Help Make Christmas Special with Mother Christmas

November 9, 2023

Help Make Christmas Special with Mother Christmas

Spread the joy of Christmas this year by helping Mother Christmas ensure all of Northamptonshire’s children have a gift to open.

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is currently working with over 5000 families across the county, many of whom are disadvantaged, vulnerable and in need.

Mother Christmas, also known as Jeanette Walsh, is collecting donations of brand-new gifts, toys, make-up, gift vouchers, toiletries, socks and sweat treats to help make Christmas magical for every child in Northamptonshire. Gifts for all ages are needed, with a specific focus on teenagers.

Wicksteed Park will be acting as a drop off point for donations. If you do wish to donate anything you can drop it off in the reception from now up until the second week of December.

If you wish to contact Mother Christmas, email her at jwalsh7258@gmail.com.

Find out how the 2023 Mother Christmas donation appeal went here!

Help Make Christmas Special with Mother Christmas

Other News

celebrating 100 years of the water chute

Celebrating Water Chute Centenary

One of the oldest surviving water-based rides in the world and the oldest ride of its kind in the UK is celebrating its centenary – by making a splash! The iconic Water Chute attraction was built in 1926 by Wicksteed Park’s founder Charles Wicksteed, the creator of swings and slides as we know them today. It was a forerunner to many of the theme park rides now popular across the world.

Call for Change to Weather Forecast Apps

Today we’ve joined forces with more than 80 outdoor attractions to call for a simple but powerful change to the way weather forecasts are displayed on popular apps - to empower visitors to have a great day out, and to help prevent extinction.

Wicksteed Park Garden Wheel maintenance update May 2025

Wicksteed Park Garden Wheel Maintenance Update August 2025

We wanted to let everyone know what’s happening with our Garden Wheel.

Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was 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 and nieces and nephews."

Emma

"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."

India

"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"

Claire

"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."

Shelley

"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."

Robert

"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."