A once-thriving Welsh theme park, which entertained thrill-seekers for over three decades, has been permanently closed and left to decay, with plans for its revival officially abandoned.
The End of an Era for a Welsh Favourite
Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire first opened its gates in 1987 and became a staple of family entertainment in Wales for more than 30 years. Its sudden closure in March of last year marked a poignant end to an era. The park's operator, Aspro Parks, which took over in 2008, announced the shutdown last spring, calling it a 'difficult decision' driven by rising operational costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers.
The firm revealed it had invested over £25 million into the attraction since rescuing it from potential closure in 2008. Despite this significant financial injection, the business model was no longer sustainable.
A Site Left to Nature
In the ten months since the final visitor left, the site has fallen into a state of advanced dereliction. Security patrols now roam the empty grounds where queues once formed. According to reports, many of the iconic rides have been dismantled, and hopes of a reopening have all but vanished.
Aerial drone footage paints a stark picture of the decay. The skeletal framework of a rollercoaster remains standing, slowly being enveloped by encroaching trees and bushes. The park's legendary wooden coaster, Megafobia, which launched in 1996 and was a major draw during the park's heyday, still stands tall but eerily silent. The track shows signs of rust, and the ride carts are gone.
Another standout attraction was Vertigo, a 50-metre high sky swing that held the title of the UK's tallest. Its fate now mirrors the rest of the park's forgotten thrills.
Memories and a Final Farewell
Former employees have shared fond memories of the park's vibrant past. Richard Drummond, an ex-worker, recalled to the BBC watching Megafobia being constructed, thinking 'I know that's going to be pretty impressive when it's finished.' He noted that staff were often the first to experience the new rides.
In a statement announcing the closure, an Aspro Parks Group spokesperson expressed profound sadness, noting this was the first time the company had ever closed a park. 'We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors,' the spokesperson said. They extended thanks to staff and visitors, confirming the company would focus its resources on improving its other UK attractions.
The closure of Oakwood Theme Park represents a significant loss for the local tourism landscape in Pembrokeshire, leaving behind a ghostly monument to decades of family fun and high-energy excitement.
