chessington

Chessington itself is a modest suburban town in Greater London, south of the capital, best known as the home of Chessington World of Adventures - a theme park that's been pulling in families since 1983. The town centre won't exactly set your pulse racing; it's standard commuter belt stuff with the usual high street suspects. But that's rather beside the point.

What brings people here is the theme park, full stop. It's got rides ranging from gentle carousel affairs for toddlers through to proper roller coasters that'll have teenagers gripping their seats. The zoo section is reasonably decent if you can't face the trek to proper safari parks - lions, giraffes, the usual lot. Allow a full day minimum if you're bringing kids, though you won't see everything unless you arrive at opening and stay until close.

Entry isn't cheap, and you'll pay extra for parking, so budget accordingly. Off-season visits (September onwards, before Christmas) are far less rammed than summer holidays.

If you're basing yourselves at one of the nearby holiday parks - Chessington World of Adventures Resort is obviously closest at 1.4 miles - this becomes your obvious day out. Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site is only 2.3 miles away if you fancy something a touch quieter. The problem is Chessington itself offers absolutely nothing else worth your time once you've done the park. It's one-trick pony territory. Worth the visit if you've got children? Yes. Worth lingering in town beyond that? Not remotely.