WICKSTEED PARK: **** CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING DAYS, FACILITES VARY DEPENDING ON TIME OF YEAR ****

You can have a relatively cheap day out at Wicksteed Park in Northants or spend a fair bit of cash depending on how much you do! You pay to park (£6 for 3+ hours) then the huge playground is free to enjoy (one of the biggest in Europe apparently) as well as huge open spaces, the lake, picnic areas, a fun (but messy!) sand and water area and another good toddler play area. With living about 45 minutes away it’s more a one-off day out for us so we decided to have fun on the rides. Kids under 90cm are free! BUT… they are restricted as to what they can go on and need to be accompanied on many. For children over 90cm and adults you pay for tickets (£1.25 each or buy in bulk for discounts) or wristbands. Many rides require 2 tickets (occasionally more – can soon add up).

We bought one wristband for £15. More than enough to do for toddlers – small rides, train, boats – even without going in the soft play which you pay an additional charge for. Lots for bigger kids. Very few queues on a sunny day. Take a picnic. The traditional ice-cream is yummy. If you live the Olney side of MK and would visit regularly just to enjoy the park the annual parking permit may be worth a look.

We visited in May 2015, facilities do vary depending on the time of year you visit – please check their website for opening times and attractions

TIME FROM MK – 40-45 MINS

ADDRESS –  Barton Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6NJ

PHONE NUMBER – 01536 512475

Wicksteed Park

A selection of images from Wicksteed Park