Wicksteed Park Garden Wheel Maintenance Update

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

Following the installation of replacement parts on our Garden Wheel, subsequent testing by inspectors has revealed that the technical issues originally diagnosed by an expert engineering inspection are actually being caused by a wider fault.

We have therefore had to order further replacement parts and, as the safety and the compatibility of the parts is our top priority, we have ordered these parts from the ride manufacturer in Italy.

As mentioned in our statement earlier this year, ordering parts from the manufacturer involves a substantially longer lead time than for parts made in the UK. This lead time will also now be affected by summer shut down periods affecting processing in Europe.

We comply with the strictest health and safety standards for all rides on site and therefore will not reopen the ride until we are completely happy that our internal safety standards, together with industry regulations, are met in full.

While we had hoped to be able to get the replacement parts on site to allow time for fitting, testing, inspection and reopening of the ride this season, we now anticipate that the timescale will fall outside of the 2025 season. The safety of our visitors will continue to be of paramount importance to us and the ride will therefore remain closed this year.

In the meantime, all Wicksteed Park’s other rides and attractions will be open as usual.

Thank you everyone for your understanding and patience as we put your safety first and thank you for your continued support of Wicksteed Park.

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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!"