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Reviews of Wicksteed Park Campsite
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Wicksteed Park Campsite
Barton Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire (Browse area)
NN15 6NJ
Tel: 01536 512475
Visit their website Check Digital TV coverage See Weather Forecast
   
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Pitches: 200
Open: 28/03/2024 to 31/10/2024
28/03/2025 to 31/10/2025
Rating: 
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 Tent Pitches |
 Caravan Pitches |
 Motorhome Pitches |
 Small Campervans |
 No Glamping Units |
 No Statics for Hire |
 No Statics for Sale |
 No Seasonal Pitches |
 No Electric Hookups |
 No Hardstandings |
 No Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 No Rallies |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
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| Facilities |
 Toilet Facilities |
 Hot Showers |
 Washing Up |
 No Bathroom |
 No Baby Changing |
 No Laundry |
 Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 No Gas Exchange |
 No Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 No Freezer / Fridge |
 No Motorhome Point |
 No Wifi Access |
 Shop <1 mile |
 Bar On Site |
 Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site |
| Activities |
 Kids Playground |
 No TV Room |
 No Games Room |
 No Evening Ents |
 Fishing On Site |
 No Wild Swimming |
 No Indoor Pool |
 No Outdoor Pool |
 No Horse Riding |
 No Cycle Hire |
 Golf On Site |
 No Tennis |
 No Beach |
 Watersports On Site |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 No Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 Lakeside Pitches |
 Public Transport <1 mile |
 Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access |
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Reviews:
47 in total, now showing 31 to 40
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| Date of Visit: August 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Coverup |
12 reviews from this member |
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 Hi, just been to wicksteed for a single nighter in our new tent, live locally so thought it would be a good venue, and generally it was.
The theme park is excellent for kids upto teens and the fishing is great. The campsite however not so great.
The field is very large and has porta loos arround the edge, it was very busy and they were minging! the main toilets for the theme park are only open during the parks opening times and they wern't much better. I accept it was a very busy august weekend but! the showers have to be paid for separately £2 plus deposit and they are at 1 end of the field only 4 and a long queue.
Everyone there seemed to be enjoying it though and we also had a good weekend. 
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| Date of Visit: July 2009 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Scrumble |
2 reviews from this member |
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This was our 3rd stay at Wicksteed - we have stayed there for 3 days for the last 3 years in the summer when attending the Festival of History at nearby Kelmarsh Hall.
There is a very big camping field, though often a section is fenced off for rallies - there was a VW campervan rally and a Classic Ford Granada rally on whilst we were there. Pitching is on the 'go where you want' principle. If you want more privacy, camp down the far end as less people get that far as it's a fair hike back to the water taps and the toilets etc.
The field slopes gently down towards the lake, some bits at the top a a bit too slopey really especially with a larger tent, but there is so much space, you should find somewhere you like. Nearer the lake is flattest and has sun all day. People tend to pitch around the edges first, then as it gets busier people scatter themselves around the centre. There are no defined roads or tracks on the field so people end up all over the place. Whether yoiu find this a positive (us) or negative probably depends on how ordered you like your campsites. But even when busy the site doesn't feel at all cramped as there is so much space.
As has been said, facilities are on the more basic side, but there have been changes since last year. There is a metal temporary building looking thing containing 3 individual washrooms with showers and twin hand basins - which is an improvement on the single, somewhat grotty toilet/washroom of previous years (you still need a key which requires a deposit) - not that we bothered with it - 3 days without a shower doesn't bother us really - but friends said they were better. Proper toilets are still the one in the old washroom block or the nearest ones for the park itself which are a few hundred metres away (open all night ).
There were more portaloos on the field this year and they seemed to cope better (as portaloos go anyway) with a very busy weekend (there seemed to be more units than last year when they said they were full - wonder if they have increased the pitch numbers?) Someone from Wicksteed seemed to come round everyday to check and clean the portaloos, so they seemed to be as clean at the end of the weekend as the beginning.
They seemed to have put in better waste facilities, with taps and hoses, rather than just a big man hole with the lid off they used to have.
Still only 2 drinking water taps though at the one end of the field so a bit of a trek for some - bigger or extra water carriers are useful to save trips.
There is quite a relaxed vibe to the site really. It seems popular with families and groups - we've been with a group the last two times. Probably becuase of the space, so you can all pitch together with out being cramped, even when busy and there is plenty of space for the kids to play. Yup, occasionally people get a bit noisy, but it's not really a problem. The park has 24 hour security and they do sometimes patrol the camping field. I think if there was real problem they would probably deal with it.
Any staff we had contact with were always friendly and helpful.
There is a massive playground as part of the park - though it's a fair walk. There is a smaller playground and sandpit nearer. And of course the rides of the park itself, which is more on the quaint side rather than modern and high powered variety. Other facilities include a couple of lakes, with fishing, boats to hire, nature trail and orienteering course. There is a bit of noise from the rides, but it's not intrusive, after hours, other than the traffic noise from the A14 a couple of miles away the site is peaceful.
Prices this year have gone up to £12/pitch per night. Note this includes as many people as you can fit into your tent - we had 10 people in ours last year, so not bad value. Theoretically extra cars should pay the entrance fee for the park - in reality, if you arrive late enough (probably after the rides close)) they don't seem bothered about it. They say in the camping T&C that no units will be sited after 7pm. In reality they seem happy to let people in much later than that. Friends of ours arrived at about 9.30pm or later after being held up in traffic and were let in.
Re shopping, there is a big Tesco supermarket a few miles away, with a nearby retail park, cinema and various chain eateries. And of course the site is on the edge of Kettering so anything you might need will probably be available nearby.
Not sure what other things are around nearby, but the battlefield of Naseby isn't that far away. There is a museum at Foxton locks near Market Harborough which is the site of a lock staircase and the site of an inclined plane used to lift boats.
They could no doubt improve the facilities more, but it would no doubt increase the costs as well. The level of facilities probably isn't for everyone, but if you are happy with that then the site offer plenty of space and a relaxed camping location
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| Date of Visit: August 2008 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Thecadogans |
2 reviews from this member |
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We took our kids to wicksteed park for there first away from home camping trip. We stayed for one night so that the kids wouldn't be to worried by being away from home. The site was clean and spacious we took a pitch near the top of the hill just under the hedge and thankfully it came in useful.
Friday night was very good and lots of fun with the kids playing with the dog and running around making some new friends everyone was very friendly and as a result has left the kids wanting more tent time .
We used the four berth twin bedroom tent starter kit from argos and for only £80 including bags and air mattresses, although they don't provide electric hookups we asked at the nearest food outlet and they let us pump up the three airbeds.
A great and low cost way into camping, Saturday was dreadful with rain and more rain in between more rain the tent stayed waterproof and warm the dog was worn out the kids played out and we were very happy that it went smoothly , the only down side was the toilets the nearest portaloo blocked up a couple of times but once reported was cleaned and back in use with in 30 mins.
The shower block is very basic and suffered from some black mold on the walls and the toilet wasn't as clean as it could have been. Food wise you would be advised to bring your own and not rely on the parks catering outlets.
We didnt use any of the nearby pubs or shops on this trip but coming from the area we are familiar with what is available overall a well presented and friendly only let down by the shower and toilets but we will be going back for more
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| Date of Visit: July 2008 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Lynndy_40 |
3 reviews from this member |
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We picked the hottest weekend so far this year, staying just two nights in a trailer tent. No rain whatsoever. A beautiful park - great space for ball games, and very close to the theme park. The toilet / shower facilities were very disappointing. The portaloos which were dotted around were grim. The main block consisted of only one toilet and one shower (unisex) for the whole campsite. However, we found that the public toilets for the theme park were open all night. These were much better, but quite a hike, and we, like many others decided to drive across. There is no electricity on the site (which we knew before hand). We managed for a couple of nights. Summary: We had to wash in the trailer and drive to the loo BUT had a very enjoyable time.
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| Date of Visit: June 2008 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: TheHootons |
5 reviews from this member |
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A basic site, that to be honest is explained when you book. Being fairly local we knew what to expect on arrival. There are no facilities here the loo and shower block did the job. There are loads of portaloos round the sides of the field. There were 4 at the front end of the field which gets used most. Everyone seemed to cram in around us rather than camp further down the field, I guess anything more than a few mins walk into the park is unacceptable these days!
You are camping in a theme park so expect some noise. The field itself is surrounded by large hedges which gave shelter from some large wind this weekend.
Bear in mind the field is open to the general public so anyone can walk in. Lock all valuables in the car during the day. Park security did make regular patrols around the field in their vans though.
Like most things you get what you pay for and £10 per night is not unreasonable here, esp when they charge £6 to park for the day!
Nearest shop is Tesco in nearby Kettering. Has everything you need or could forget for a couple of nights away. Kids enjoyed it. So well worth the money.
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| Date of Visit: June 2008 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Stickie |
15 reviews from this member |
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We spent two nights here this year and two the year before.
It's ok for a couple of nights, as it's quite basic.
It has a toilet & a shower (but could do with more for the size of the site.
There NO electric hook up's as yet.
It is in the theme park it's self, at the back on a really big field & you can pitch were ever you like.
There's fishing on site, just over the back of the camp site.
When the site is closed a night the kids can still play on the big play ground that's on site.
It has a steam railway, rowing boats,bumper boats, roller coaster,the oldest water shoot in the country and loads more.
There are shops & takeaways near by in kettering.
Great for weekend away with kids.
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| Date of Visit: August 2007 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Moplatt |
3 reviews from this member |
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Pretty much agree with the previous people, this is not really a site to go to unless you have a caravan as the facilities are basically non-existent.
This was actually only our second outing in our caravan so were a little apprehensive, especially as the field is all sloping but as you choose where to go and which direction to face you can get around this.
It can be very noisy at night and although there are the standard rules such as no noise after a certain time, people did ignore this. After the first night we did actually move to the other side of the field as the people next to us were quite noisy until very late.
The park itself is pretty good, we met up with my wife's brother in law and his family and their kids just loved it. As they had kids in the evening we just cooked and drank outside our 'van which is pretty much all we want in a site anyway!
The price of £10/night also includes the £6/day parking fee so for £4/night for the 'van it was never going to have full facilities!
Overall, don't expect too much and you'll have a great time, but go in a camper/caravan if you can!
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| Date of Visit: August 2007 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Justy |
13 reviews from this member |
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We visited this site on one of the few nice weekends this summer. We had visited Wicksteed Park last year and noticed they had camping too. We visited with my parents and their caravan.
The first thing that is vital to mention is that currently they do not have any electric hookups and only 1 unisex toilet cubicle and 1 shower. There are 2 temporary 'thunderbox' toilets but they were absolutely disgusting and it was preferable to queue for the 'proper' one. It is an enormous camping field so you can imagine there is a lot of demand on the facilities (which were not cleaned the whole weekend. ) There are however toilets throughout Wicksteed Park itself which can be used during their opening times.
Wicksteed park itself is great and a nice fun day out for younger children. It has a huge free playground which is fantastic and you can buy wristbands for additional rides (can use Tesco vouchers!) I do not know what else there is in the area as we were really only staying to visit the park and the Festival of History which was just down the road.
The site was quite noisy until late but the field was so big that we didn't notice it where we were.
The prices are OK at the moment (£10 per night) however I have stayed on sites with vastly better faciliies for a similar price.
To be honest we would not visit with just our tent while the facilities are so poor - we really needed mum's caravan. However I believe they are planning on upgrading the facilities next year and I think that providing they do not hike up the prices too much we would visit again.
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| Date of Visit: August 2007 |
Unit: Trailer Tent |
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| Reviewer: Marynov |
23 reviews from this member |
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Had a few days here midweek with the kids - brilliant theme park, more old fashioned but very friendly. Campsite leaves a lot to be desired though, we knew it was basic but expected more than 1 loo and 1 shower once we bought the key for the block (£10 returnable) clean at times but at least had loo roll, shower was adequate. Seemed to be a shortage of fresh water taps and the one near us was taken into an encampment made by a massive group of tents etc so we felt awkward heading for water. Elsan point was a hole in the ground and no tap to sloosh out either - good job it was no 1's only!
Tesco nearby and Kettering itself handy.
All in all though good value, kids loved it, just be prepared for basic and don't leave it tooooo late for a meander to the loos!
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| Date of Visit: August 2007 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Lara1 |
13 reviews from this member |
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Had a brill stay here, the sunny weather helped. 1 shower and toilet in a massive room (you need to pay £10.00 refundable deposit for key). 2 Portaloos in field that were kept spotless whilst we were there. The park has plannng permission in for proper facilities that will make this park even more popular. £10.00 a night though you really can't grumble, I'm sure this will go up once electric hookup etc is there. Loads of room in camping field. Children can play in the giant sandpit once all the "visitors" have gone home and stroll around the park/lakes. We camped right under the Roller Coaster, great fun eating your breakfast and waving to the screaming people on it, made us laugh. Staff on the gates were extremely helpful and friendly and always made a fuss of the kids when we came in/out of the park. All in all we had a brilliant time and would come back (midweek) again when there were only a handful of people so no queues for shower/toilet. Can get very busy on weekends as you would expect.
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47 Reviews in total, now showing 31 to 40
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Common Questions
Is Wicksteed Park Campsite child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Wicksteed Park Campsite? There is a shop within 1 mile View all facilities
Is Wicksteed Park Campsite dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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