Over the years, tired old dated rides at Chessington World of Adventures have been given a fresh reboot.

Last year, the dated Bubbleworks made way for the Gruffalo ride with its impressive CGI of  characters from the hit Julia Donaldson children’s book.

And so for 2018 it was the turn of the 30-year-old log flume attraction, or Dragon Falls ride, to be brought into the 21st century. Merlin Entertainments have been building up the ride for the last year and finally its construction has been complete, the tigers have arrived and it is about to open to the general public.

The new Tiger Rock  ride will be launched this weekend and the press, along with a smattering of celebrities including singer Sophie Ellis Bextor and ex-Blue Peter presenters like Konnie Huq and Helen Skelton with young children in tow were there to give the much-anticipated attraction its test run. And all, I think, gave it the thumbs up.

Unlike other rides at the park, the new Tiger Rock is unusual, if not unique, as it combines family fun while raising awareness about tiger conservation.

How does it work? The new attraction which now dominates  the entire Chessington site consists of a giant tiger enclosure where four endangered Amur tigers – Olga, Tsar, Kalinka and Kyra - will be able to roam and explore around their vast and impressive new habitat which includes elevated ramps that stretch over the heads of ride-users.

Up to four adventurers in a log flume, will then be able to keep a look out for their new furry friends as they embark on the five-minute river journey towards the ‘water fall’.

The attraction  culminates in a 20m drop through mist and out of a carved  tiger’s head into the waters below and the experience is one both youngsters and adults will enjoy. And hopefully a tiger or two would have been spotted along the way.

It is at the lower end of a white-knuckle experience, so is suitable for youngsters although they will have to be at least 1.2m tall to enjoy it.

Of course visitors to Chessington who are not keen on getting wet will be able to walk around the perimeter of the enclosure, enjoying the animals for example at feeding times, without having to go on the ride.

Concerns about having real animals co-existing with thrill seekers have been allayed by wildlife presenter Nick Baker who has given the attraction his support.

Youngsters will also be encouraged to ‘earn their stripes’ by learning about what it takes to care and protect these endangered species at the new attraction.

For more details go to chessington.com/land-of-the-tiger/. Or why not combine a visit to Tiger Rock wth a glamping experience at Chessington. For details go to Chessington.com/glamping/