Kettering Half Marathon Notice

The inaugural Kettering Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday 9 March 2025. The event is brought to you by Run Through events in conjunction with Kettering Town Council. We are delighted to announce that the event will start and finish at Wicksteed Park.

As this is a closed road race, please be advised that there will be road closures affecting vehicular access into the park from approximately 8.45 on Sunday morning through to midday. Please visit Kettering 5k & Half Marathon | 9th March 2025 for details of the route. Any vehicles parked on site prior to 8.45 may be unable to leave before the roads reopen.

If you are planning a visit to the park on Sunday 9 March and require vehicular access, please ensure that you plan your visit around the road closure times. Please also be advised that parking is likely to fill up quickly on a first come, first served basis.

Wicksteed Park’s standard parking charges apply throughout the duration of this event.

Find Out More!

Other News

Discover Wicksteed Park: Jerry the dog

Have you ever spotted the statue of a dog inside the rose garden? That is Jerry the dog!

Celebrating Hilda Wicksteed

As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, it is important that we turn our attention to a remarkable woman who helped shape the very fabric of Wicksteed Park.

The Wicksteed Charitable Trust: Join Us in Securing Our Future

Wicksteed Park has been a cornerstone of family fun, community events, and natural beauty for over 100 years. As the birthplace of modern play equipment, it holds a unique place in history—and in the hearts of generations. However, the park's future as a free to access site is at risk. The Wicksteed Charitable Trust needs your help to keep the park open, free, and thriving.

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."

Lucy

"Treated my nieces to a day at Wicksteed Park during Easter. They had an amazing day from start to finish, when buying our tickets, we were informed of the rides that were closed, we went on all the rides that were open, multiple times, hardly any queuing. For lunch we stopped for food at Lighthouse Bites, the food was cooked fresh and my nieces really enjoyed it. When the park finally closed, the girls were so disappointed their day had come to an end, we decided to spend some time in the free play park, the park was busy with happy children, lots of climbing frames and different play equipment to try. All in all, my nieces had the best day and we are planning on coming back in the summer!"