Thursford Collection: “Adventure Play Fair” with Vintage Fairground Charm

© Photo: CAP.CO (eap) The private Thursford Collection in England’s North Norfolk district, which features an exhibition of steam engines and fairground organs and is renowned for its large-scale Christmas shows, will reopen its doors on April 5, 2026 – marking the start of the region’s tourism season. This year, the excursion destination is launching the season with an expanded visitor offering: a nearly 2,800-square-meter area called “Adventure Play Fair” provides attractions and play experiences in a nostalgic fairground setting.

The newly developed area includes a 100-square-meter water play system with 1,024 jets, designed in the style of a Victorian organ. The water playground was realized by the Dutch company PlayFountain, which has implemented one of its interactive water play installations in the United Kingdom for the first time here.

In addition, visitors can enjoy attractions such as a Ferris wheel, a nostalgic carousel, a teacup ride, a kart track, and a Helter Skelter slide. A dedicated play zone features climbing walkways, bridges, and tunnels that invite young guests to explore. The entire new area was designed by the British company Creating Adventurous Places (CAP.CO) with the aim of expanding the largely seasonal and predominantly indoor museum by adding an appealing outdoor offer.

To learn more about concepts for play environments that significantly extend visitors’ length of stay, increase secondary revenue, and enhance overall guest satisfaction, see our special feature “Playful Spaces” in the next EAP magazine issue (March/April 2026). ■