A family from Manchester swapped their usual Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach trips for Thorpe Park in Surrey, where they tackled Hyperia, the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, and combined it with a day in London.
Why Thorpe Park?
Located just 20 miles from central London, Thorpe Park made sense for a short break, allowing the family to add a trip to the capital. The drive from Manchester took less than four hours, with no Congestion Charge zones to worry about. The park is in the village of Thorpe, between Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames.
The family stayed in the on-site Shark Cabins, which sleep up to four in a double bed and bunkbed. Although a tight squeeze for teenagers, the cabin provided air conditioning, an en-suite wet room, Wi-Fi, and a TV – welcome comforts after long days at the park.
Hyperia: The Main Attraction
Hyperia, which opened in 2024, stands 236 feet tall and accelerates from 0 to 81 mph in just 1.8 seconds. Its weightless moments total 14.8 seconds, the most of any UK coaster. The ride is remarkably smooth, with just a lap bar, similar to Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, offering a freer experience.
Thorpe Park is known as the UK's thrill capital, with other major rides including Stealth, an accelerator coaster that reaches 205 feet, and The Swarm, the UK's first wing coaster. Colossus is the world's first 10-loop coaster, and Saw – The Ride is the world's first horror movie-themed coaster with a 100-degree beyond-vertical drop.
Water Rides and Dining
During the hot weather, the family appreciated the water rides, particularly Tidal Wave, which drenches riders and bystanders alike. The park warns that each rider gets 215 litres of water – equivalent to 2.7 bathtubs.
Meals were at the on-site Vibes Bar & Kitchen, which also served the buffet breakfast included with the cabin stay.
Day Trip to London
The family took a bus from the park to Staines Train Station (about 20 minutes), then a train to Waterloo, reaching central London in under an hour. From Waterloo, they walked less than 10 minutes to The London Eye, enjoying 360-degree views of landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace during the 30-minute ride.
They also visited The London Dungeon, an interactive walkthrough attraction featuring live actors and rides, including a Drop Dead: Drop Ride. The tour lasts about 75 minutes and is recommended for ages 12 and up, though children from age five are allowed.
Ticket Prices and Deals
Thorpe Park summer holiday short breaks start at £84.25 per person, including two-day park tickets, an overnight stay in the Shark Cabins, breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and 10% off snacks and merchandise. Themed cabins are available, including Hyperia and Stealth themes.
Special events like Thorpe Park Lates: Summer Sounds are included on select dates in August 2026, with extended park hours until 9pm. London Dungeon tickets start at £23.63, and London Eye tickets at £25.38 when booked online. Combined tickets are available from £46.38 for kids and £51.63 for adults.
