I visited the UK's new National Fairground attraction – with rides rescued from a much-loved abandoned theme park

The Sun

6 days ago

SPOTTING the vintage helter skelter taking pride of place outside the new National Fairground Museum at Statfold Country Park near Tamworth, my little boy could hardly wait to give it a go.
We were among the first visitors to be wowed by the heritage rides and attractions at the museum's grand opening at the start of half term, after its relocation from Dingles in Devon over the winter.
7
It's a feast for your eyes and ears the moment you arrive at the purpose-built venue, with fairground artwork adorning the walls, a model of Popeye riding a rocket suspended from the ceiling and a hall of mirrors to give everyone a grin.
We were even greeted by a fairground organ playing classics and modern tunes.
Once inside, you could take a turn on all the old rides, including a ghost train, bumper cars, merry-go-round, Shaw's Moonrocket and Edwards' Chariot Racer.
We loved the old arcade machines that cost 2p or 10p a go.
I will warn you that the old rides take no prisoners - the bumper cars certainly go far faster than any modern-day dodgem I've driven!
It's not the first time we've visited Statfold - we even celebrated my youngest's fourth birthday there as he's a huge railway fan.
The new fairground museum sits perfectly on a site that already offers steam trains, vintage vehicles, soft play, climbing wall, roller disco and crazy golf.
Being easily accessible in the middle of the country makes this the perfect spot for visitors to experience all the fun of the fair and more besides.
We've had loads of great family days out at Statfold and it's been brilliant to see how it's evolved since we first started visiting when we moved nearby in 2021.
The train-themed playground on your way in is a hint of what's to come inside, but once you've prised your kids off the wooden play equipment, they're sure to be impressed by the roundhouse entrance hall, complete with turntable and vintage vehicles galore.
Beyond is a cafe and exhibition space, with a soft play and climbing wall off to one side and a courtyard leading to the train platforms at the back.
There's a bouncy castle and slide for children under 150cm and garden games.
You can board a light railway taking visitors to a nearby woodland and then on to the fairground museum and nearby retro roller disco or enjoy a ride in an old carriage pulled by a steam train.
We bought a whole-site ticket which covered entry into all the attractions and unlimited rides on the trains.
At the fairground museum, we bought tokens to pay for the rides, with most being three tokens per ride.
The smaller children's rides were two tokens each.
If you buy a ticket just for the fairground museum, it costs £5 per person, which includes three tokens.
Extra tokens cost £1 each, or there are bundles like 12 tokens for £10.
Family tickets to Statfold for two adults and two children cost £57.50 on peak days.
7
7
Extra tickets for the weekend roller disco or the climbing wall can be added on.
There's also a family summer pass for £70, which covers unlimited visits from June until September.
Not all the Dingles attractions have moved to the Midlands - some have gone to the Hollycombe Working Steam Museum in Hampshire.
But with top theme park Drayton Manor and its Thomas Land area for train-mad tots only about 15 minutes away from Statfold, you could easily combine the two for a weekend full of funfair thrills and train rides galore.
There is so much to get steamed up about at Statfold.
We'll be rushing back there to ride the rails and enjoy all the fun of the fair in 2025.
Free summer holiday activites
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.
Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.
Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.
Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.
Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
The Sun's Cyann Fielding also recently headed to the new UK indoor playground where children are banned – it was like being back in primary school.
Plus, an iconic UK theme park which suddenly closed as an attraction has been 'saved' – but is being forced to relocate across Britain.
7