UK Theme Parks - Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire is1992. A chain is used to pull the coaster train to the
thought to be the oldest leisure park in the Unitedhighest part of the structure and gravity then takes
Kingdom. The park first opened its gates to theover to rapidly descend at 30mph negotiating the
public in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who had firsttwists and turns. The passengers experience a
purchased the 147 acres of land in 1913 with thesevere deceleration during the braking process upon
vision of building a model village. Today the park isarrival at the station. The riders love it.
owned by the Wicksteed Trust, which was set upIn 1997, Wicksteed Park had the Racing Cars
by Charles Wicksteed in 1916 and is a registeredinstalled. 200cc Honda 2 stroke engined racing cars
charity.with a maximum speed of 15 mph and is a very
The 30 acre man-made boating lake was one of thepopular attraction with all ages as the drivers are
first features to be opened in 1921. The Water Chuteallowed to navigate their way around the racing
was built in 1926 and underwent major renovation intrack. The Racing Cars replaced the old Go-Karts.
2002 and is the oldest working ride in the UnitedThe Paratrooper ride was installed at Wicksteed Park
Kingdom. The narrow-guage railway which runsin 1982. It basically consists of a central supporting
around the lake is another very popular attraction.column with a rotating disk at the top with steel
Today, however, Wicksteed Park has manyspokes. The cars are fitted to the end of the
amusement rides which aren't quite so historical.spokes. A hydraulic ram lifts the spokes and the
The attractions are divided into four themed areas:-riders are swung out to 45 degrees.
1. The Playground Area which is open all year round,The Lakeside themed area of Wicksteed Park is
is free to use and is one of the largest playgrounds inhome to the Water Chute, the Bumper Boats and
Europe; 2. The Fairground Area with rides for thethe Nautic Jets among others.
younger children and which also houses theThe Fairground is sited at the top of Wicksteed Park
Amusement Arcade; 3. The Lakeside Area which isand has traditional fairground rides such as a
predominantly for the water-themed rides such asRoundabout, Mini-jets, Astroglide, Dodgems and the
the Bumper Boats; 4. The Arena Area which has theChairoplanes. More up-to-date is the Rockin Rug and
larger rides including the Racing Cars.Wicky's Inflatable.
Unlike many other theme parks, Wicksteed Park isAs well as being a theme park, Wicksteed Park also
free to enter and tickets can be purchased forhas camping facilities, a fishing lake, orienteering
individual rides, or, a wristband can be purchased forcourses, barbecue and picnic areas, an arboreteum
unlimited access to most of the rides.and holds educational visits based on Key Stages 1-4
As well as the usual and expected fast foods,featuring a Nature Trail of a little over 2 kilometres
Wicksteed Park also has a diverse range of foodswith activity points along the way.
ranging from 3 or 4 course meals to sandwiches andAll in all, not a very big or extreme theme park, but it
baguettes. There are also international food outlets,is certainly very popular with people from all over the
such as Little Italy; French Cuisine; New York, NewUK who prefer to spend a relaxing day laughing
York; British Bulldog and a Cornish Pasty Shop. Allrather than screaming. The Pavilion houses the "It's
across the site are situated cafes and bistros.Showtime" daytime musicals throughout the year. For
Some of the larger rides at Wicksteed Park includemore information go to Wicksteed Park.
the Roller Coaster which was built and installed in