Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park

Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park is a floating inflatable obstacle course on a lake in Chertsey, Surrey — close enough to London for a day trip, but outdoors and ‘holiday-like’ once you are on the water. It is built for energetic, slippery fun: balance beams, trampolines, climbing features, and slides, with staff supervision and a structured session system that keeps different age groups comfortable.

The key to enjoying this one is understanding what you are booking. Thorpe Lakes sells 55-minute Aqua Park sessions, includes a life jacket, and runs age-appropriate sessions across the day (including under-13, under-16, and open sessions).

It is also a venue where operational details genuinely matter: you are asked to arrive well before your start time, you must attend the safety briefing shortly before your session, and if you do not book in advance you can be turned away at the car park if the site is full.

Last updated: 2 January 2026

Prices and opening times last checked: 2 January 2026

• Location: Thorpe Lakes, Thorpe Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PH
• Phone: 01932 579 750
• What it is: Outdoor floating inflatable obstacle course ‘Aqua Park’
• Session length: 55 minutes
• Ticket price: £20 per person
• What is included: Life jacket
• Optional extras: Wetsuit hire £6; locker hire £1
• Minimum age: 8+ unaccompanied; 6+ with one adult per two children
• Arrival guidance: Arrive 40 minutes before your activity start time; attend the safety briefing 5 minutes before your Aqua Park start time
• Opening hours: Vary by season and daylight, with a detailed calendar on the official site

This is not a water park in the ‘slides and pools’ sense. It is more like a lakeside inflatable assault course where the fun comes from momentum, teamwork, and repeated wipe-outs — climbing up, launching off, sliding down, and scrambling back on again.

Most first-timers have the same realisation within about five minutes: you will spend as much time laughing and getting back onto the obstacles as you will ‘completing’ them. That is the point. The course is designed so that you can take it at your own pace — you can race, you can play tactically, or you can focus on one feature you love and repeat it until the whistle goes.

Two important expectations to set early:

• You will get wet, and you will fall in. That is normal, and it is built into the course design.
• It is a timed burst of activity. At 55 minutes, it is long enough to feel like a proper session, but short enough that you want to arrive prepared so you do not waste your slot.

Thorpe Lakes describes the Aqua Park as a mix of ‘challenging obstacles and exciting activities’, calling out balance beams, slides, trampolines, and climbing walls.

In practice, that means you will usually find a variety of zones that suit different confidence levels:

• Lower obstacles where you can build rhythm and confidence.
• Higher ‘commitment’ features where you will need to climb, jump, and hold your nerve.
• Slides and ramps where the ‘reward’ is speed, not height.
• Trampolines and bounce features that turn into a group game very quickly.

Because it is an outdoor lake-based course, conditions (water temperature, wind, and how slippery surfaces feel) will vary day to day. If you are sensitive to cold, plan for wetsuit hire or bring your own wetsuit.

Daily session times (as listed by the venue)

Thorpe Lakes publishes a daily session structure with age-appropriate blocks and open sessions. The listed times are:

• Private hire: 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
• Under 13 sessions: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Under 16 sessions: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
• Open sessions: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
• Under 16 sessions: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
• Open sessions: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Thorpe Lakes also notes that parents and guardians can accompany children on the under-13 and under-16 sessions, and that children can take part in open sessions, but you should bear in mind there will be older children and adults too.

Because opening hours and availability are seasonal, always use the booking calendar for your chosen date as the final confirmation.

The session format suits groups because it is naturally shared — you can race each other, set challenges, and keep everyone in the same zone. Thorpe Lakes also offers group packages for eight or more people where wetsuit hire is included.

Adults who want ‘play’ rather than passive leisure

If your ideal day is sun loungers and a warm pool, this is not that. If your ideal day is full-body fun where you are moving constantly and laughing at your mates falling in, it is an excellent fit.

Wetsuits are available to hire on the day for £6 and do not need to be reserved in advance. The venue also states that a swimming costume or tight fitted gym clothing is permitted.

Group offer (wetsuit hire included)

If you are bringing a group, Thorpe Lakes advertises a group session for eight people at £20 per person, with wetsuit hire included.

Optional locker hire

Kit lockers are available on site and cost £1.

Aqua Toddlers (1–5 year olds)

Thorpe Lakes also advertises ‘Aqua Toddlers’ (a pop-up mini aqua park) for 1–5 year olds, open May – September, priced at £1 per child, with accompanying adults not charged.

Thorpe Lakes states that it adjusts opening hours based on the season and daylight, and that it provides a detailed calendar of activities with extended hours during school holidays.

For visitors, the simplest planning approach is:

1. Pick your date in the booking calendar
2. Choose the session block that suits your group (under-13, under-16, or open)
3. Build your travel plan around arriving early enough for check-in, changing, and the safety briefing

Thorpe Lakes warns that failing to book in advance can leave you disappointed, and that to manage numbers on site you may be turned away at the car park if you do not have a booking.

For an outdoor, session-based venue that can fill quickly in warm weather, this is a sensible policy — and a strong reason to book online rather than trying your luck.

Arrive early

The venue states you need to arrive 40 minutes prior to your activity start time to check in and get changed.

Attend the safety briefing

For Aqua Park sessions, you must attend the safety briefing 5 minutes before your start time.

If you are planning as a group, treat the safety briefing time as your hard deadline, not your arrival time.

Thorpe Lakes’ key age and supervision rules are:

• Minimum age for unaccompanied children on the Aqua Park is 8.
• Children from age 6 can go on with one adult per two children.

The venue runs adult and kids specific sessions, where adults can only join under-13 and under-16 sessions on the basis they are accompanying children.

• If you want a calmer ‘kids-forward’ environment, choose an under-13 session.
• If your children are older, the under-16 blocks can be a better fit.
• If you are a mixed group of adults and older teens, open sessions may be most convenient, but you should expect a wider range of ages on the course.

This is one of the most practical parts of planning because outdoor lake sessions can be brilliant or miserable depending on clothing choices.

Wetsuit or not?

You do not have to wear a wetsuit. The venue states wetsuits are available to hire for £6, and that you can wear a swimming costume or tight fitted gym clothing.

Clothing

Only tight fitted gym clothing (for example leggings, shorts, fitted vests, or T-shirts) is permitted on the park, alongside swimwear or your own wetsuit.

Footwear

Only wet shoes are permitted on the Aqua Park.

Jewellery and glasses

You need to remove all jewellery for safety. Glasses are permitted at your own risk, though the venue strongly advises against it due to loss or damage risk.

Goggles and GoPros

Goggles are allowed (you will need to bring your own). GoPros are allowed, and the venue strongly recommends using a harness rather than handheld filming.

Thorpe Lakes states it has:

• Large male and female changing rooms with showers.
• Unisex quick-change stalls.
• Male, female, and disabled access toilets.

Food and drink policy

Thorpe Lakes does not permit outside food and drink on site, and that it has a licensed bar and café. It also notes that you will be refused permission onto the site with picnics or cool boxes.

If you typically bring a picnic for a day out, this is a key detail to know before you travel.

Spectator areas

If some people in your group are not taking part, Thorpe Lakes says there are a range of places to spectate around the site, including safe and dry areas, and you can also relax on the lakeside beach overlooking the main cable ski.

Thorpe Lakes confirms there is a car park (with coach access), and advises you to write the full address in your sat nav to ensure it brings you to the site: Thorpe Lakes, Thorpe Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PH.

If you are travelling with a group or on a tight schedule, aim to arrive earlier than you think you need — not just for traffic, but because the venue’s arrival guidance is already set at 40 minutes before your start time.

Thorpe Lakes advises that if you require easy access, you should call in advance. It states the site is accessible via wheelchair, but it is a fair distance from the car park across a long footbridge, so depending on specific requirements it may be more suitable to arrange access via an alternative service route. Disabled facilities are provided.

Thorpe Lakes states it only stops operating during a thunderstorm. It also states it does not stop for heavy rain and continues operating, and that you cannot change or cancel your booking due to weather. In the case of a thunderstorm, it delays later sessions so you do not miss your time.

If the forecast looks unsettled, a wetsuit (hired or your own) can make the difference between ‘exhilarating’ and ‘miserable’.

Visitors consistently describe Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park as a well-run, enjoyable destination for all ages. Feedback highlights both the quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the staff, with many families and groups noting how smoothly their sessions were organised.

Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park

4.5

Based on 622 reviews

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Chris H.

14:18 04 Aug 25

Having visited the park I had a few issues with regards to general cleanliness and state of repair which I have fed back and discussed with the manager. He has assured me action will be taken and I cannot fault the responsiveness and customer care shown.

Despite the issues – my daughter and I had a fun time visiting and hope to visit again.

Robert L.

11:31 06 Jul 25

What a great place! Absolutely superb in many ways. We had our son’s birthday party yesterday and it was great. The kids loved the inflatable obstacles and the raft ride afterwards. I can highly recommend it for birthday parties. Great bar, great food, friendly and very helpful staff. Easy check in and getting the wet suits and life vests. The water is clean and not cold at all. Highly recommended!

Ross T.

18:58 03 Jul 25

Took a group of young people to Thorpe Lakes for a rewards trip and a chance to push them outside their comfort zones. The trip couldn’t have gone better. The whole day was a brilliant mix of fun, challenge and positive team building. It really helped the group come together and grow in confidence.

The staff were absolutely spot on, they were friendly, patient, they genuinely went the extra mile, especially for a few of our group who were feeling a bit anxious at first. Joe (Manager), Monty, Ben and two really kind female staff (didn’t catch their names, sorry!) were fantastic. Everyone was engaging, got involved and made each young person feel welcome and included.

It’s not easy to find places that cater so well for young people while offering something unique, but Thorpe Lakes nailed it. We will definitely be back. Thank you so much!

Kenz B

19:07 27 Jun 25

It was really nice, the entry security, the girl at the bar who gave us the tickets were really lovely. However, the staff who were sitting on those blow up things…I understand that it’s tiring and cold sometimes but they wouldn’t even talk or smile.
We had a good time with the kids, nice little beach area for adults and kids to play once they have finished. We had our little picnic on the benches…maybe slowly they can add more things to it and make it bigger, more option for kids and adults.
Thank you 🙏🏽

Dan C

06:15 06 Jun 25

Was here for their summer kick off party
Great atmosphere, stalls, live music dj set
The cable is pretty well established- long walk if you fall in the top corner but its a good anti clockwise set up – would reccomend
Advise to sign the waiver (online) prior to arrival – makes checking in smoother/faster as you are on the system
Aqua park (inflatables) was PACKED – very popular

sdbradford

20:53 01 Sep 24

Brilliant fun with the kids and my wife. We loved the time jumping off stuff, falling over, swinging on things.

I have deducted one star for three reasons:
1. It’s not clear where to go or what to do when you arrive, so you risk losing time.
2. I have loved something even bigger to jump off. I guess they are limited by water depth.
3. There were two staff at the desk and we had to wait for 5 minutes while they answered a potential customer’s question between them.

Photos nicked off a relative.

Safety & Cleanliness

Safety is frequently noted, with multiple reviews referencing well-organised briefings and vigilant lifeguard supervision.

Hygiene feedback reflects positive overall impressions, with no major issues reported. Everyone consistently applauds the standard of equipment and general upkeep.

Take a closer look at the action-packed fun waiting for you at Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park. From towering inflatable slides and floating obstacle courses to high-speed wakeboarding and scenic lakeside views, our photo gallery captures the energy, excitement, and natural beauty of this watersports resort in Chertsey, Surrey.

Whether you are planning a family day out, a kids’ party, or an outdoor adventure with friends, these images highlight just how much there is to enjoy across the Aqua Park, Boat Lakes, Cable Park, and on-site café. See what makes this one of the most popular floating water parks near London.

Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park stands out as one of the most well-rounded and professionally run outdoor water parks in the South East. Its combination of a large, inflatable floating obstacle course, high-quality wakeboarding facilities, structured youth programmes, and boat lake coaching make it more than just a fun day out — it is a fully-fledged watersports resort.

What sets Thorpe Lakes apart is its ability to cater to both high-energy thrill seekers and families looking for structured, safe, and supervised water-based experiences. The park’s attention to safety, visible in its mandatory briefings, trained lifeguards, and equipment standards, builds real trust with first-time visitors and returning guests alike.

For families with younger children, the Aqua Toddlers sessions and Kids Club add real value, while adults and teens benefit from the mix of sport and leisure. The structured summer camps, beginner-friendly wakeboarding sessions, and optional wetsuit hire help make watersports accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

Its proximity to London, free parking, and availability of shaded spectator areas also make Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park a convenient and versatile destination for a range of group sizes — from families to school groups and corporate days out. While the site does not offer accommodation or allow picnics, its in-house café and efficient scheduling more than make up for it.

Overall, Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park is a prime example of a well-managed outdoor water leisure park — offering more than just inflatables, but a full aquatic experience with structure, professionalism, and fun at its core.

If you have visited the Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park we would love to hear from you.

Leave your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments section below — your insights help other families make the most of their water park adventures.