Flambards, a theme park in Helston, Cornwall, that welcomed families for 48 years, has closed for good. The attraction first opened in 1976 and became a place that generations of families visited for days out. Over the years, it changed a lot, with new rides and attractions added to the site.
Many local people also worked there, while some visitors returned years later with their own families. But after almost half a century, the park announced that it was closing permanently in November 2024. Rising costs and falling visitor numbers were among the reasons behind the decision.
Reasons behind the closure
There had also been problems finding parts for some of its older rides, while a lot of work was needed on its Victorian Village. Several rides were also not operating during the 2024 season, including Thunderbolt, Sky Swinger, Sky Force and the Hornet Rollercoaster.
But Flambards looked very different when it first opened in 1976. It was originally called Cornwall Aircraft Park and was created by Douglas Kingsford Hale and his wife Audrey. The attraction had a collection of aircraft, engines and airframes.
History and growth of the park
It then grew throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with more things for families to see and do. Britain in the Blitz opened in 1984, while the Victorian Village was another well-known part of the park. It included recreated streets and shops, including a Victorian pharmacy which had been preserved for decades.
More rides were added over the years, including the Dragon Coaster and Log Flume, followed later by rides such as Sky Swinger and Sky Force. But keeping some of the older rides running became more difficult in the years before the park closed.
Reaction from the local community
When the closure was announced in November 2024, management said: "Flambards has been a cherished destination for generations and it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell." There was a lot of sadness in Helston when the news was announced.
Andrew George, the local MP, said at the time that the "awful" news was the "saddest day of the week", referring to the park's slogan. He said: "After almost half a century, Flambards has been a constant in our lives, for visitor activity, employment, community events and parties."
Mike Thomas, who was Cornwall councillor for Helston North at the time, said he was "very sad indeed". He said: "For Helston it’s a place full of memories, going back decades. It's a place full of deep personal memories and associations. People will miss it, what else can I say? It'll be an absolute hole in the life of the town."
Miles Kenchington, who was Helston's mayor at the time, had also been visiting the attraction for years. He went there in the 1970s and later returned with his children. He said: "My grandson was there at the weekend with his parents and had his first - and now his last - log flume ride because he'd reached the minimum height."
