London Car Hire Chessington

The Car Hire Co – Car Hire – Chessington

Customers for car hire in and around the Chessington area can find all their vehicle requirements at the Car Hire Co. We have an extensive range of vehicles for you to cast your eye over. We have many years experience in the car hire business and our customer service is second to none.

Chessington boasts one of the best theme park attractions known as Chessington World of Aventures. It started out a Chessington Zoo in 1931. The Zoo was created in the grounds of a country mansion steeped in history. Old records give an indication that the mansion house was probably built around 1348. Around this time its use appear to be a school for archery were Officers could perfect their skills. Elizabeth the First made a visit to the grounds where she allowed for archery to be practiced on Sundays.

During the civil war of 1642-1660, Cromwells army burnt the mansion down as it was being used as a Cavalier stronghold. It was rebuilt and given the name of Burnt Stub. Towards the end of the 17th century it was an alehouse but was later rebuilt as a larger farmstead, probably during the 18th or 19th century. At the start of the 20th century a family by the name of Vere Barker took over the estate but sadly the mansion caught fire was extensively damaged. In 1919, the family restored the mansion to a very high standard. In 1931 the house was put up for sale and the recorded vendor was a Sir Francis Barker.

Reginald Goodard who owned a successful slate and slab company purchased the house and land. He was attracted to the Chessington based estate as if was the perfect place for his large collection of exotic animals. Reginald opened his home to the public on the 28th July 1931 to allow them to share in his passion for exotic animals.

It didn’t take long before Chessington Zoo expanded with other forms of entertainment such as a circus, miniature railway and funfair. In 1939 the Zoo was forced to close on a temporary basis due to the outbreak of war. Reginald then went into partnership with Herbert Whitley another zoo owner and the animals were moved down to Whitley’s zoo in Paignton. Reginald returned to Chessington in 1946 but tragically died on Christmas Day of the same year. The park and attractions were registered as a company and continued to bring in many visitors. In 1978 the park had not choice but to sell to the Pearson Group as bigger investment was needed. This company later became the Tussauds Group who, were responsible for creating the theme park we know today.

The theme park in Chessington is well worth a visit so for ease, why not go for car hire from The Car Hire Company and drive your car hire into the large car park at Chessington based theme park.

Car or Van? Just click, to see our full range of rental vehicles, to get a quote or to make a booking with us today and enjoy car and van hire made easy.

The Car Hire Company - your Local Company for Cars & Vans, delivered to you, in London.

If you prefer to discuss your car and van hire requirements directly with us, then please call our reservations team on 020 8335 0060.