Iconic Somerset Theme Park Faces Permanent Closure After Liquidation
A cherished free-entry theme park in Somerset is confronting the grim possibility of permanent closure following its entry into liquidation. Brean Theme Park, which has been a staple for holidaymakers since its inception in 1946, now hangs in the balance after official documents revealed the appointment of liquidators last week.
Decades of Family Fun Under Threat
Originally established as a campsite, Brean Theme Park expanded in the 1970s to include a wide array of rides and attractions, evolving into a premier tourist destination. The park boasts over 40 different attractions, featuring both indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, classic dodgems, and a thrilling terror castle. For generations, families from Bristol, Gloucestershire, and beyond have flocked to this family-run site, creating countless memories.
The notice published in The Gazette, the official public record, detailed that resolutions for winding-up were passed on 4 February 2026. This legal step means the company can no longer operate normally and must effectively cease trading. The resolution appointed Nicholas Stafford of Hazlewoods LLP as the liquidator, marking a critical juncture for the park's future.
Economic Challenges and Regional Impact
Local tourism businesses in Brean have reported a noticeable decline in trade and footfall in recent years. This downturn has been partly attributed to the nearby Pontins holiday park falling out of use, reducing the overall visitor numbers to the area. The potential closure of Brean Theme Park could exacerbate this trend, as it serves as a major draw for the region.
Despite the liquidation, the park's website currently indicates plans to open as usual on 14 March for the warmer months, with no official closure date announced. However, the appointment of liquidators casts significant doubt on these operations. A spokesperson confirmed that other local amenities, including Brean's Unity Holidays, Brean Splash, Brean Play, and Brean Gym, will remain unaffected, but the loss of the theme park could have a ripple effect on the local economy.
Community Reaction and Future Prospects
The news has sparked an outpouring of sentiment on social media, with many expressing sadness and nostalgia. One user reminisced, "Lots of good memories with my children and grandchildren, it will be missed," while another noted, "It's not Brean without a funfair." Others highlighted the park's role as a key attraction, with one commenter stating, "Without the theme park there, I don't think many people are going to want to just come there to swim in the pool and use the beach."
This individual added, "When we come there on holiday, we normally plan a holiday around going to the theme park. It is a major draw to the attraction and it's also one of the reasons I feel a lot of people stay at Unity farm because it is so close to the fun fair. It is gonna be a really big shame if they're not able to save it and keep it."
Brean Theme Park's unique model of free entry, where visitors purchase credits for individual rides, has made it accessible and popular over the years. As the community and tourists await further developments, the fate of this historic venue remains uncertain, with hopes that a solution might emerge to preserve this piece of Somerset's heritage.
