Inside the little known theme park that costs just £3 and mums say it’s as good as a mini Disneyland

IF you're already wondering what on earth you're going to do with the kids as their summer holidays creep closer, hopping in the car and whizzing to a little known theme park a few hours outside of London could be the answer.

Tickets cost just £3 - and mums praise is as being like a mini Disneyland for your tots.

Based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, Wicksteed Park is the oldest mainland theme park in the UK after first opening doors in 1921.

Originally, it was designed to be a model village after owner, Charles Wicksteed, bought the land in 1913.

However, after World War One, he changed his mind and wanted to create a park for families to spend their leisure time.

Charles, an inventor, designed and built play equipment, often using bits and pieces from his engineering business to create swings and slides "to thrill young and old alike".

Since its grand opening decades ago, Wicksteed Park has become a popular attraction for parents, as well as children - and it's not only the vast array of rides and slides that they rave about.

Unlike most popular theme parks, the Kettering-based business has free entry, with individual tickets for rides selling for just £3.

For unlimited access, customers can also nab a day wristband that's £22.

Earlier this month, the park also launched a new addition to its playground - a massive Garden Wheel.

The 25m-high ferris wheel features 18 gondolas and provides Instagram-worthy views across the leafy countryside.

According to Wicksteed park, the Garden Wheel is big enough to accommodate up to 72 passengers and the attraction is also included in the price of a wristband.

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For those seeking more thrill, the park operates within four zones - the Adventure zone, the Heritage zone, the Thrill zone, as well as the Splash zone to cool off in the hot weather.

Families may find it difficult to pick one, as each comes with different attractions, such as Wicky's Farmyard, Lakeside Walks and Water Chute.

Wicksteed Park also organises a number of events throughout the year - Christmas included - and even their own theatre school that's on Tuesday evenings.

With so much to offer, the theme park has also become a hit amongst parents, many of whom have shared nothing but positive reviews on TikTok.

One twin mum, Sophie, said her tots had ''a lovely day'' exploring the different activities and climbing around the frames.

''We camped here a few weeks ago, was so good,'' a fellow mum penned.

''I used to come here at a child…so many childhood memories coming back!'' another wrote.

''A great place for a day out with children. The staffs are quite friendly, and my son had a good time there,'' a dad wrote on Google.

''I recommend to buy a wristband if you plan more than 8 rides. The parking is not free, 6 pounds per day.''

Someone else said the park made for a ''great day out''.

''Beautiful grounds for picnics and walks and a large play area all free.

''We got wristbands and they'd paid for themselves within an hour as kids generally wanted to ride things more than once. It's like mini Disneyland.''