Fairytale Farm to open Alice in Wonderland-inspired ride

The new ride, which will open on 16th May, will take visitors on a gentle journey through the curious Wonderland, coming across Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and more of the book’s iconic characters along the way. The animatronic characters, atmospheric lighting and immersive sounds will create a full sensory experience. 

Children will explore the colourful world on snail-back, as the ride revives the system of the popular Snail Trail at Watermouth Castle Theme Park, which was retired from the Devon attraction and donated to Fairytale Farm in 2023. 

Nick Laister, owner of Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton, said: “Journey to Alice’s Wonderland is a hugely exciting milestone for Fairytale Farm, because it is the first ride we have ever created here.”

“From the start, we wanted to create something magical, immersive and true to the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s original story. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is such an enduring classic, full of imagination, character and playful eccentricity, and because of its strong Oxford connection it felt the perfect choice for this project.”

Lewis Carroll was living in Oxford when he wrote the classic children’s book, drawing inspiration from the city and surrounding countryside when creating the Wonderland and its wacky inhabitants.  

Explore Fairytale Farm

There will be eight interactive areas of the farm once Journey to Alice’s Wonderland opens, including Jack’s Yard with a beanstalk, sandpit, and wishing well, Enchanted Walk with a sensory garden and water play, and the Fairy Dell play area. There’s also a miniature farm where pupils can interact with live animals including pigs, Shetland ponies, chickens and rabbits. 

Fairytale Farm has been designed to be as accessible and SEND-friendly as possible, offering sensory experiences throughout that include musical installations, tactile displays and wheelchair-friendly swings. Carers receive free admission, and disabled parking spaces and accessible toilets are provided. 

School visits

Schools can come on a self-led basis or arrange a structured tour with a member of the education team; worksheets about wildlife, talks and Q&A sessions are available.

Pupils can meet, feed and handle the animals as they learn about their habitats, characteristics and family dynamics. Each area of the park has a theme that links to literacy, maths and science topics covered in the early years and Key Stage 1 curriculum. 

Unlimited rides on Journey to Alice’s Wonderland will be included in general admission tickets, but pupils under 1.2m need to be accompanied by an adult.