Located near kettering in northamptonshire, it was originally established as a safe and free park for the families and children of kettering, a philanthropic gesture by engineer charles wicksteed during the first world war. Check out the new look and enjoy easier access to your favorite features. Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Kettering also made an excellent comeback in the shoe and boot industry. In june 1979 the loco was moved to wicksteed park in kettering. Wicksteed park is based in kettering, northamptonshire and the large 147 acre ground is a wonderful mix of rides, attractions and beautiful countryside and wildlife. There is no need to book and entry is free, though a small charge may apply for childrens activity sheets. History, kettering, military, war, wicksteed park wicksteed at war is a living history show for the whole family.
Witchs hat playground ride returns to wicksteed park bbc news. Kettering is a town in northamptonshire, england, 70 miles 1 km north of london and 15 miles 24 km northeast of northampton, west of the river ise, a tributary of the river nene. Join me and charlotte as we head to wicksteed park located in kettering for a day of theme park fun in the sun. I live up the road from wicksteed, i always thought that was kind if cool. Knowing that we had a prexmas get together organised for early december we decided to combine this with a visit to wicksteed park, particularly for the christmas fayre and visiting santa. Photo prints old maps folded maps calendars photo books jigsaws mugs tableware tea towels cushion covers gift cards wallpaper trade colour contrast. On arrival at wicksteed park pupils will be welcomed to the park and shown a designated place for lunch bags. Officials at tourist attraction wicksteed park in kettering, northamptonshire, want to tra. Rome2rio makes travelling from kettering to wicksteed park easy. Park in kettering, northamptonshire, was created as a benevolent. In 1876 charles wicksteed 18471931 founded an engineering company in kettering, charles wicksteed and company, which prospered such that wicksteed became a wealthy businessman. Find cheap deals and discount rates that best fit your budget.
Caption for kettering, miniature railway, wicksteed park c1955. Worlds childrens slide 1922 wicksteed park, kettering, northamptonshire, uk ouch. Its founder, charles wicksteed purchased the land in 19. In the 1950s the carriages were open flatbed trucks with what look remarkably like park benches to sit on. Witchs hat playground ride returns to wicksteed park. The story of the railway and park created by charles wicksteed in kettering. Be sure to checkout the full list of historyrelated subreddits. Throughout 2011 the northamptonshire park intends to.
Nov 18, 2017 our children loved it, and to be honest so did we. Wicksteed park archives this is kettering the official. Rome2rio makes travelling from kettering station to wicksteed park easy. New hospitals, shopping centres, parks, and recreational centre. Wicksteed park kettering updated april 2020 top tips. Wicksteed park is offering a fun, family boat trip ride around its lake to observe bats coming out to forage and feed again this year. First opened in 1921, wicksteed park is named after its founder, charles wicksteed. Kettering is also amongst earliest towns to receive electricity 1904. My family are spread across the whole of the uk and we are lucky enough to have a number of youngsters from 17 in the clan. The event takes place at wicksteed park, 226 barton road, kettering, northamptonshire, nn15 6nj. Wicksteed park model boat club restarted as a club in february 2005, however there has been a model boat club based at wicksteed park since the early 1920s. His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following world war one and housing reforms, charles looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time. This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. Our day out at wicksteed park, kettering including video.
Charles wicksteed purchased a tract of land near kettering with the intention of creating safe parkland for local families. The park opened back in 1921 and has seen many different rides, attractions and. History archives this is kettering the official visitor website for. Find it all and much more with the interactive roller coaster database. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you. Wicksteed park in kettering celebrates 90 years since it first opened. Wicksteed park kettering 2020 what to know before you.
Find all the transport options for your trip from kettering to wicksteed park right here. Its quite expensive but the good thing is you have the choice to either buy tickets or a. January 2011 learn how and when to remove this template messagelearn how and when to remove this template message. Exwicksteed park loco arrives at nlr for restoration northampton. Apr 20, 2020 wicksteed park is based in kettering, northamptonshire and the large 147 acre ground is a wonderful mix of rides, attractions and beautiful countryside and wildlife. Its quite expensive but the good thing is you have the. The famous art centre alfred east art gallery was opened in 19 followed by wicksteed park and kettering war memorial in 1921. A red book dated april 1794 details his suggestions for the site british library.
My aim is to write military history books in a lively way that informs and inspires people that may not have read much history before. The witchs hat was invented almost 100 years ago by charles wicksteed for his park in kettering, northamptonshire. Wicksteed was a pleasure to deal with at every point and made the entire project effortless from our point of view. It deviates briefly into the parkland, as shown in this view. It is part of the south midlands and, along with other towns in northamptonshire, has a growing commuter population as it is on the midland main line railway, with east midlands railway services direct to london st pancras international taking about an hour. Browse expedias selection of 5 hotels and places to stay closest to wicksteed park.
Wicksteed park offers the perfect base for your camping needs. Wicksteed park uk kids theme park park family days out. Wicksteed at war is a living history show for the whole family. A park known as the home of childrens play has launched a global search to find the iconic top ten attractions which graced the worlds first playgrounds. Outdoor playground equipment manufacturer wicksteed. Wicksteed park photos, maps, books, memories francis frith. Wicksteed park, barton seagrave 1001524 historic england. Wicksteed history collection by wicksteed playgrounds. Desborough teenager chosen to illustrate childrens book. Wicksteed park with an interactive map and directions. The primitive piece of play equipment was constructed in 1922 in wicksteed park in kettering, northamptonshire the first public park in the uk. Kettering to wicksteed park 3 ways to travel via line 2. Bbc inside out discovers the history behind wicksteed park in northamptonshire and the efforts being made to keep its creators legacy alive.
We accept payments online in gbp pound sterling wicksteed park is a member of balppa british association of leisure parks, piers and attractions and welcomes visits by people with disabilities to its amusement park. The name means the place or territory of ketters people or kinsfolk. Wicksteed park have teamed up with gable events to host this event. The story of the railway and park created by charles wicksteed in kettering, northamptonshire. Wicksteed did a great job for us and we now have a fabulous park for all the children. Run by a charitable trust set up by wicksteed before his death, it is still home to a number of vintage attractions. Books about wicksteed park area browse 33 photo books on wicksteed park and the surrounding area. Circling the lake, which is nearly a third of a mile long and 200 yards wide in places, is a miniature railway. Get an adfree experience with special benefits, and directly support reddit. National lottery heritage fund, to preserve wicksteed parks history.
Apr 26, 2001 a red book dated april 1794 details his suggestions for the site british library. The campsite is near to the actionpacked arena area, where you are free to pitch up wherever you like on the campsite and have a family bbq in the evening. History of kettering, northamptonshire premier taxis blog. Photo of kettering, miniature railway, wicksteed park c. The parks beginnings can be traced back to 19, when charles wicksteed purchased a tract of northamptonshire meadowland near kettering. During recent years he was able to realize a longcherished ambition by presenting to the town of kettering a large park, the layout of which, including a. This developed into wicksteed park family theme park. Wicksteed park barton road, nn15 6nj kettering, northamptonshire, united kingdom rated 4. Wicksteed park kettering 2020 all you need to know. Sep 21, 2014 had a day out at wicksteed park, while there natalia wanted to go on the train and who am i to say no, if im honest i love the train ride myself lol. The slide built in 1922 at wicksteed park, kettering, northamptonshire. Three long plans with nothing to hold on to apart from at the top of the tallest, which is high britains first slide, invented by charles wicksteed. The park, which is thought to be one of the oldest in the country, was opened by charles wicksteed in 1921. Kettering burton latimer isham warkton old maps of wicksteed park.
The park s beginnings can be traced back to 19, when charles wicksteed purchased a tract of northamptonshire meadowland near kettering. The story of the railway and park created by charles wicksteed in kettering, northamptonshire by scott, peter isbn. Wicksteed park appeal uncovers oldest swing nearby bbc news. He founded wicksteed park in kettering in 1921 as part of his vision. Wicksteed park kettering a bargain day out with the kids. Wicksteed park kettering, northamptonshire, england, united.
The land which wicksteed park occupies was until 19 part of the barton seagrave hall estate. Wicksteed park kettering all you need to know before you. Wicksteed park is an amusement park in kettering, northamptonshire, england. Wicksteed park archives this is kettering the official visitor.
Wicksteed also boasts two private function rooms, ideal for weddings, private. The land which wicksteed park occupies was until 19 part of the barton. The work will restore the central piazza and precinct which will provide an improve welcome to the park. Wicksteed park kettering 2020 all you need to know before. Inventor of childrens playground had complete disdain for health. As well as the famous narrow gauge railway, the water chute ride is the one of the oldest rides of its type, having made its debut. Go to wicksteed this weekend 11th 12th june 2011 for the wicksteed at war show and the beer festival. During recent years he was able to realize a longcherished ambition by presenting to the town of kettering a large park, the layout of which, including a 25acre lake, he himself designed. Photos, maps, personal memories and local books of wicksteed park. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Britains first slide, invented by charles wicksteed. Wicksteed park kettering all you need to know before. Fancy dress costumes worn by contestants at the dragon boat race organised by east northants rotary clubs at wicksteed park, kettering on 2 september youngsters taking part in the world puddle jumping contest held at wicksteed park in kettering,northants,on wednesday oct 26th. Ladybird wicksteed park kettering, northamptonshire.
Although the primary target audience of the park is families with midyoung children, its also a. The town is twinned with lahnstein, in germany and kettering, ohio, in the united states. Wicksteed park wants to recreate its 1920s playground. Views extend beyond the park northeast towards barton seagrave hall and its park and gardens.
Jul 17, 20 wicksteed park appeal uncovers oldest swing nearby. Save on popular hotels near wicksteed park, kettering. The bungalows which used to house a few little shops is being restored and will be used for information centres, and the manufacture and sale of wicksteed ice cream. Visited in half term break and stayed in lodge just offsite booked through wicksteed. It was officially opened on 14 may 1921 with a regatta held on. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. Education workshops take place both indoors within our learning space or pavilion and outdoors, dependant on the activities selected. We love the history of the park and our attraction clip n climb. Wicksteed park, on the southern edge of kettering, was given to the town by charles wicksteed.
Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subjects importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. He became a wealthy victorian industrialist, having designed and manufactured a revolutionary steam plough. Kettering station to wicksteed park 3 ways to travel via. There are ample toilet facilities within the park and during our peak season a gift shop and cafes. It is good to see this story of ketterings contribution to our nations health and happiness being celebrated and to remember that wicksteed is a. Youll be given a bat detector to hear their calls and view the beautiful lake scenery at twilight hours. Looking for statistics on the fastest, tallest or longest roller coasters. Charles wicksteed read a paper on the subject of hacksaw machines before the institution. In 19 he bought a parcel of agricultural land southeast of kettering and formed the wicksteed village trust. Wicksteed park, in kettering, is said to be the first leisure park in the uk with childrens play equipment, according to its owners. Water chute at wicksteed park, barton seagrave 1437706. Wicksteed park celebrates its 90th birthday bbc news. Let me start by telling you a little bit about the history of this beautiful park as i found the history to be as lovely as the park. Licensed to youtube by adrev for a 3rd party, adrev for rights holder on behalf of cavendish music 5.
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. The show features an actionpacked arena, hundreds of tanks and military vehicles with reenactors camps and battles as well as aircraft flyovers. Wicksteed park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on uk mainland. Wicksteed park was created by charles wicksteed, designer, inventor and owner of an engineering company which originally manufactured steam ploughing engines, bicycles and automatic gear boxes, but came to specialise in childrens play equipment. Find all the transport options for your trip from kettering station to wicksteed park right here. Easily accessible from the a14, wicksteed park is a family friendly theme park, which offers oodles of fun rides and attractions. Wicksteed park in kettering, northants, is using national lottery money to recreate the worlds oldest playground in a bid to counter the. It was one of the uks first leisure parks and continues to be operated by the wicksteed charitable trust.