Oakwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in Wales, has closed permanently after nearly 40 years of operation. The park's owner, Aspro Parks, announced the immediate closure on Tuesday, citing rising costs and declining visitor numbers as the primary reasons.
Aspro Parks, which operates dozens of other attractions including the Blue Planet aquarium in Cheshire, said it had invested over £25 million since saving the park from closure in 2008. A spokesperson expressed sadness over the decision, noting that it was the first time in the company's history that it had closed a park or attraction. The company plans to redeploy assets and staff to its other parks where possible.
The park had been closed for the winter season and was due to reopen for 2025. The closure marks the end of an era for a destination that had been a rite of passage for many young visitors in Wales.
Oakwood has faced safety incidents in the past. In 2004, 16-year-old Hayley Williams died after falling from the Hydro water ride, and a 10-year-old boy was injured. The park's operator was fined £250,000 in 2008 for safety failures. More recently, in July 2024, passengers on the Bounce drop tower ride experienced a sudden emergency stop, resulting in minor injuries.
