PLANS are underway to open a new adventure playground at an English attraction.
Located in a Norfolk village, the Thursford Collection is known for its extensive collection of vintage fairground organs, steam engines and its Christmas Spectacular show.
The Thursford Collection, which is known for its extensive collection of vintage fairground organs and steam engines, is set to expand its offering[/caption]
The Norfolk-based attraction is set to open a new adventure playground in a bid to increase year-round footfall[/caption]
Even though the Christmas Spectacular attracts thousands of people each year, the Norfolk attraction is hoping to increase year-round footfall with a new adventure park.
The Thursford Collection has been given the go-ahead to improve its existing outdoor play area.
According to local newspaper the Fakenham and Wells Times, the new play area will feature a steam engine, a big wheel, a carousel and elevated walkways.
A computer-generated image shows a colourful helter-skelter and a small Ferris wheel, both of which are painted in traditional circus colours like red and yellow.
The new attraction will occupy “the whole of the existing play area, using the space more intensively and more creatively to deliver a high-quality, fun-fair-themed adventurous play experience.”
A spokesperson from the council believes the new play area will offer more activities for younger children.
Project Manager, George Cushing, said: “It’s been a long time coming but we’re excited to finally announce our huge expansion plans at Thursford.
“The introduction of the play area will establish us as one of the biggest themed play parks in and around East Anglia.”
It is not yet known when the adventure playground will open to the public.
George Cushing established the Thursford collection after he began restoring the historic items in a bid to preserve them for future generations.
The Thursford Collection will reopen on April 6 for its summer season before closing to visitors on September 3.
When it reopens, visitors will be able to see the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs as well as ride traditional fairground carousels and watch silent movies.
Daily performances by Robert Wolfe, one of the world’s leading theatre organists, will also take place.
Despite closing its doors in September, the Thursford Collection reopens to visitors for its Christmas Spectacular.
The festive show is described as an “extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety”.
Shows will run from November 8 until December 23, with tickets already on sale.
The Thursford Collection has a 4.5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor, with visitors praising the attraction in online reviews.
Reviewing the Christmas Spectacular, one person wrote: “We went to see the Thursford Christmas spectacular and it didn’t disappoint.”
Another person commented: “The Christmas Spectacular is West End plus, with fantastic singing, dancing, costumes.
“The whole area has Christmas trees, shops, stalls and all things Christmas.”
A third person commented: “Wow, absolutely fantastic, worth every penny.”
Five indoor adventure parks in the UK
WHEN you need to get the kids out of the house but the weather isn’t playing ball, an indoor theme park is the way to tire them out. Here are five spots to visit in the UK…
- Babylon Park, London
One of the only indoor theme parks in the UK, Camden’s Babylon Park even has an underground rollercoaster. Along with this there is a driving ride, drop rower, Ferris Wheel for small kids and a spinning musical ride. The Sun’s travel reporter, Hope Brotherton, visited last year – here’s her experience too. - Stockeld Park, Yorkshire
While Stockeld Park itself is an outdoor attraction, the Playhive is inside. Calling itself one of Europe’s largest indoor playgrounds, there are four themed worlds – space air, jungle and sea. - Woodlands Park, Devon
Even though Woodlands theme park is mainly outdoors, it is home to one of the biggest indoor adventure parks in the UK. Empire of the Sea Dragon Indoor Zone is set across five floors, and even has indoor thrill rides. - Play Factore, Manchester
The UK’s largest indoor entertainment attraction is Play Factore in Manchester. It has the largest play frame in the UK with huge spider nets, rollers and the UK’s tallest indoor standing slide and huge zip wire. - Adventure Inside, Essex
Labelled as the best indoor fun attraction in Southend, Adventure Inside is open 363 days a year. Along with a six-storey soft play zone, there are even four rides inside.
And the Netherlands is home to Europe’s largest playground.
We’ve even rounded up five of the best indoor attractions for when the weather turns.
The Thursford Collection will reopen for its summer season in April[/caption]
A computer-generated image shows a colourful helter-skelter and a small Ferris wheel, both of which are painted in traditional circus colours like red and yellow[/caption]
