Plus Size at Thorpe Park: Ride-by-Ride Breakdown (2025)

Until last year, I was a UK size 28—and I vividly remember saying to Callum, “I can’t wait to go to Thorpe Park one day.”

I hadn’t been since I was 16, and I didn’t dare try. The fear of not fitting on the rides kept me away completely. Then getting turned away at Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris just pushed me over the edge.

But this week I finally went back as a size 16/18 and had the BEST day. I laughed, I screamed, and I made sure to take notes on everything so that nobody else has to go in feeling anxious or unsure.

So if you’re wondering what will fit, where to find test seats, or which rides are tricky with certain body shapes, this post has you covered.

I didn’t go on any of the smaller kids’ rides (or the rapids) during this visit, so this guide focuses on the main thrill rides—but if I go back with my niece, I’ll be sure to update it.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them. It won’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the site going—so thank you!

Thorpe Park Ride Fit Table

🎠 Ride	📏 Estimated Max Fit	🪑 Test Seat
Rush	Size 24 and under	❌
Zodiac	Size 26 and under	❌
Vortex	Size 20 and under	✅
Quantum	Size 26 and under	❌
Flying Fish	Size 26 and under	❌
Swarm	Size 22 and under	✅
Tidal Wave	Size 26 and under	❌
Hyperia	Size 24 and under	✅
Colossus	Size 18 (bottom)	✅
Samurai	Size 18 and under	✅
Saw	Size 22 and under	✅
Walking Dead	Size 26 and under	❌
Detonator	Size 22 and under	✅
Nemesis Inferno	Size 26 (Row 4/5)	✅
Stealth	Size 20 and under	✅

💡 TOP TIP: Follow @team.topsy on TikTok for even more ride fit videos and plus size tips. Their content is fantastic, and I’ve used some of their insights for rides I didn’t personally try—they matched up with my own experience almost exactly.

Ride-by-Ride Fit Breakdown at Thorpe Park

Here’s a ride-by-ride breakdown with everything I noted on the day. I’ve included estimated size limits, how the restraints work, and anything that might catch you off guard.

Rush

Estimated Max Fit: Size 26 (tight)
Test Seat: ❌

Rush has a hard plastic seat, so you’ll want to shimmy your bum right to the back to make the most of the space.

The lap bar comes in from the side and presses you down pretty firmly. On most of the rides you will close the bars yourself, but the staff actually close this one for you.

It should be okay at a size 26, but if you carry your weight in your stomach, just a heads up—it might not close.

No test seat for this one, but the staff were chill and helpful. It also helps that getting on the ride isn’t as public as some of the other rides so if you did have to get off, you could do so discreetly.

Zodiac

Estimated Max Fit: Size 26
Test Seat: ❌

There aren’t any restraints on Zodiac, so once you’re in, you’re good to go.

The only thing to note is that you do have to climb in and out of the little carriage, which can be a bit awkward depending on mobility.

I didn’t get any photos of the seats, but I’d say it should be fine up to a size 26—just take your time getting in and out.

Vortex

Estimated Max Fit: Size 20
Test Seat: ✅

This one’s definitely on the snug side. The seats are narrow and the overhead harness clicks in quite low.

I’m a size 18 on the bottom and it felt tight.

I’d say size 20 is probably the upper limit for comfort, but there’s no harm in trying! It’s another one that had short queues even on a busy Sunday in August so you could exit discreetly if it’s a no.

There is a test seat out front though, which really helps take the pressure off deciding.

Quantum

Estimated Max Fit: Any
Test Seat: ❌

Quantum is a good one if you’re feeling nervous—there’s just a shared lap bar that comes down over the whole row, and it locks to fit the first person it touches.

No overhead restraints, no individual squeezing. I found it really chill, and it should be absolutely fine at any size.

If you’re visiting with younger kids or someone much smaller, it’s worth asking to sit in a separate row so the bar can fit everyone safely.

Flying Fish

Estimated Max Fit: Size 26
Test Seat: ❌

I didn’t ride this one myself, but @team.topsy have and said it was a comfortable fit up to size 26.

It uses a lap bar and is one of the more relaxed rides in the park, so it’s a great option if you’re easing into the day or want something low-key.

Boarding looks simple, and it’s a good choice if you’re feeling unsure about tighter restraints.

Tidal Wave

Estimated Max Fit: Any
Test Seat: ❌

This one uses a single lap bar across the whole row.

It should be fine at any size, but getting in and out can be a bit awkward depending on mobility as you’ll have to step over a ledge and into the boat.

You will get absolutely drenched on this ride, so I’d definitely save it for the end of the day unless you fancy squelching around the park in wet clothes.

The Swarm

Estimated Max Fit: Size 22
Test Seat: ✅

Now let’s move on to some of the bigger rides in the park.

The Swarm has what’s called a double harness. There’s a softer padded section that presses against your midsection, and then two rigid bars come down over the top.

It’s actually the soft part that can be the trickiest if you carry weight in your stomach, as it needs to sit flat before the bars can lock into place.

I didn’t get the best photo of the seat setup— I actually ended up going on it solo, so I didn’t have my phone with me, and had to run back to get one at the exit.

I love all my readers, but not enough to risk it flying out of my pocket at 60mph.

At a size 16/18 I fit fine! I’d say size 22 and under should be fine, but it depends a lot on where you carry your weight.

Hyperia

Estimated Max Fit: Size 24
Test Seat: ✅

The restraint on Hyperia comes down over your head but only locks onto your thighs, which can feel a bit unnerving if, like me, you usually think you’re going to fly out.
But this one felt surprisingly secure.

The bar clicked into place, and a staff member gave it an extra push to make sure it was fully locked. It felt snug but not uncomfortable.

Honestly, having a bigger stomach actually helped—I was completely wedged in and didn’t budge.

My best friend, who’s a size 12/14, had a bit of a gap in hers and said she felt much less secure.

The seats are wide, but your legs sit slightly raised, so getting out takes a bit of effort.

I’d say it should be fine up to a size 24, but thankfully there’s a test seat to try if you’re unsure.

Colossus

Estimated Max Fit: Size 18 (20 depending on where you hold your weight)
Test Seat: ✅

Colossus was tight. I’m a size 18 on the bottom and just about fit, but if I were even one size up, I don’t think it would have worked.

The seat is narrow with very limited legroom, and there’s a molded section around the waist that made it feel even more restrictive.

I’ve got quite a bit of loose skin after weight loss and really felt the squeeze in this one.

There’s also a chest restriction listed at 51 inches. The ride uses an overhead harness with a single buckle that clicks into place.

Getting in isn’t the easiest either.
The ride loads quickly and you have to climb over and down into the seat, which can be awkward when you’re trying to move fast.

I’d 100% try the test seat before joining the queue if you’re above an 18.

Samurai

Estimated Max Fit: Size 18
Test Seat: ✅

I didn’t ride Samurai, but I did check out the test seat and… yeah, it’s small.

The seats are narrow, and the overhead harness locks down quite tightly.

From everything I’ve seen and read, this one’s better suited to around a size 18 or under.

If you’re on the cusp or hold weight in your stomach or thighs, I’d definitely try the test seat before deciding.

Saw: The Ride

Estimated Max Fit: Size 22 (possibly a 24)
Test Seat: ✅

The seats on Saw are actually wider than I expected and quite comfy once you’re in. The overhead harness comes down and does need to reach a certain point to lock in.

The carts look tiny when you’re standing in the queue, but I’d say size 22 would be fine!

That being said, if you’re a size 24 and carry your weight in your lower half, you might still fit without issue.

There are a lot of stairs up to the platform unless you’re using step-free access, and the ride moves quickly, so you’ll need to hop in and out fairly fast.

The Walking Dead: The Ride

Estimated Max Fit: Size 26
Test Seat: ❌

This one uses individual lap bars, and a size 26 should fit fine with a bit of adjusting.
The seat is quite low, and you’ll need to climb into it rather than just stepping in.

A good tip is to scoot your bum right to the back and cross your legs under the bar to give yourself more room.

You’ll be sitting next to someone else, so if you’re riding with another plus size guest it’s worth checking in with the staff before boarding to make sure there’s enough space.

The queue has narrow corridors and can feel a little claustrophobic. We didn’t have any live actors during our visit, which helped a lot, but this can vary.

Detonator

Estimated Max Fit: Size 22
Test seat: ✅

Detonator has a wide seat and uses an overhead harness that needs to click three times to lock you in.

It looks like it should be fine at a size 22, but the tricky part is you won’t know for sure until you’re actually on the ride—there’s no way to test the clicks from the test seat.

You’ll need to climb in and lower yourself into the seat, so take your time.

If you’re close to the limit or carry more weight in your upper body, this one might go either way, so just be prepared that it may not close.

Nemesis Inferno

Estimated Max Fit: Size 26 (ask for Row 4 or 5)
Test Seat: ✅

Nemesis uses an overhead harness that clicks into place. I rode in a ‘regular’ seat as a size 16/18 and had loads of room.

If I were closer to a size 24 or 26, I’d definitely ask for one of the modified seats in Row 4 or 5, just to be safe—they give you a bit of extra space thanks to the double buckle.

You do have to climb into the seat quite quickly as the ride loads fast, so it’s worth being ready when it’s your turn.

I didn’t have my phone on me for this one (it was going nowhere near a dangling feet coaster), but I honestly think a size 26 would be fine!

Stealth

Estimated Max Fit: Size 20
Test Seat: ✅

Stealth has an overhead harness with a single buckle, and the restraint has to click into place at a set point before you can ride.

I fit with loads of room at a size 16/18, but I think anything above a size 20 might start to feel tight—especially if your chest or thighs are your biggest area.

The legroom is narrow, and if you’re the first person in the row, you’ll need to climb over the seat to get in, which isn’t the most graceful moment of the day.

I saw loads of kids playing around on the test seat outside, but I asked them to move so I could get a proper photo, and they did.
Don’t be afraid to ask. That seat is there for you, not as a playground.

Are There Height and Weight Restrictions at Thorpe Park?

Thorpe Park doesn’t have a set weight limit for rides, but there are size and shape restrictions depending on the ride design.

Colossus, for example, has a 51″ chest limit and a 1.96m height restriction, and several rides require restraints to close to a specific point before you can ride.

Hopefully this ride-by-ride breakdown helps you figure out what’s likely to work for your body and where to use those test seats before queuing.

And if in doubt—ask.
The staff were helpful and professional all day.

So… Is Thorpe Park Plus Size Friendly?

Some of Thorpe Park’s best rides are actually pretty plus size friendly. Hyperia and Flying Fish, for example, were both roomy and comfortable.

But overall? I wouldn’t have rushed to visit here when I was a size 26/28.

The good news is that the park layout is quite compact, so it’s not like Alton Towers where you end up walking miles between each ride.

There are loads of places to sit and rest, and being able to nip back to the car park if you need a break is a definite bonus.

I’m really glad I finally got to go back—but I also know how much anxiety can come with theme parks when you’re plus size.

So I hope this post has taken a little of that pressure off, and made you feel more confident planning your day.