Here’s the truth: Thorpe Park doesn’t open at a reasonable hour like 10 AM. No, they usually greet the first guests around 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM, but the real pros know you need to be there by 9:00 AM just to park. It’s like arriving at a party before the host has finished vacuuming—awkward but strategic.
I once showed up at 9:45 AM thinking I was early. I was not early. I was sandwiched between a family of six and a group of teenagers who had clearly been awake since dawn. The moral of the story? If you want to be first in line for that new coaster, bring snacks and patience.
The park usually closes around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM during normal season, but check for “Fright Nights” or “Lates” events that extend hours into the spooky night. Those late sessions are magic—like a theme park version of staying up past your bedtime.
Thorpe Park Opening Weekend 2026 Vlog Saturday 29th March 2026 - YouTube
Season Passes and Early Birds: The Inside Scoop
If you’re a die-hard fan, you might already know about “preview days” for season pass holders. This is the VIP treatment, like getting into a movie theater before the trailers even start. You get to walk around an empty-ish park, whispering “I was here first” to no one in particular.
I still remember my first preview day—I felt like a celebrity until I tripped over a loose curb. But you know what? No one saw. The park was that empty. It’s a beautiful, selfish feeling.
For everyone else, aim for a weekday in late April or early May if you can. Weekends are like a busy supermarket on a Sunday afternoon: everyone’s there, and we’re all just shuffling along. Wednesdays are the secret quiet days, like finding a parking spot right by the entrance.
