Here at Wicksteed Park we are proud of our heritage and every day we aim to continue the legacy left behind by Charles Wicksteed to allow children to continue playing and exploring in the park.
Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on the UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed purchased the land in 1913.
His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following World War One and subsequent housing and welfare reforms, Charles instead looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time in. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and the park is still cared for by the Wicksteed Charitable Trust today.
Volunteering
Volunteering at Wicksteed Park is not just about giving back; it’s about being part of something truly special.
Our volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and heritage of the park, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for visitors of all ages.
Whether you have a passion for gardening, an interest in archiving, or a knack for helping at events, there’s a role for you at Wicksteed Park.
We welcome volunteers of all ages, starting from 16, and provide opportunities for both occasional and regular volunteering, with as little as an hour a month.
Our busiest times are during the warmer months, from April to September, and over the festive season.
This is when we need extra hands to keep the park welcoming and to support our education and events programmes. But even during the colder months, there’s plenty to do, from giving the park a fresh coat of paint to engaging in wildlife conservation activities like tree planting.
No matter your age or availability, we’ll find meaningful ways for you to get involved.
So why not join us in preserving and enhancing Wicksteed Park for generations to come? Get in touch today to discover how you can make a difference!
Digital Archive
Our Digital Archive contains historical photos, plans and memorabilia which we hope to update on a regular basis.
This archive is a testament to the park’s rich heritage and the countless moments of joy it has brought to its visitors over the years.
Our Archive
Memorials at Wicksteed
Commemorate a special someone in the park with two choices of memorial types placed in a designated area of the park and a dedication recorded in the Reflections Register. Email community@wicksteedpark.org for further information.
Become a Trustee
Wicksteed Park is one of Northamptonshire’s leading visitor attractions which welcomes around a million visitors a year to its rides and other attractions. We are looking for new trustees to reflect the diverse communities that Wicksteed Charitable Trust is proud to support, we are committed to building a Board dedicated to furthering diversity and inclusion. We actively and warmly encourage applications therefore from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Crafternoon
These craft sessions take place every Thursday and are a great opportunity to explore different types of art and meet like-minded individuals. Sessions run from 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm. Spaces are limited so make sure you pre-book, so you don’t miss out on an afternoon of creative fun.
Well-being Walks
Are you looking to get outdoors more? Join us at Wicksteed Park for a Wellbeing Walk! The Wellbeing Walk group meet every Wednesday at 10am outside Carlo’s Courtyard (see park map for location). The walk will be approximately 1 hour/2 miles with a shorter option also available.
Wellbeing Walks are volunteer led, friendly and local! Everyone is welcome to come along! You don’t need any special equipment – just suitable shoes, clothes and we recommend you bring along a bottle of water.