Wicksteed Park, located in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been the go-to place for fun for over 100 years – yet is known by precious few outside of theme park circles
Tucked away in the middle of England, Wicksteed Park boasts its title as one of the world’s oldest theme parks, delighting youngsters and grown-ups alike for over a century.
Yet it remains somewhat of a well-kept secret outside of theme park circles. The park, nestled on what once was a tranquil meadow in Kettering, has been a source of fun for 103 years.
Situated just half an hour east of Birmingham and a stone’s throw (100 miles) north of London, Wicksteed is conveniently reachable to most of England’s eager visitors. For theme park enthusiasts across Britain, this attraction is a must-see, holding the crown of the oldest in Great Britain.
That’s if you don’t count Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, which has been hosting visitors since the 1840s – even while battling the regular threats of landslides. Though younger in comparison, Wicksteed Park has loads to offer with its claim as the very “place where fun was invented”.
It’s perfect for family outings, especially those with little ones or newcomers to the theme park scene, offering gentle rides such as teacups, a clown rollercoaster and a merry-go-round. For those seeking a bit more excitement, the Thrill Zone is your go-to spot.
Here, you can hop on the Dinosaur Valley rollercoaster, where “turns are banked at a steep angle as the dino carriages run at speed along a figure-of-eight-pattern through the legs of the mighty brontosaurus, providing many twists and turns along their journey”.
The park’s beloved 2ft narrow gauge Wicksteed Park railway has been a staple since 1931, carrying over 15 million passengers around the scenic grounds. It was the final addition to the park by its founder, Charles Wicksteed, an industrialist who originally purchased the land in 1913 with visions of creating a model village for his workers.
However, when the local council began erecting houses post-WWI, Wicksteed pivoted to developing a park with leisure facilities for the community, allowing free entry funded by ride fees and refreshment sales. By 1926, the park boasted a pavilion and theatre, a rose garden, water chute, bandstand, and fountain.
This February half term, thrill-seekers can grab a wristband for £6, while tots under 0.9m enjoy free entry, and individual rides are priced at £3 each.