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.
Water Chute Appeal
Help Protect Wicksteed Park’s Iconic Water Chute. Restoring the Water Chute today, so families can continue making memories tomorrow.
For almost 100 years, the Water Chute has been one of Wicksteed Park’s most loved and recognisable attractions. For generations of families, that famous splash has become part of childhood memories, family traditions and visits to Wicksteed Park.
Today, this much-loved heritage attraction needs our help. Essential roof restoration work is required to protect the future of the Water Chute and ensure it can continue delighting visitors for generations to come. To help make this happen, Wicksteed Charitable Trust has launched the Water Chute Appeal to raise £30,000 towards these vital repairs.
But this appeal is about far more than restoring a roof. It’s about protecting an important part of Wicksteed Park’s history, preserving one of Britain’s most iconic historic rides and ensuring future generations can continue making memories at the home of children’s play.
There are lots of ways you can support the appeal. Whether you choose to make a donation, organise your own fundraiser, volunteer your time, become a Friend of Wicksteed, support us through your business or simply help spread the word, every act of support makes a difference. Together, we can help protect one of Wicksteed Park’s most treasured attractions and ensure it continues creating smiles, laughter and memories for the next 100 years.
Love Wicksteed. Get Involved.
Donate here
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!
Get in Touch Now!
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.
Well-being Walks
Are you looking to get outdoors more? Join the community 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.