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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Wicksteed Park, Kettering

19 replies

lexiemum · 16/07/2006 23:25

has been recommended to me - is it worth the 1hr drive? would be taking dd1 (3) and dd2(10mths)

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HRHQueenOfQuotes · 17/07/2006 19:36

FANTASTIC - you pay for parking - but not entrance to the park. Then you can either buy a wristband (valid for all rides - but for just one day) or ride tickets - which, if you don't use them all, can take home and bring back to use another day. We find the tickets work best for us - as at 5 and 2 the DS's aren't tall enough for all the rides yet.

There's also LOADS of space for them to run around, have picnics etc etc and a MASSIVE free playground.

Racers · 17/07/2006 19:40

Just went there the other week (it's DH's home town) and the free playground bit is really good and yes, loads of space. We only popped in for a walk around and a go on the swings, and as it was after 3pm, parking charge was reduced (I think it is normally £6 for the whole day). As DD is only 1, there wasn't much for her, but I'll certainly be going back for a longer stay when she's a bit older.

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 17/07/2006 19:42

and if you live near enough to make 'repeat' visits in the year - you can buy a parking season ticket - used to be £25 (I think) - which you can use as many times as you want - and if you buy the tickets (rather than wristbands) you can save yourself a fortune.

southeastastra · 17/07/2006 19:46

i'm quite surprised this is still open i went in about 1978 and loved it! may take my sons if i can work out where it is

iota · 17/07/2006 19:49

here is the website.

ds1 went with the school and loved it, I haven't been myself (yet)

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 17/07/2006 19:50

You beat me to it Iota - the car park season ticket is £30 - but that's only 5 visits so if you're localy still worth it.

Racers · 17/07/2006 19:53

you locals could have a meet up there?!

SpaceCadet · 17/07/2006 19:53

used to go there all the time before i moved, we used to take a picnic, have lunch on the grass then go into the theme park, then a play in the playground which is massive.

iota · 17/07/2006 19:55

have just seen that they are developing a campsite - we could have a meet up and a camp - how fab is that?

HRHQueenOfQuotes · 17/07/2006 20:05

the caravan and camping bit has been there for ages - I guess they must just be improving it.

Enid · 17/07/2006 20:13

that thread title was embossed into each step of the slide at my local park when I was a nipper

Original poster
lexiemum · 17/07/2006 20:42

thanks guys - think we're take a trip out there over the weekend and suss it out.

probably consider the season ticket thingy if dh likes it too - he's a bit limited in what he'll take the girls too, hence a season ticket for Hatton Country World.

apparently I should be able to drive it in 40mins but think it'll be an hour the first time.

OP posts:
HRHQueenOfQuotes · 17/07/2006 20:45

where are you driving from lexiemum??

Original poster
lexiemum · 18/07/2006 07:11

j11 m40 - guess straight down the A road into northampton?

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LittleMoose · 26/07/2006 13:59

I am lucky enough to live 20 minutes from Wicksteed Park and I love it there. The playground is really good with stuff for all ages and there is loads to do. There is plenty of car parking and I have even parked across the road in the estate opposite and saved my £6! The ticket prices have increased this year but there are plenty of rides for the little ones that are free anyway, whenever I have been, however many cars have been there, it has never felt crowded and I have never had to wait long for rides. Make a day of it, take a picnic although there is plenty of food available - the hot dogs are particularly nice!

A great place to wear your kids out and keep them happy, all the usual fairground stuff with a little train and a boating lake. Wicksteed Park is a bit like Legoland without the Lego and a lot cheaper! Go for it!

mandylifeboats · 02/08/2006 13:06

Also if like us you don't like to leave your dog at home for too long, they are allowed in on a lead, something very few 'theme' parks allow. Tesco deals make wristbands v.cheap too, took DS and friends for the easiest, best fun birthday day out ever!

DawnElaine · 13/08/2006 09:24

It is really easy to get to, it is off the A14 and you take the A6 exit to Kettering. So if you live anywhere in near the M1 or A1 in the Midlands, it should not take too long. It is great for families and unlike some theme parks there is plenty of space to sit down for a picnic.

mummyhill · 13/08/2006 09:51

Ooh I went there as a kid and loved it. Just took a peek at the website and it looks better than ever. Will have to make an effort to get there with my monsters some time soon.

Original poster
lexiemum · 13/08/2006 14:31

was hoping to get there but haven't quite mad it. the dc's are going with the childminder on wednesday - only on the free stuff though, cm won't let me send money for the fairground

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