One of Britain’s oldest and most beloved theme park attractions is celebrating a major milestone with a special offer this week.
The historic Water Chute at Wicksteed Park turns 100 this year, and to mark the occasion on April 2, visitors will have the opportunity to ride it for just £1.
First opened in 1926, the Water Chute was built by park founder Charles Wicksteed, a pioneer of playground design who is credited with inventing the modern swing and slide.
Decades before log flumes became a staple of theme parks elsewhere in the world, his simple yet thrilling water ride was already delighting families in the Northamptonshire park.
A century on, the experience remains largely unchanged. Riders board a modern replica of the original flat-bottomed boat, descend a sloping track, and splash into a lake below.
The boat is then pulled back up using a traditional rope and pulley system – just as it was when the ride first opened.
The UK’s oldest water ride, Water Chute, turns 100 on April 2 – and thrillseekers have the opportunity to experience the historic attraction for just £1
A century on, the ride remains largely unchanged; riders board a modern replica of the original boat, descend a sloping track, and splash into a lake below
The Water Chute was the brainchild of innovator Charles Wicksteed, who is credited with inventing the modern swing and slide
The attraction was granted Grade II-listed status by Historic England in 2016 for its design and heritage, and later named Best Historic Ride at the UK Theme Park Awards in 2022.
Kelly Richardson, Director of Wicksteed Park, told Tracy Press: ‘We are extremely proud of the Water Chute and its amazing history and heritage.
‘It is a unique ride which means so much to so many people, who have such amazing memories of it from throughout their lives. I have fond memories of riding the Water Chute as a child myself.
‘Like so many of the rides and attractions on the park, it was a forerunner for theme parks and playgrounds around the world, ensuring that the legacy of Charles Wicksteed and his ingenuity and vision lives on.’
Opened in 1921, Wicksteed Park is the UK’s oldest theme park, created with a vision to encourage play and improve people’s health and wellbeing.
That legacy continues today, with the Water Chute standing as a lasting symbol of its history.
The park is open daily during the Easter holidays from March 28 until April 12, before limiting to weekends and the school holidays until the end of September.
While standard entry costs £22, this week’s anniversary offer gives visitors a rare chance to enjoy a historic thrill for just 100 pennies.
Pictured: The iconic Water Chute at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northants in the 1940s
The log flume attraction continued to delight families in the 1960s (pictured)
For one day only on Thursday, riders can hop on the historic ride for 100 pennies
It comes after a 106-year-old roller coaster believed to be the oldest of its kind in Britain closed permanently earlier this year.
Dreamland Margate, based in Kent, said in January that the iconic Scenic Railway would ‘take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride’ following safety concerns linked to its age and condition.
The wooden roller coaster, which first opened in 1920, is Grade II-listed and has long been one of the amusement park’s most beloved attractions.
However, Dreamland said an ‘extensive process of consultations and inspections’ had concluded that ‘the ride has come to the end of its current life’.
The decision was taken ‘in close consultation’ with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Thanet District Council.
The Scenic Railway has been out of action after a fault was identified in 2024. Its closure now marks the end of a turbulent history that has included multiple fires and a major restoration effort.
According to Historic England, the ride suffered fires in 1949 and 1957, and it was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2008 after the park had closed.
A full restoration was completed in 2015 as part of an £18million investment to reopen Dreamland, which had spent a decade closed to the public.
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