One of world’s oldest water rides turning 100

By Ed Chatterton

One of the world's oldest theme park water rides is still making a splash as it celebrates 100 years of drenching U.K. thrill-seekers.

The iconic Water Chute at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England was constructed in 1926 — decades before log flumes became a staple of theme parks across the world.

It was built by the park's founder, Charles Wicksteed, who was also the inventor of modern-day swings and slides. It remains one of the oldest surviving water-based rides in the world and the oldest ride of its kind in the U.K.

The chute was granted Grade II-listed building status by Historic England in 2016 for its architecture and design and was named the country’s Best Historic Ride in the 2022 UK Theme Park Awards.

Incredibly, it survives almost as it was built, and the rider experience is the same as when it first opened.

The flat-bottomed wooden boat resembles the original design but is a modern replica, descending a track into a lake with a splash.

The boat is then winched up again on a rope using a pulley system so that the passengers can exit the ride.

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After spending 100 years soaking excited families who have visited the park since it opened in 1921, the attraction is now celebrating its centenary with a splash.

To mark the anniversary this week, April 2, the park is allowing people to ride the Water Chute for just 100 pennies and inviting people to share their nostalgic memories of the ride from over the years.

Wicksteed Park Director Kelly Richardson said: “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.”

Wicksteed Park is open during the Easter holidays, from March 28 to April 12, and then on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays until the end of September. Wristband entry costs £22 (about $28).

It was opened in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who had a vision to inspire and encourage play as a way to improve families' health and well-being, and it remains the U.K.'s oldest theme park.