Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s Explorer Glamping is opening to the public on the 27th May 2016 and includes 35 permanent tents! There are 31 round ‘Glamping’ tents comprising of one double bed and two singles which are able to sleep four. There are also four premium ‘Amboseli Tents’ with a double bed, and separate second sleeping area with three single beds and additional living space.
This outdoor accommodation experience has access to separate shower and toilet huts, a central dining facility aptly named Explorers’ Outpost and a Reception tent. I am thrilled to be able to experience this one of a kind overnight stay in brand new family tents set in surrounding wilderness.
CWOA is a short drive from junction 9 of the M25. It took us almost three hours to drive there as we hit rush hour around the M25. We weren’t dispirited though as we were all looking forward to exploring Chessington! The entrance to the glamping site was easy to find off the A243 road. We drove over the fields and parked up at the Explorer Gate car park. As we were there rather late, we had missed out on the fun children activities at the glamping site and the exclusive access to Wild Asia. Wild Asia will be exclusively open to glamping guests after the park closes which allow guests to ride on the KOBRA ride, Monkey Swinger, bumpy drive on Tuk Tuk Turmoil, Jungle Bus and run riot in the Temple of Mayhem.
Want to check out the tent? Why not check out our video!
After arriving so late, we were all hungry so promptly went to check out their fully themed buffet restaurant which is exclusive to glamping guests. It was a three course evening buffet which included their signature dishes like BBQ beef with chilli and maple glaze and Malaysian vegetable curry. We all enjoyed the food in a well decorated tent with a nice atmosphere filled with LED candles and flowers. The place was buzzing with people and there was still plenty of food and drink available when we reached there.
Later, we retired back into our cosy tent where there is free Wi-Fi, power sockets, one double bed, two single beds, a clothes rail, a chair and lighting. CWOA has become the first Theme Park to trial ‘FlyFi’ a brand new, one-of-a-kind internet service. This brand new connection service, most unusually, combines the natural flying power of the macaw along with a strong Wi-Fi signal to make sure that none of Chessington’s resident Glampers miss out on staying connected during their adventure at the Resort. As there is not much entertainment through the evening, I was delighted to be able to stream my favourite Korean drama series while in the tent! I love that I was able to stay connected especially as I was busying uploading videos of the whole place to show my Facebook friends, Twitter and Instagram!
Both my children were happily playing in the common area by themselves and with other children. There are garden toys, tables and chairs for the guests to hang out.
Sitting under the stars, enjoying the luxurious feel of nice bedding, hot shower and nice food! What a great way to enjoy glamping! Not only that, it feels safe and close to nature!
Overnight, it did rain throughout and the temperature dropped so we all extra layers to sleep. It is important that you plan for the weather and bring extra blankets, socks and clothing, just in case! You are not allowed to use a heater or fire in the tent. Also do remember that the tents are quite close to one another and there is bound to be some noise coming from your neighbours. Overall, everyone was very considerate and by 10pm, it was dead silent.
The next day, we had our hot buffet breakfast at the same restaurant. It is a good choice of food and we all had the English breakfast while Ms C went for cereals. We also got to meet their mascot and took a photo with him.
After breakfast, we went back to relax before we checked out of the tent at 10 am. We then proceeded to explore the theme park with over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, a Zoo with over 1,000 animals and SEA LIFE centre, plus daily live shows and seasonal events. There is also a brand new Pandemonium live show.
Both of my children were very excited with the rides and we all had fun riding them especially Bubbleworks and Tomb Blaster. Thanks to CWOA for this unique experience. We have never been camping with children before and this glamping experience is definitely worth a try. I love all the facilities that you might not get with normal camping like a hot shower, flushable toilet and a comfy bed! Also not forgetting the free Wi-Fi!
Find out more about the latest adventurous addition to the Resort’s accommodation on the website www.chessington.com/glamping.
Disclosure: We were provided free stay to write about our experience, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.