Paddington lands at attraction as visitors attempt world-record feat

And this weekend Paddington Bear was on the move again, heading north from his home at 32 Windsor Gardens in London to call in at a popular Yorkshire visitor attraction.

The marmalade-loving children’s character was the star of the show as Stockeld Park, between Wetherby and Harrogate, opened for its summer adventure season.

But Paddington’s appearance wasn’t the only talking point for the families who flocked to Stockeld Park over the weekend.

Inspired by the mealtime habits of their furry VIP guest, staff and young visitors also tried to secure a place in the record books on Saturday by building the world’s tallest ever marmalade sandwich. They fell a little short of setting a new record but still did themselves proud, piling up 53 slices of bread before the king-sized sandwich was buffeted by one too many gusts of wind and toppled over.

A second attempt was made on Sunday to break the record, which also fell slightly short.

Stockeld Park general manager Alexia Rushton-Earl said: “It was just a bit of fun; the team have been practising all week and the height we got to exceeded our expectations! It was a lovely interactive treat for everyone.

“The sandwich didn’t go to waste – one of our team has a lot of chickens at home so she said she would take it with her to feed them.

“It was brilliant having Paddington here; he was up on our stage every hour and the children were getting their pictures taken with him. We had a teddy bears’ picnic as well, so it was a really memorable occasion.”

Stockeld Park’s summer adventure season runs until Monday, September 3.

Youngsters are able to enjoy everything from a laser zone and enchanted forest to a roller rink and go-kart track. Other events include visits from Peppa Pig and the Paw Patrol gang.