The American Adventure Theme Park in Heanor, Derbyshire, operated for 20 years before closing at the end of the 2007 season. The site has since been redeveloped into a residential housing estate, with many current residents likely unaware of its past as a family attraction.
Origins and Development
The park originally opened in June 1987 with an Old West theme, focusing on cowboys versus Native Americans. The land had previously housed another adventure park before being purchased by Derbyshire County Council and later sold to the Granada conglomerate. Under Granada, the attraction was promoted as "Britain's Major New Theme Park" and began to thrive.
Record-Breaking Rides
Among its most popular attractions was the Nightmare Niagara log flume. In 1993, the ride was extended, becoming the UK's tallest drop on a water-based attraction, according to Derbyshire Live. Other rides included the Buffalo Stampede roller coaster and the Santa Fe Railroad miniature railway, both of which were transferred to Twinlakes Theme Park after closure.
Evolution and Decline
The original Wild West concept later expanded to include broader North American culture and heritage, including space exploration. In 1989, a space-themed area was added, featuring the Missile roller coaster, a Vekoma Boomerang that was acclaimed as the best roller coaster in Britain at the time. However, the park began to deteriorate, and in 1997 it was acquired by another operator and renamed Adventure World. By its closing days, it had reverted to its original name.
Closure and Legacy
The park closed suddenly at the end of the 2007 season. Locals fought to revive it, and in 2017 thousands signed a petition demanding its reopening. A Facebook page dedicated to the park continues to share memories. One visitor recalled: "I remember when it got stuck at the very top and we had to walk down the stairs! Never been a fan of heights!" Another added: "I loved that ride, queued up for hours to go that, came off and queued up again."
Today
The former site has been transformed into a residential development, with the surrounding land converted into a park. The area now bears little resemblance to the bustling theme park that once attracted thousands of visitors.
