Oliver Wicksteed Column

Earlier this year, Wicksteed Park was praised for providing a highly enjoyable and memorable family day out by national tourist board VisitEngland.

Awarding us a score of 84%, VisitEngland said the attraction remains a well-established and much-loved visitor attraction, offering an excellent balance of traditional family entertainment, expansive green space, and historical significance.

I’m delighted to say that we’ve been getting some amazing feedback from visitors recently, which backs this up.

Comments have included:

·       “Great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child.”

·       “Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes and the food was amazing!”

·       “This historic park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs the park.”

·       “Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All the staff were so friendly and helpful.”

·       “Fabulous day out. Pre-ordered wristbands and love that you do a ‘family of three’ option.”

·       “Carlo’s Courtyard is air-conditioned and has such a lovely buffet. So many people to quick to complain, go try it and support the staff.”

The park’s rides and attractions are now open every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday until the first week in October, combining a beautiful 281-acre estate with more than 25 rides and attractions for all the family.

They include the iconic water chute and other family favourites such as Dinosaur Valley rollercoaster, Jolly Jockeys, Wicky’s Farmyard and the Railway, along with the Carousel, Sway Rider and Pig n’ Putt Crazy Golf.

The price of on-day wristbands has been reduced from £25 to £19.25 (£22 after September 2) and children under 0.9m go for FREE with an accompanying paying adult.

The Great Wicksteed Car Boot Sale is back, with dates including Sunday July 19, Sunday August 9 and Sunday September 13 (all 12pm* until 4pm).

Wicksteed on Wheels, hosted by Japanese Car Club United Kingdom, returns for 2026, from 11am to 4pm on Sunday July 12, bringing together an amazing variety of vehicles from across the UK for family-friendly event.

You can also us to celebrate free play for National Play Day, with a host of exciting activities from noon to 4pm on Wednesday August 5.

For information on the park go to wicksteedpark.org