The hidden gem theme park older than Disneyland and Alton Towers under an hour from Coventry

Wicksteed Park, Dinosaur Valley

Wicksteed Park, one of the world’s oldest theme parks, is a hidden gem in the heart of England. Despite being open for over 100 years, it remains relatively unknown outside of theme park enthusiasts. Located in Kettering, under an hour from Coventry and 100 miles north of London, it’s easily reachable from most parts of England.

For those who love theme parks, Wicksteed Park is a must-visit as it holds the title of the oldest on mainland Britain. The oldest overall is Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, which has been open since the 1840s, despite regular landslides affecting its location.

Although younger than Blackgang Chine, Wicksteed Park boasts plenty of attractions. Known as the “place where fun was invented”, it offers a perfect day out for families with young children or those new to theme parks. Its rides are more gentle, featuring classics like cups and saucers, a clown minicoaster and a carousel, reports the Mirror.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, then the Thrill Zone is just for you. Here, you can hop on the Dinosaur Valley rollercoaster, where “turns are banked at a steep angle as the dino carriages run at speed along a figure-of-eight-pattern through the legs of the mighty brontosaurus, providing many twists and turns along their journey”.

One of the park’s most loved features is the 2ft narrow gauge Wicksteed Park railway. Since it first opened in 1931, it has carried over 15 million people around the park. This was the last feature added to the park during the lifetime of its founder, Charles Wicksteed.

The wealthy businessman owned engineering works in Kettering. In 1913, he bought some meadowland in the town with dreams of building a model village for his workers.

However, when the local council began building homes after the First World War, he decided to build a park with fun activities for the local people instead. He charged for the rides and snacks so that entry to the park could be free.

By 1926, five years after it first opened to the public, the park had a pavilion and theatre building, a rose garden, a water chute, bandstand and fountain. This February half term (some places are still on it, though others aren’t), a wristband giving access to the park costs £6, with children under 0.9m going free. Individual rides cost £3 each.

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