Help Protect a Lifetime of Memories

Everyone has a favourite Water Chute memory.

Maybe it was your very first ride. Maybe it was finally being brave enough to sit in the front. Maybe it was watching your children or grandchildren laugh as they reached the bottom.

For generations, the water chute has been part of family days out, bringing excitement, laughter and memories that last a lifetime. Now we need your help to protect if for the future.

More than 100 years of memories. Opened in 1926, Wicksteed Park's water chute is Britain's oldest surviving water chute and a grade II listed landmark.

For over a century, it has been part of the Park’s story and holds a special place in the hearts of generations of visitors. As a charity, Wicksteed Charitable Trust is committed to caring for the Park’s heritage and ensuring that special places like the Water Chute can be enjoyed for years to come.

After 100 years, the Water Chute needs essential roof restoration to protect its historic structure and help secure its future.

What needs to be done.

This project aims to use appropriate conservation methods and materials, with the aim to retain as much of the original historic material as possible.

The restoration aims:

Tiling the Roof: Removing and reinstating the roof using existing tiles wherever possible, or with matching reclaimed tiles where replacements are required; and re-bedding ridge and hip tiles in lime mortar.

Replacing the roofing felt: The worn-out underlay will be replaced with a breathable membrane to help keep water out while allowing moisture to escape.

Inspecting and repairing the roof timbers: Once scaffolding is in place and the roof can be safely accessed, the timbers will be inspected and any necessary repairs carried out.

Repairing the timberwork: Deteriorated wooden boards around the edges of the roof will be repaired/replaced.

Replacing the guttering: The existing plastic guttering will be replaced with aluminium guttering.

Finishing the work: The timberwork and guttering will be redecorated once the repairs are complete.

We’re raising £30,000 to fund these essential repairs and help protect this much-loved landmark for future generations.

If Wicksteed Park has ever been part of your family’s story...

If Wicksteed Park has ever made you smile...

If you've ever laughed on the Water Chute...

If you've ever made a happy memory here...

Please help us make sure those memories continue for generations to come.

Every donation, whatever its size, brings us one step closer to restoring the Water Chute.

Please donate today and share this page with your family and friends.

Together, we can protect a lifetime of memories.

Love Wicksteed. Get Involved.

Join us in caring for Wicksteed Park by supporting the Water Chute Appeal today.