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iggerland is an hour’s easy drive from Malton. Having heard about it from our sister site, Wakefield Mumbler, I got the opportunity to go. Our children are nearly 5 and 2.5 years. We decided to take our eldest, Henry for an early birthday present. Both children are quite tall for their age with Eliza bigger than 90cm (the first height cut off) and Henry almost 120cm meaning he could go on nearly everything. Kids under 100cm will be unable to go on a few rides but it didn’t spoil our day. We got there at 1130am and didn’t have to queue to get in.
Once in, it was great, simply laid out with a good circuit you embarked on, either way and this ensured you didn’t miss anything! Sometimes, when you arrive at a new theme or adventure park, it is all a bit overwhelming and sometimes you benefit from going with someone that has already been or going a second time, this is not the case with Diggerland, it’s just lots of fun for big and little kids laid out in a simple manner!
We went clockwise! We started with Dig-a-Round, a carousel-style ride which the Mini-Mumblers thoroughly enjoyed. A few rides with Dad were next to get Henry “warmed” up before he drove the mini-Land Rover himself. He loved this and did have a little crash where he over shot a corner which he thought was hilarious! We spent a lot of time on mini-JCBs playing skittles, hook a duck and digging for bricks! They loved it. The “girls” team won the skittles much to Henry’s horror! Eliza sat on my knee and we decided that Henry would sit on Dad’s knee too. He did it by himself but allowed Dad to get involved but also meant there was a helping hand when it got a bit tricky as some children of a similar size were slightly struggling when on their own. We had “in house” races and they loved it. There were no queues which was great.
We took a picnic to save a few pennies that we ate in the grassy picnic area. There was plenty of space and some old army vehicles to climb on whilst Mum and Dad had a little rest in the sunshine! Henry rode the Dumper Trucks and loved it. Henry and I went on the Ground Shuttle (an elevated off-road carriage ride). It was awesome, a dancing digger with you sitting on the front. Eliza wasn’t quite big enough for that ride so her and Dad rode go-karts around a track which kept her happy. We then adjourned for an ice cream from the kiosk! These weren’t anymore expensive that any other attraction or show.
We all loved digging holes! If all else fails, I reckon I could drive a digger! We had a family trip onto Sky Shuttle to be raised 50 feet in the air, the kids loved it (Eliza laughed and laughed with excitement – she’ll be wanting to bungee jump next!) and it was a fabulous view of Castleford and the surrounding area. However, not one for the vertigo sufferers!! We had one on the ride with us and he wasn’t a happy camper. Eliza wasn’t quite big enough for Spindizzy but Henry was and he loved it!
When you get in, the Little Tikes Wheelz Play Zone is there right in front of you. Our kids made a beeline for it, all kids love those Little Tikes cars and the water tables for a quick play. It was great as meant we could get ourselves sorted before setting off on our “adventure”.
There were some rides which needed additional payment (£1), the bumper cars, small diggers and city cars. Two of which happen to be near the entrance but it was easy to divert attention and crack on into the park.
It was a beautiful day for us, but if you aren’t so lucky, there are good indoor facilities with picnic tables and a large soft play area. The slide is fast!! The café in here served hot and cold food at prices in line with other attractions. It is cash only.
It is such a clean park as well with people regularly on “litter patrol” and many bins throughout.
We spent nearly 4 hours there, it wasn’t overly busy and we didn’t have to queue very long at all. It is well laid out to ensure you get the option to do everything if you wish. It is a must for boys and Dads but mums and girls enjoyed it too! It is simple and not at all pretentious. A really good family day out!
Pay on the day prices are £19.95pp for children over 90cm and adults. £9.95pp for Age 65+.
Prices are £16.99pp for children over 90cm and adults (£7.99pp for Age 65+) when booked in advance online.
Discounted rates for groups of 10+
Diggerland Yorkshire
Willowbridge Ln, Castleford WF10 5NW
ttp://www.diggerland.com/