Ian Crabbe, who is the superior over the RTPs these days?
Awful.
![]()
This legitimately looks like a cheap play area in a primary school. Absolutely awful.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro