Would you leave your 14 yr old at Thorpe Park for the day?

[fishfingersandketchup]

14 yr old DS and three of his friends want to go to Fright Night at Thorpe Park in half term. DS has been twice before on a normal day, with an adult present. He's asked whether it would be a possibility for me to drop them there and leave them, and another adult pick them up. I think the park is open until late (need to check).
I'm not sure, I don't know how I feel about being an hour's drive away. But also I don't know if I'm being over protective. What is the MN wisdom on this please?

I would. 14 seems reasonable.

Why not?

Did this at 14 with a group of 6 and live a similar distance away. It was fine.

@Hairytangerine I don't know! That's why I'm asking here. I keep thinking what if something happens. But I can't quite work out what the something would be!

My 14 yo ds is quite street wise so def would.
13 yo dd def not!!

If there are no known issues with this group of friends then yes.

I did from when dd was 13 but in the summer, not for FrightNight.

Every time I go to Thorpe Park I am horrified by the amount of smoking and alcohol taking place there.

I think I'd be reluctant to leave 14yr olds on their own giving the likelihood of much older teens being there drinking

I'd have no qualms about leaving my 14 yo at Alton towers though

They're good friends and he's been with them before. Thanks for the speedy replies.

Yes I would. But I think a lot might depend on the maturity level/personality of the 14yr old and his/her friends.

Yes I would.

If you didn’t mind you could hang out in the car park or a nearby pub to be on hand just in case?

Yes I'd stay local too.

I've done the same for 14 yr old DD at Alton Towers. I had a day out with my mum about half an hour away.

@RailedOff I wondered about that. Or I could do half a shift and another parent could come and take over. But I wasn't sure if it was OTT.

What is local to Thorpe Park?? Think I'm leaning towards this.
Thanks all.

It's the kind of thing they would do on a school trip so i don't see why not

Yes I would but if book something nice for me to do whilst he was there. Or even just bloody sleep in the car the entire time!

Kingston upon thames or hampton court palace are nice to visit

I would find something local to do in the area and then pick him up. I'd be a lot more relaxed if I could get there fairly quickly.

On a school trip there would be teachers there though.
Now I'm torn between a nice day trip nearby or Thelaststand's suggestion of sleeping in the car! I could take duvet, pillows, snacks, kindle.....

Is Saville Gardens fairly close? You could go there if it was daytime and have a wander and go to the cafe? Or Windsor?

It's a good start at independence. Do it!

Yes, I would. Full of families, and no traffic, no a confined (if large) area. Safer than going into town imo

I went at 14 with a boyfriend, I wouldn't bat an eyelid!