Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire closed its gates in March 2025 after four decades of operation, with its proprietors citing 'challenges presented by the current business environment' and a deterioration in financial performance 'making further investment unsustainable.' Many of its attractions remain standing but unused.
Urban explorers from the Urbandoned collective gained access to the deserted site, capturing images of the Megafobia rollercoaster, built in 1996 at a cost of £1.7 million. The ride helped propel the park to an all-time attendance peak of 500,000 visitors during the 1996 season.
'We'd heard that one of the main roller coasters is being dismantled currently,' Alastair from Urbandoned explained in a recent video. 'So, it's kind of the last chance to see it in a somewhat abandoned state.' The explorers noted the ride's intentionally ramshackle appearance, adding: 'They always make them look as rickety as possible...you wouldn't trust it.'
Certain attractions are reportedly being dismantled for relocation elsewhere. The Speed rollercoaster is anticipated to be moved to a French amusement park. Other sections of the park remain untouched; at one point, the explorers were startled when a motion sensor triggered sound effects within the log flume.
The park was blighted by accidents during its 40 years. In 2004, 16-year-old Hayley Williams died after falling from the Hydro water ride, which lifted passengers more than 100ft high before a near-vertical descent. An inquest determined she was not properly restrained. The park received a £250,000 fine, and the ride remained closed for 12 months before reopening as Drenched.
Venturing into an abandoned theme park poses significant dangers, and the site employs a full-time security team. The explorers were eventually discovered by a guard, who proved friendly but resolute in instructing them to depart. Urban exploration is typically classified as civil trespass, meaning entry is not a criminal offence as long as no damage or theft occurs.
