Why I love this Nottinghamshire theme park that offers a perfect place for family fun - and it doesn't kill your bank account

I’m normally underwhelmed by most tourist attractions. They seem far too expensive, poor value and simply not worth the trouble.

But one Sunday back in 2024 I decided to take advantage of a Black Friday deal and get an annual pass for Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park.

Wheelgate, for those who don’t know, is a 30-acre family theme park in Farnsfield for children aged four and upwards.

But, with eight adventure zones with kiddy rides, two indoor play centres, a little farm and a simply stunning splash park, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Our first visit came on a chilly Sunday morning in January and it was a visit that left me rather impressed.

It’s 30-acres of hidden gem and much more than just a basic theme park. The soft-play barn is superb. It’s massive with plenty of great slides. The soft ball areas and bouncy castles are great fun and it’s just what you need if the weather’s not at its best.

Just outside the barn are trampolines, a massive wooden climbing structure, a little rollercoaster train, merry-go-round, a small but oddly challenging maze and all the fun of the fair packed in for all ages to enjoy.

For me that’s the beauty of Wheelgate. It packs a real punch with so much more than might be expected.

As you make your way deeper into the grounds, there’s a nice little crazy golf course. It’s not the greatest and could do with a bit more TLC in some places. But it’s definitely fun and a nice little extra.

Next on the agenda was another of the activity barns and this one was a favourite of mine. Here there’s a lovely arts and crafts area where you can sit back and take a few moments to relax. My son loves to draw and colour and it was rather nice to be able to spend some quality time enjoying creative vibes.The barn also has an enticing hall of mirrors and a real winner for the boys in the shape of a little five-a-side football area.

At the top of the farm is an ideal spot for animal lovers with Wheelgate’s mini farm offering a variety of animals, including goats, rabbits, capybaras. alpacas, lambs, sheep and reptiles. It's a great area and one that I always take pleasure in visiting. It’s a lovely peaceful retreat and ideal when you just need some therapeutic escapism. There’s definitely nothing more relaxing than sitting in a quiet barn petting a rabbit.

Of course, no visit to Wheelgate would be complete without spending lots of time in their crown jewel, the splash park.

The splash park is pretty big and has plenty of slides and water areas to keep the kids cool and make new friends during the summer.

What I like best about this area, being one who doesn’t get into the water if I can help it, is the amount of holiday style sun loungers dotted all around the pool area.

It’s not the beach, or the seaside, but it’s the next best thing and it’s simply wonderful to laze in the sizzling sun with a book while the children do their thing. I could stop here for hours relaxing in this way. For an hour or so, at least, you’re not in Farnsfield any more, you’re sunning yourself on holiday in the south of France.

An annual pass now sets you back £104.95 for a combined adult and child ticket. It perhaps sounds steep, but when you price it up as one trip a fortnight then each visit will cost you £4.38.