Family fun at Wicksteed Park awaits you!
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Recommendation added: 27/03/2006 20:36
By: Yerrell1 (YSUK rating +203)Yerrell1 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution
"Imagine the scene: Acres of beautiful parkland, a well-equipped and fun theme park, and attractions for adults and children alike. Add some wonderful bright sunshine and a visit to Wicksteed Park will be in your memories forever.
OK, maybe I can't promise you sunshine, but whatever the weather, Wicksteed Park always has something going on, which the whole family will enjoy. If you done a survey of the UK's top visitor attractions, not many people would mention Wicksteed Park – why? Because few people know about it! Well, its time for me to let you in to the secret, and tell you everything this wonderful place has to offer.
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
Wicksteed Park is located in Kettering, Northamptonshire. It is around 15 miles from Northampton. From the M1, come off at Junction 14 (Milton Keynes) follow roads signposted A509, until you reach Little Irchester. Then, take the A1593, and you will be guided the rest of the way to Kettering. Wicksteed Park is signposted as soon as you enter the town.
THE ATTRACTION
Wicksteed park is an all in one entertainment venue, comprising of a Theme Park and amusements, Bar and restaurant, camping grounds, park and various entertainment. I will tell you about each in more detail
Theme Park: Full of wonderful rides, that suit all ages, Wicksteed Park will quickly become your favourite theme park in the UK. The rides, some modern and some of yesteryear, are brilliant. The rides are nicely spread out around the park, and include water rides (Log Flume, Boats etc), pirate ship, laser tag, go karting and haunted house. In all, there are around 20 different rides that you will want to try over and over again. There are some height restrictions in place, but very few, therefore most rides are suitable for all. Prices: Wristbands, which allow unlimited rides, are £15 for children and £10 for adults. If you are on a tighter budget, or just want to go on a couple of rides, individual tickets can be purchased at 50p-£1 each (some rides require more than 1 ticket)
Amusement: Located near the Laser Tag, is a whole host of amusements and attractions. From the latest arcade games, to old-fashioned fruit machines, the arcade house has it all! Outside the arcade house are a variety of skill-based challenges, like get the basketball in the hoop and win a teddy bear. The prices are reasonable, as long as you don't go over the top (or let the kids have too much money!)
Bar And Restaurant: Located in the centre of Wicksteed Park is a beautiful Pavilion. The Pavilion can cater for weddings, parties and other events. In additional to this, you will find a pub style bar and restaurant, offering a good selection of food and drink for all the family. Basket meals start at around £5, and drinks are quite well priced too. There is a range of lagers and spirits, soft drinks and occasionally, real ales on offer. During lunch hours, in addition to basket meals, rolls and sandwiches are available.
Camping Grounds: 2006 sees the introduction of touring camping and caravanning at Wicksteed Park. As this is a new thing, I cannot comment on a personal basis, but a large section of land has been reserved for people touring the area. Prices are going to be around £10 per pitch, per night, which is very reasonable. I will defiantly give camping here a go, and review later in the year. Watch this space!
Entertainment: Throughout the year, various entertainments take place, some for adults only, but mostly family events. Previously, I have attended such events as motorcycle and classic car shows, car boot sales, and antique fairs and collectors fairs. There are many already scheduled for this year, which can be found on the website. In addition to this, live music events are regularly announced. Previously, such acts as Status Quo have gigged here, which was a fantastic experience. No doubt this year will see many more great events. On special occasions, like bonfire night and Halloween, family activities are announced. The firework display is truly spectacular, and I would highly recommend a visit.
The Park: Wicksteed Park has one of the biggest playgrounds in Europe, featuring slides, swings and fantasy castles. Even at 21, I can't help having a go still! The kids are sure to love exploring this huge park, which has seen £250,000 recently invested in it. The great thing is there is no cost to use the park equipment. Adjacent to the Park is a crazy golf course, usually open all year round. This attraction has been recently refurbished, and offers a fun challenge for everyone.
Fishing: There are some wonderful lakes at Wicksteed Park, with a good amount of fish, just waiting to be caught. This is one of my favourite fishing spots in the UK, and with prices from only £5 per day, its good on the pocket too. The fishing lakes are a little bit away from the theme parks, so you can relax without the screams of the riders! Here's an idea – Let the wife and the children have a wonderful day at the park, whilst you have a spot of quiet fishing (if theme parks are not your thing) and yes, it can be the other way round (women fishes, man takes kids theme parking) before I get any 'sexism' messages!
COSTS
the only cost you HAVE to incur is the cost of car parking. Out of season, when the rides are not operational, the cost is £2. During the season, the price goes up to around £6 (variable) but do check before you leave. Ride ticket prices and other costs are listed throughout my review
OPENING TIMES
The park is open all year round, but the Theme Park only operates between the 3rd of April and the end of September (some days excluded) The best option is to check the website, where you can input your planned dates, to see what is open.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The website is http://www.wicksteedpark.co.uk/ and contact details are 08700 621 193.
TO END
As a visitor of Wicksteed Park for many years, I can highly recommend this place to you. Full of fun for all the family, you will not be disappointed."
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