Your Complete Guide to the Ashburton Park Funfair

For many families in Croydon, the Ashburton Park funfair is a highlight of the local calendar. It’s a classic travelling fair that pops up to bring a splash of colour, excitement, and family fun to the area, especially during the school holidays. Best of all, it offers a fantastic day out with free entry to the grounds.

What is the Ashburton Park Funfair

Picture the timeless charm of a traditional funfair—the dazzling lights, the cheerful music, the smell of candy floss—all arriving right in the heart of your local park. That’s the experience the Ashburton Park funfair delivers. For a limited time, it transforms a familiar green space into a buzzing hub of entertainment.

Unlike a permanent theme park, this event has that special, nostalgic feel of a pop-up attraction. It brings together all the classic rides, games, and treats you’d hope for in a proper fairground experience.

A Hub of Community Fun

At its heart, the funfair is more than just a collection of rides; it becomes a temporary local landmark where friends and families make memories. It’s an accessible and exciting day out for everyone, whether you have toddlers ready for their first spin on a carousel or teenagers looking for a thrilling ride.

This guide is your complete companion to planning the perfect trip. We’ve got all the essential details covered, including:

• Dates and opening times so you can pick the best day for your visit.

• Ticket information and ride costs to help you budget with confidence.

• A look at the rides and attractions on offer for all different age groups.

• Insider tips to make sure your day runs as smoothly and enjoyably as possible.

Let's get you set for a day of laughter, thrills, and unforgettable moments.

Planning Your Visit with Dates and Opening Times

Timing is everything when it comes to planning the perfect day out, and knowing the funfair's schedule is your first step. Unlike a permanent theme park, the Ashburton Park funfair is a special seasonal event, which means its dates are absolutely crucial to get right.

It usually rolls into town to brighten up the park during school holidays, making it a reliable and much-anticipated treat for families during the May half-term and the long summer break. This pop-up nature is exactly what makes its arrival so exciting for the whole community.

It’s important to remember, though, that these are travelling fairs. Dates and times can sometimes shift due to bad weather or other logistical hitches, so a quick check of the operator’s official website or social media page before you head out is always a smart move.

Typical Opening Hours

To help you get your plans in order, the funfair’s hours often differ between weekdays and weekends. Weekends are generally busier, with longer opening times to accommodate the crowds, while weekday afternoons can offer a slightly calmer experience for those with younger children.

If you're looking for more ways to find events like this, check out our guide on great sources for local festivals near me in 2026.

Pro Tip: Visiting on a weekday right after it opens is often the best strategy to dodge long queues for the most popular rides. It’s a great way to pack more fun into your day.

Typical Funfair Operating Hours

Here’s a general guide to the funfair's schedule to help you plan. Just keep in mind these are typical hours, and it's always best to confirm the exact times for the specific dates you want to visit.

Day	Opening Time	Closing Time
Weekdays (Mon-Fri)	1:00 PM	9:00 PM
Weekends (Sat-Sun)	12:00 PM	9:00 PM
Bank Holidays	12:00 PM	9:00 PM

As you can see, you get an extra hour of fun on weekends and bank holidays, perfect for making the most of a sunny day off

Funfair Tickets and Ride Costs: A Quick Guide

Worried about how much a day at the funfair will set you back? Let's break down the costs at the Ashburton Park funfair so you can plan your budget and focus on the fun. The best part? Entry onto the funfair grounds is usually completely free, so you can wander around and soak up the brilliant atmosphere without spending a penny.

This "pay as you go" approach is pretty standard for travelling fairs, and it's what keeps them as a fantastic, affordable day out for everyone. While the specifics can change from year to year, it’s a long-standing tradition. If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty of how it all works, you can get a better understanding of the face value of funfair tickets here.

How Do Ride Tokens Work?

Once you're inside, you'll need tokens to get on the rides. Just head to a central booth to buy them, and then look for the signs on each ride which tell you how many tokens it costs. It’s a really simple system that makes it easy to keep track of your spending.

• Gentle Rides: Things like the teacups or a classic carousel for the little ones will usually be just a few tokens.

• Thrill Rides: Naturally, the bigger, faster, and more heart-pounding rides will cost a few more tokens per person.

It's often better value to buy tokens in bulk, so it pays to have a rough idea of how many rides your group fancies trying.

Here’s a top tip: When you first arrive, do a quick lap of the fairground. Let everyone pick out their must-do rides, check the token costs, and then head to the booth to buy what you need in one go. You’ll probably snag a better deal that way.

Getting the Best Value with Wristbands

On certain days, the organisers might offer all-inclusive wristbands. These are an absolute game-changer for families with serious ride enthusiasts, giving you unlimited goes on most attractions for one flat fee. Keep an eye out for official announcements about these deals, because they are hands down the best value for a full day of non-stop fun.

What Rides and Attractions Can We Expect?

This is where the real fun begins. The Ashburton Park funfair always brings a brilliant mix of spinning lights and soaring rides, making sure there’s something for everyone, from the littlest adventurers to seasoned thrill-seekers.

To help you map out your day, we’ve broken down the highlights into the zones you’re likely to find, so you can head straight for your favourites.

Family Classics for All

For many of us, the heart of any funfair is in its timeless attractions. These are the rides that parents remember from their own childhoods and now get to share with their own kids, creating those perfect family moments.

• The Ferris Wheel: A gentle ride offering fantastic views across Ashburton Park. It's a great chance to catch your breath and snap a few photos.

• The Waltzers: A true funfair staple. Get ready to spin, slide, and laugh uncontrollably on this dizzying classic.

• Dodgems: Is it even a funfair trip if you haven't had a friendly bump on the dodgems? It’s pure, chaotic fun for the whole family.

Thrill Seeker Zone

If your idea of a good time involves high speeds and stomach-lurching drops, then this is your corner of the fair. These rides are designed to get your heart racing and are always a huge hit with teens and adventurous adults. Expect to see towering attractions that swing, spin, and launch you towards the sky. The exact lineup can vary, but there’s always something to test your nerve.

The real magic of a travelling funfair is that it’s always a little different. While the classics are a given, the thrill rides often rotate, meaning there's a fresh experience waiting each time the fair returns to Ashburton Park.

Little Adventurer Rides

The youngest guests are well looked after with a whole section of gentle and enchanting rides. These attractions are all about fun without being overwhelming, making them a safe and exciting introduction to the world of the funfair. Keep an eye out for colourful carousels, mini-coasters, and other smaller rides perfect for the little ones.

Thinking about all the different experiences at a funfair can give you some great inspiration for other events. For more ways to keep a younger crowd entertained, you can explore some fun and creative kids party entertainment ideas.

Insider Tips for a Perfect Funfair Day

To get the most out of your day at the Ashburton Park funfair, a little bit of local know-how goes a long way. Thinking like a seasoned fair-goer helps you sidestep the common pitfalls, save a bit of cash, and really focus on what the day is all about: making some brilliant memories.

Your secret weapon for beating the queues is timing. Your best bet is to arrive right as the gates open or to pop down on a weekday afternoon. The park is usually a bit calmer then, which means less time waiting in line for the big rides and more time actually enjoying them.

Your Essential Funfair Checklist

Packing a small bag with a few key items will make your visit that much smoother. While some of the bigger food stalls might take cards, a lot of the smaller game operators and vendors are still cash-only. Having some notes and coins on you is a smart move.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to bring:

• Cash: For ride tokens, grabbing a bite to eat, and trying your luck at those classic fairground games that probably won’t have a card machine.

• Comfortable Footwear: You'll be on your feet a lot, so comfy shoes are an absolute must.

• Sunscreen and Hats: It's easy to catch the sun when you're outdoors all day, even if it looks a bit cloudy.

• A Portable Charger: Your phone battery will thank you after all the photos and videos you'll be taking.

If you’re visiting with the kids, a great tip is to agree on an easy-to-spot meeting point as soon as you get there—something like the base of the Ferris wheel. It’s a simple thing that gives you peace of mind in case you get separated in all the excitement.

Finally, don't forget that the funfair is a proper community event, buzzing with the energy of live music and happy crowds. Taking a moment to understand why live performances are essential for community events can give you a real appreciation for the lively atmosphere that makes the fair so special. With these tips in your back pocket, you're all set for a perfect day out.

How to Get to Ashburton Park

A fantastic day out at the Ashburton Park funfair starts with a smooth journey. Thankfully, the park is really well-connected, making it simple to get here whether you’re jumping on public transport or driving yourself.

For many, public transport is the easiest way to get straight to the action. The park is right on the doorstep of several local services, taking all the stress out of hunting for a parking spot.

Arriving by Public Transport

Using Croydon's excellent transport links means you can arrive relaxed and ready for the rides. Here are your best bets:

• By Tram: This is the most direct route by far. Hop off at the Woodside tram stop, which is just a short and pleasant stroll from the park entrance. Easy peasy.

• By Bus: Plenty of bus routes buzz around the Ashburton Park area. Check the local Croydon bus schedules for services that stop along Shirley Road or Addiscombe Road.

• By Train: The nearest major station is East Croydon. From there, it’s a simple case of hopping on a connecting bus or tram to cover the last little bit of your journey.

Driving and Parking Information

If you decide to drive, it’s a good idea to plan your parking ahead of time. On-site parking specifically for the funfair is often extremely limited or, more likely, completely unavailable.

Your best bet is to look for on-street parking in the residential areas nearby. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any parking restrictions and permit-holder-only zones to avoid a fine. For those planning to come as a big group, this guide to group travel via mini bus has some really useful tips.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Planning a trip to the Ashburton Park funfair and just need a few last-minute details sorted? Here are some quick answers to the most common questions we hear.

How Much Is It to Get In?

This is one of the best parts – getting into the funfair grounds is completely free! You can wander around, soak up the brilliant atmosphere, and take it all in without spending a penny. You only pay for the rides and attractions you actually want to go on, usually by grabbing some tokens on-site.

Are There Toilets on Site?

Yes, absolutely. The organisers always bring in portable toilets for visitors, so you won’t be caught short during your day out. While dedicated baby changing facilities can sometimes vary from year to year, you can definitely count on the essential amenities being there for everyone.

People often ask if they can bring their dogs along. While Ashburton Park itself is a great spot for a dog walk, the funfair area usually has a no-dogs policy (assistance dogs are, of course, welcome). It's purely for safety and comfort, as the crowds and noise can be a bit much for our four-legged friends, ensuring a great time for all the families there.