SOME seriously creepy characters have found their way into Chessington World of Adventures this month.
As part of Chessington’s Howl’o’ween extravaganza, a bunch of Vile Villagers have taken over the Wild Woods, lurking behind trees and ready to pounce on visitors.
My brother and I were visiting the theme park in Kingston upon Thames, South West London, with my son Leo, eight, and his six-year-old cousin Buddy, who fancied themselves as teenage ghostbusters.
But little Buddy went running for his daddy’s hand when the ghouling got too tough.
The attraction’s young actors put in Oscar-worthy performances and their make-up, prosthetics and props made for a genuinely unnerving experience.
It’s a live, immersive experience, next to the famous Vampire ride, and horribly blood-soaked.
A wonderful thing about most Merlin attractions – but especially Chessington, perhaps because of the zoo’s many and wonderful animals – is how enthusiastic and knowledgeable the staff are.
It was too dark to see most of the name badges but every time we got lost, or needed to know a ride’s height restriction or a toilet location, we were saved by a member of the faultless team.
If your little trolls and ogres are not ready for the PG-12 frights, there are plenty of other options to entertain younger and softer souls.
Banyan: The Final Flame is an hypnotic fire-and-special effects show taking place at Adventure Point.
It was an action-packed afternoon and us fat dads needed a rest, but instead we were dragged away to more rides.
All the rides, like Mandrill Mayhem and Kobra, feel extra-thrilling after dark and the summit of Croc Drop gives a super-spooky view of nighttime London before sending you hurtling back to earth.
Our little terrors claimed to be too big and cool for the Wilf and Violet show on the Mini Stage and the appearances of Cocomelon’s JJ and Cody. But everyone else seemed to be loving the action.
The Pumpkin Patch is a brilliant spot for family photos – no matter what your age or fear factor.
And another success of our visit was the silent disco, which got our football-mad rough-housers dancing and singing like an Abba tribute act.
Our boys have not been old enough to do an after-dark theme park before but now inform us that they ONLY go on rides at midnight.
Mummify yourself in warm clothes and check out the timings of all of the shows so you can catch every scene. Then, strap yourself in as it’s guaranteed to be a spooktacular night.
TICKETS for Howl’o’ween cost from £35 per person, including entry to the theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium. Those under 90cm enter for free. See chessington.com/halloween.
