Thursford

The Thursford Collection is a celebration of the sights, sounds and sensations of the golden age of steam. Climb on board and enjoy all the fun of the fairground on the traditional carousels and gondola.

Experience the size & scale of steam with the largest collection of traction engines in the world. Delight in the unique sounds of Robert Wolfe show on the mighty Wurlitzer.

The Christmas Spectacular is set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels. A cast of over 130 performers deliver an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety.

Santa’s Magical Journey is a truly unforgettable trip to visit Father Christmas, and the Enchanted Journey of Light is a beautiful, breathtaking festival of luminous sculptures.

New for 2025, the Adventure Play Fair is an outdoor play park with a magical fairground theme. The classic rides and attractions, including Ferris Wheel, Carousel and Helter Skelter, are all constructed from timber and connected with high-level walkways, bridges and tunnels. A world of play and wonder!

At the Thursford Steam Museum you’ll see the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs, hear one of the world’s leading theatre organists play the mighty Wurlitzer, and ride on the fairground carousels & gondola.

Steam Engines

Come and explore the country’s finest collection of steam traction engines and get up close and personal with these magnificent machines of yesteryear.

Mechanical Organs

The Collection’s founder was taken to the fair when he was just eight years old, and the sounds of the fairground organs had a particularly magical effect. Experience the wonderful sound of his amazing collection of fairground organs!

Fairground Rides

The two large fairground rides are inevitably very popular with visitors who seek to experience the delight of riding on the magnificent machines. There is also a small hand cranked carousel perfect for children.

Please note fairground rides are subject to availability and are charged extra.

Wurlitzer Show
The Mighty Wurlitzer is the centrepiece of the collection. There are two shows with resident organist Robert Wolfe performed each day during the Summer Season.

Get ready for all the fun of the fair at Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair!

Centred around a vintage fairground theme, this brand new 30,000sqft outdoor play park is connected with walkways, bridges and tunnels across multiple levels.

• Slide down a giant Helter Skelter
• Scale the heights of the big Ferris Wheel
• Spin yourself silly on the Teacups
• Soar around the Kart Track
• Smile on the Crazy Carousel
• Splash around the water fountain organ

The timber design and build has been completed by award-winning bespoke adventure playground designers, CAP.CO.

Book your tickets here!

The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety.

It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites.

With a cast of 130 this is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe!

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a festive feast for all the senses.

This event combines the Enchanted Journey of Light with a visit to see Father Christmas.

Best experienced from dusk!

Give children and grandchildren a day they’ll never forget and visit Father Christmas on magical fantasy journey.

The journey takes you from penguins and polar bears to giant sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh and then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory with the wonderful wrapping machine. You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters including the snowman’s family.

After your visit to Father Christmas’s grotto, venture outside to the Enchanted Journey of Light, a beautiful, breathtaking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole.

With free entry, why not pop along to shop at the ‘Olde Worlde’ shopping village.

In the Christmas Shop you’ll find decorations, tableware, gifts, toys and all the accessories you’ll need for the perfect festive season.

Discover the wonderful collection of the very best of British jams, chutneys and biscuits in the Best of British pantry shop.

Search among the sweet jars and you’ll be sure to find all your favourites in the ice cream, sweets and treats shop.

The Corner Shop is the place to shop for fashion, accessories, crafts and unique giftware.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, sweet treat or a quick snack, there’s plenty of choice at the Barn Café.

From delicious hot food such as fish & chips to baked cakes, sausage rolls or sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The Barn Café also sells a range of hot and cold drinks.