Growing up in north Northamptonshire in the late 1970s and 1980s, the school summer holidays meant one thing to me - Wicksteed Park!

I loved going to Wicky’s - I still do, in fact, with my daughter. However, back then, if memory serves me well, my favourite things to do were go on the pony rides, watch the flamingos, eat Wicksteed Park ice cream, grab a sack and hurtle down the Astroglide, and then go on the train.  I think the Astroglide was my favourite ride for many years and, as I got older, the climb up the steps to the top seemed to get shorter, (presumably my legs got longer, I don’t think the ride shrank!). You also had to try to work out which lane was fastest by watching how quickly the other kids made their descent - there were tactics involved.

I really enjoyed the train, and go on it now when we visit. I still like waving at passersby,
seeing if they’ll wave back at you or not, much to my daughter’s embarrassment. But times have changed, and Wicky’s has moved with them. My daughter’s favourite ride is Rocky River Falls, a log fl ume type ride where you’re almost guaranteed to get a soaking - thank goodness for the dryers at the exit!

New for this year is Rush, a rope slide said to be the longest in the country, which I have
read boasts speeds of up to 40mph. Whilst my daughter is keen to try this, I’m not great with heights so I think I’ll give it a miss - I also remember seeing the pictures of Boris Johnson on a zip-wire and I don’t want to give everyone similar photo opportunities of me!

Wicksteed Park is a great value day out for the family, with the largest free playground in Europe as well as the paid-for rides. There’s truly something for everybody!

Thanks for reading, please visit my blog and Northants Telegraph column too. Many thanks, Hx

www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/opinion/helen-bach
www.helenbachuk.blogspot.co.uk

Our corner of Northamptonshire

Our corner of Northamptonshire