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Wicksteed Park

For nearly 100 years, Wicksteed Park has been a favourite family destination, since Charles Wicksteed created one of the UK’s first leisure parks here in 1913. Today the Wicksteed brand is found on slides and swings in playgrounds across Europe, and Wicksteed Park is now an English Heritage Grade II listed site, cleverly combining all the thrills of a theme park with its founder’s original vision of providing open spaces and safe parkland for families.

The rides are located in three areas, separated by open parkland. The Fairground has traditional rides including a pirate ship, carousel, dodgems and crazy golf, and many of the rides in this area are suitable for all ages. Rides have height restrictions, so not all will be appropriate for younger children. Little ones will make a bee line for the great free playground adjacent to the pirate ship, with central giant octopus climbing frame, complete with slides for tentacles.

Waterbabies should head for the Lakeside for plenty of opportunities to splash and get wet. Hire a canoe or rowing boat, or take a ride on the splashing seals - great for tots. The highlight is the iconic waterchute, the original ride designed by Charles Wicksteed, and built in 1926. Fins on the front of the boat create a spectacular wave as you plunge into the water, providing a fun introduction to fairground rides for little ones, and a dash of nostalgia for parents or grandparents who may have visited Wicksteed in their younger days.

Most of the park’s larger rides are located in the Arena, and this will be the main draw for older children, with the Rollercoaster, Racing Cars and the new Rocky River Falls. Ride a river log for the exhilarating 11 metre drop into Rocky River - you will get wet!

Younger children have their own mini Ladybird Coaster in the Arena, plus plenty to entertain elsewhere in the park. Ride the miniature railway which runs around the site, play in the sandpit, visit the free range peacocks, or the geese by the boating lake.

In addition to the many rides and attractions, which are open seasonally, Wicksteed offers a 2km nature trail, arboretum, fishing lake and the playground - all open 365 days a year.

Wicksteed Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic. The big grassy car park is very close to all the attractions, accessible within a few minutes walk, so spread out your picnic rug next to your car and tuck in before heading back into the park. Later you might need an ice cream or a snack and there are plenty of outlets around the site.

Adventure Details

• The park’s website has a useful guide to all rides in the park, together with height restrictions for each. www.wicksteedpark.co.uk/Height-Guide.aspx
• Opening days and times check website for details. Generally rides & attractions open from Easter – end Sept, but sometimes closed on weekdays during this time. Out of season, shorter opening hours and some rides closed. Park, playground, nature trail open 365 days a year.
• Facilities – baby changing is available in ladies, gents and disabled toilets at various locations around the park.
• There are plenty of special events throughout the year such as car shows, talent shows and historical renactments – check the website.
• Admission – admission to the park is free but a cost for parking (from £2 per car out of season to £6 in season).