Wicksteed park’s iconic water chute voted as uk’s best historic ride

October 3, 2022

Wicksteed park’s iconic water chute voted as uk’s best historic ride

Wicksteed Park’s Water Chute is the oldest ride of its kind in the UK. The Water Chute has been judged as the country’s Best Historic Ride in the 2022 UK Theme Park Awards.

The iconic attraction was built by the park’s founder Charles Wicksteed in 1926 and was a forerunner to many of the theme park rides now popular across the world.

The national award was decided by a public vote after nominees were selected by competition judges, with Wicksteed Park winning Gold, ahead of the Ghost Train at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Silver) and Snails at Joyland (Bronze).

Winners in 22 different categories were announced during an event at Drayton Manor theme park, Staffordshire, on Thursday September 22.

The Wicksteed Park Water Chute showcases the wonderful vision and engineering of Charles Wicksteed in his quest to encourage children and families to explore and have fun.

In 2016, the ride was protected by Government body Historic England by being made Grade II Listed.

Megan Wright, Wicksteed Park’s Head of Sales and Marketing, said:

We are both delighted and proud that the Water Chute has been voted the Best Historic Ride in the UK.

It is a truly unique ride and, even after all this time, is still one of the most popular attractions at the park. We can’t thank everyone enough who voted for us to win this prestigious enough for their support.

The national UK Theme Park Awards recognise the country’s best rides and attractions, shows and events.

The awards are organised by ThemeParks-UK.com, an independent consumer guide to UK theme parks. In 2022, the awards were presented in association with AttractionTickets.com.

The 22 categories included Theme Park of the Year, Best Customer Service and Best Value. New categories included Best Steel Coaster, Best Wooden Coaster and Best Mascot.

In advance of the public vote, a shortlist was compiled using public nominations and with the help of a panel of expert judges including Paul Kelly (Chief Executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions) and Andy Hine MBE (Chairman – Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain). More than 36,000 nominations were received, with a total of 30 theme parks nominated for awards in 2022.

Wicksteed Charitable Trust

The Wicksteed Charitable Trust receives no regular external funding to help maintain the park as a truly unique, freely accessible public space. You can help to preserve the park for future generations by making donations. All money raised is used to help maintain the park and its grounds.

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Wicksteed Park Volunteers are Bringing the Roses Back!

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We are excited to announce the first of this year’s new additions – a fantastic new 25-metre high Ferris Wheel.

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As a part of National Tree Week last month, running from November 25th until December 3rd, Wicksteed Park planted 13 rare black poplar trees on the estate's South Meadow. This is apart of a local couple's efforts to reintroduce the species to Northamptonshire.

Customer Reviews

"We all had a fantastic time here plenty of car parking. Me, my daughter, Niece, and Grandson and there's lots to do here, including lovely walks and fun rides, plenty of eating places too. We took our own picnic though there were plenty of seating areas. We were able to buy extra drinks and ice lolly on our walk around the rides. Plenty of toilet facilities too. The staff were lovely and friendly here, would definitely recommend it here for a fun day out."

Katrina

"Took my granddaughters they loved it. There is plenty to do and lots of free play areas. The ride tickets are good value at one pound when you have more than one child to pay for. Parking good. Food stalls and drinks can be purchased. Excellent day out."

Lesley

"A good day out, with a great selection of activities for young children. We bought wristbands but probably would have been cheaper to buy the tickets as these were only £1 each in August. Amazing play park which is free to use. Great grounds to have a picnic. Would recommend."

Charlie

"We went last week and had the best time! Staff were so friendly and helpful and we thought this was great value for money. Kids Loved it."

Michelle

"We camped here this week, and all had a blast!!! It was so well-priced. We were one of the first in the park. The camping was quiet, and the kids absolutely loved all the places to walk!!! Thank you!"

Charlotte

"I just got back from the park, it was great seeing so many people all smiling, the parks looking wonderful and the special August offer of £1 a ride is a great offer. Well done wickies."

Peter

"First time visiting this park and wasn’t disappointed. Such a lovely place. Couldn’t decide to either buy wristbands or tokens. Family of four. Two adults. 6 year old and nearly 2 year old 0.8m tall. Wristbands were the cheaper option in the end. Staff friendly and happy. Food was really tasty. We ate in the American diner. We couldn’t do the whole park we got there at midday so we ran out of time. We will come back and come earlier in the day."

Collette

"Tyler in Chocolate Haven is a real asset to you! Look forward to coming back at Easter for all the rides!"

Abbie

"We had a lovely day at the park on a very busy day, it was an amazingly good value day out. It is still incredibly popular mostly down to affordable rides and free play park. We visited twice in the summer holidays, we bought tickets both times as with the length of queues we had only managed to get on two rides in the first hour and a half. So you couldn’t of got on 22 rides to make the wrist band better value. We were disappointed that there wasn’t a track with cars to drive as in previous years. As with little boys that is a firm favourite"

Anonymous

"Went to the monster ball my grandchildren really enjoyed themselves.. especially when Wicky bear and Mable came out on stage"