What is the minimum age for the inflatable aqua park?

Generally 6 years old and able to swim confidently. All participants must wear a buoyancy aid provided on site. Check the Thorpe Lakes website for current age and height restrictions.

Do we need to be able to swim for wakeboarding sessions?

Basic swimming ability is recommended and participants wear buoyancy aids at all times. Beginner sessions are run in shallow cable zones with instructors nearby, making it manageable for confident non-swimmers too.

Is there parking at Thorpe Lakes?

Yes, there is on-site parking available. A parking fee may apply. The site is best reached by car as public transport links are limited.

Thorpe Lakes UK

Name: Thorpe Lakes UK
Address: London, UK, US
Telephone: 01932 579750
Rating: 4.5

Rating

4.5(717)

Family of 4

USD 80-130 depending on activities chosen

Duration

Half to full day

Best Ages

6 and up

About

Thorpe Lakes is a watersports and outdoor activity complex set around a series of gravel pit lakes near Chertsey in Surrey, within easy reach of London. The site has evolved into one of the most popular family outdoor activity destinations in the South East, offering a wide range of water-based and land-based activities across its scenic lakeside setting.

The headline attraction for families is the inflatable aqua park — a large floating obstacle course of slides, climbing frames, and trampolines set on the lake, which consistently delivers big laughs and plenty of splashing. Older children and teens can try wakeboarding and water skiing on a dedicated cable lake, with beginner sessions run by qualified instructors who quickly get first-timers on their feet.

Additional activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and open water swimming in the designated lake zone. A beach volleyball court, lakeside picnic areas, and a cafe round out the on-site facilities. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with a mix of serious watersport enthusiasts and families just looking for a fun afternoon.

Changing facilities are available on site, and lockers can be hired for valuables. Wetsuits are recommended for the inflatable park and are available to hire. The site is best reached by car and has ample parking. Pre-booking specific activity sessions is strongly advised during school holidays when demand peaks significantly.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Nursing / Changing

true

Kid Meals

Cafe on site; vending machines and snack kiosks available

Setting

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays in July and August for best weather and manageable crowds

Wait Times

10-20 minutes for popular water activities

Nearby Food

On-site cafe; Chertsey town centre has additional cafes and takeaways about 10 minutes by car

Why Kids Love It

Open water, inflatables, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding all in one place makes Thorpe Lakes feel like a water park without the long queues of a traditional theme park. Older kids get real independence choosing their own activities while parents can relax lakeside. The setting is genuinely beautiful and surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so close to London.

Pro Tips from Parents

Book activity sessions at least a week ahead in summer — the inflatable aqua park fills up extremely quickly during school holidays.
Hire a wetsuit on arrival even in warm weather; the lake water stays cold and the wetsuit makes the inflatable park far more enjoyable for longer sessions.
Younger children who don't meet height or age requirements for the main activities can still enjoy the beach area and paddleboarding with adult supervision.