Chessington World of Adventures evacuated after threat
Metropolitan Police deemed the security alert not credible, with the park reopening later in the week.
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Chessington World of Adventures, a theme park located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, south-west London, was evacuated on Sunday 8 November 2026. Safety protocols were initiated after a threat was reported to the Metropolitan Police.
Eyewitness accounts described staff asking visitors inside the park to leave, while others reported being prevented from entering. Police and paramedics were observed at the park's entrance. The Metropolitan Police confirmed their attendance, stating that the alleged threat was assessed and deemed not credible. A spokesman for the force indicated that no wider risk to the public was identified and that the incident was believed to be isolated.
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Park Reopening Plans
A spokeswoman for Merlin Entertainments, the operator of Chessington World of Adventures, confirmed that the resort closed as a precaution following the security incident, working in coordination with the Metropolitan Police. The incident was subsequently resolved. The company announced via social media that guests due to visit on Sunday would have their tickets accepted at Legoland Windsor or could contact customer services for alternatives. The hotel at the Chessington resort was scheduled to reopen on Monday 9 November, with the entire resort planned to resume operations on Saturday 14 November.
Chessington World of Adventures attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors each year, according to industry figures. The safety and wellbeing of guests and staff were stated by the company as their highest priority.
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Questions this report answers
+Why was Chessington World of Adventures evacuated?
The theme park was evacuated on Sunday 8 November 2026 after a threat was reported. The Metropolitan Police attended the scene to assess the situation.
+Was the threat at Chessington World of Adventures credible?
No, the Metropolitan Police assessed the alleged threat and determined it was not credible. They indicated there was no wider risk to the public.
+When did Chessington World of Adventures reopen?
The hotel at the Chessington resort reopened on Monday 9 November 2026. The full theme park resort reopened as planned on Saturday 14 November 2026.
+What happened to visitors who were turned away?
Visitors who were unable to enter Chessington World of Adventures on the day of the evacuation were advised that their tickets would be accepted at Legoland Windsor or they could contact customer services.
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