The Thursford Collection, best known for its unrivalled steam engines, Christmas Spectacular and Summer Shows, has unveiled a brand-new attraction designed to keep its legacy alive for the next generation: a vintage fairground-themed adventure playground, brought to life by CAP.CO – Creating Adventurous Places Ltd.
The playground, which officially opened to visitors on 18 August 2025, draws directly from Thursford’s celebrated history. Ornate detailing inspired by carousel panels, brightly painted showfronts and mechanical organs has been reimagined in play structures that invite children to climb, slide, and explore.
Heritage Meets Play
While Thursford’s steam engines and rides are admired by enthusiasts worldwide, CAP.CO saw an opportunity to translate that heritage into something tangible for younger visitors.
The bespoke design incorporates climbing challenges, elevated walkways and interactive play features, all framed by bold colours and traditional motifs. To ensure authenticity, sustainably sourced timber and traditional styling were combined with modern safety and accessibility standards.
A splash pad – the first of its kind to be installed in a heritage attraction of this scale in the UK – adds another layer of interactivity, offering visitors the chance to cool off while playing.
Freddie Egan, CAP.CO Lead Designer, explained:
“Thursford is such a distinctive destination, and we wanted the playground to be equally unique. It’s about honouring the vintage fairground character while giving children freedom to create their own adventures.”
Enhancing the Visitor Journey
The playground marks a significant addition to Thursford’s offering. Known globally for Europe’s largest Christmas show, the venue attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The new family-focused attraction ensures Thursford isn’t just about nostalgia but also about creating new memories.
George Cushing of Thursford said:
“We wanted something that would honour our heritage and add real value to the visitor journey. CAP.CO has created a space that resonates with the magic of the fairground but through play. It’s a new chapter for Thursford and one that will engage younger generations.”
Why It Matters
Heritage attractions across the UK are increasingly recognising the importance of broadening their offer beyond exhibitions and performances. By integrating play, Thursford is positioning itself as a destination for families seeking year-round appeal. For CAP.CO, the project demonstrates how storytelling and heritage can be embedded in imaginative design.
The result is a playground that doesn’t just provide entertainment; it extends the spirit of Thursford into an entirely new medium. Children may arrive for the rides and steam engines, but they will leave with memories forged on climbing towers, splash pads and slides – all framed by the sights and sounds of a bygone fairground era.
