I am planning an awards dinner for 450 people, can you do this?
Yes we can! Lake View at THORPE PARK can also host the following:
• Receptions and networking events for 100-600 guests
• Dinner dance for 100-450 guests
• Conferences for 50-300 guests (theatre, classroom or cabaret style)
• Family Fun Days for 250-1,500 guests on a rolling basis
(please note our venue at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo can host family fun days from 100-450 on a rolling basis.)

Can we use our own caterers for our event?
No but our accredited list of caterers, whose details can be found in our 'Events Companion', offer something for all budgets and tastes and are highly recommended within the industry. They all work in our venues at THORPE PARK and Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo on a regular basis and have a good track record in delivering excellent food and service.

Most venues we use for our events are non smoking, do you allow smoking at your venue?
New Government legislation forbids smoking in enclosed places but smoking is allowed on our decking area at Lake View.

Will we need insurance?
Yes damage caused by the actions of a guest will be charged to the client as per our terms and conditions of hire. It is recommended that an insurance policy is taken out to cover £60,000 in the event of such damage.

What time can we finish our party and what time does the event have to finish?
We have an entertainment and liquor license at Lake View until 2am. However, the bars and entertainment must finish 30 minutes before the end of the event.

I want to book a cool DJ for my reception and a tribute band for dancing after dinner, do you have any restrictions with regards entertainment?
All entertainment must be booked through one of our accredited entertainment agents, their details can be found in our 'Events Companion'. An event manager from one of the entertainment companies will be at your event on the night to show-call your chosen entertainment and look after them. We do not allow any pyrotechnics.

I'm currently in the process of organising a conference, can I supply my own AV and production?
No, however Lake View has some of the most advanced audiovisual equipment available including WiFi throughout the venue. All our equipment is managed by our team of in-house technicians who will be present throughout your event. They are available prior to your event should you wish to meet with them. Any additional equipment required to compliment our system can be sourced through our events team.

Are there any hidden extras I need to know about?
The cloakroom, a team of hostesses, event security and all furniture requirements for seated events up to 300 guests are included within hire of Lake View. Background music, lighting, staging and our PA system are also provided free of charge. We also have a plasma screen in Lake View which is also available to you. We charge below industry rates for additional AV equipment if you require it.

Can we supply our own drinks?
We have an approved suppler for all drinks but we will allow clients to bring in their own drinks for a corkage charge of £10 per person + VAT (wine beer and soft drinks) or £15.00 + VAT (wine, beer soft drinks and spirits).

What is the earliest time we can arrive and set up for our event?
The earliest we can allow access at both parks is 8.00am. Early access for evening events at THORPE PARK will depend on the use of the venue during the daytime.  We will try to be as accommodating as possible. 

I don't want my guests to queue for hours for rides
Even on peak days the queues are never too long, however our special 'Q Jump' tickets are available for selected rides (subject to availability). Full details are available from the events team.

Can I hire any of the rides exclusively?
Yes. During the open season in the evening after the park has been closed to the public, rides (subject to availability) can be hired for 1 or more hours for the exclusive use of companies using our Lake View.

Can I hire the whole theme park?
Both theme parks have the space for up to 7,000 guests and are available for exclusive evening hire during the open season (not during school holidays) between 7pm-11pm (last ride at 10pm).

Is THORPE PARK right for family fun days?
Both THORPE PARK and Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo are brilliant for fun days so we have created two packages which complement the parks perfectly. 'Circus School' at Chessington offers the chance to meet birds and animals as well as learn and perform great circus tricks in our 'big top'. Chill and Thrill at Thorpe offers the chance to experience world class thrill rides or relax with a massage in our chill-out zone.

I'm looking for an unusual team building activity, can you suggest something?
At THORPE PARK, during the open season, we work with several team building specialists will help design activities from a light-hearted treasure hunt, to a carefully monitored and debriefed training game. Please ask for our 'Event Companion' for more information or contact the events team.

I am organising an outing for my colleagues and want to offer something special but I don't need a venue or a caterer, can you help?
Our Corporate VIP package offers an executive theme park experience at either Chessington World of Adventures or THORPE PARK and includes an event manager to meet you, a 'Q Jump' ticket for 1 ride (subject to availability) and enough 'Magic Money' to buy lunch at any of our restaurants. It is available for as few as 25 guests up to 2,500 guests.

Do you hold Christmas parties?
Christmas parties are held at THORPE PARK, organised by Christmas Party specialist Best Parties Ever. For more information please click here.

Can you arrange for internet connection to be available for my conference?
Lake View at THORPE PARK is fitted with WiFi internet access allowing high speed internet access for any number of users. This service is provided free of charge.

Please contact the events team on 0870 141 3334 if you have any other questions.