After nearly 40 years entertaining families and thrill-seekers, Oakwood Theme Park, Wales' largest amusement venue, has announced its immediate closure, leaving many locals and visitors heartbroken. Located in Pembrokeshire, the park has become synonymous with fun-filled days and adrenaline-pumping rides like Megafobia and Speed since it opened its gates back in 1987.
Despite hope and resilience through previous struggles, including nearly shutting down in 2008, which was avoided by a £25 million investment, Oakwood was unable to navigate the current economic climate and declining visitor numbers leading to such drastic measures. According to the park’s parent company, aspro Parks, the decision, which they describe as saddening, was reached after carefully considering the financial viability of continuing operations.
“It is with much sadness we have to announce the immediate closure of Oakwood Theme Park and confirm the park will not open for the 2025 season,” read the official statement on the park’s website. The owners cited several unrelenting economic challenges such as rising electricity costs, inflation on food and drink prices, and increases to National Living Wage and national insurance thresholds as significant factors leading to this closure.
While the loss of the park is significant, it echoes broader trends affecting the leisure and tourism industry across the UK, wherein increased operational costs and reduced footfall have placed immense strain on attractions reliant on consumer spending.
“Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets,” said aspro Parks. They emphasized, “all possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss will be felt as a result.”
Many locals have shared their dismay over the announcement, including age-old attendees and rollercoaster enthusiasts. Ryan Hackett, 64, who has ridden the Megafobia over 6,200 times, expressed his grief: “I just hope there’s a buyer. I joked on social media earlier - can someone lend me £100m?” His sentiment reflects the emotional pain shared among fans who experienced countless memorable days within the park’s boundaries.
Samuel Kurtz, the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his own sorrow over the loss of the park, labeling it as “deeply sad” and recognized its significance to the community. “It had a special place in the hearts of many,” he noted.
The Welsh government also responded by stating, “We stand ready to offer support to the workforce affected by this decision,” as the job losses will undoubtedly add to the economic woes of Pembrokeshire.
The closure marks the first time aspro Parks has ever closed one of its attractions, highlighting the unique circumstances leading to this moment. The theme park, which employed up to 200 people before its closure, has been integral not only to local tourism but also to the communal, social fabric of Pembrokeshire.
Memories created at Oakwood will be lasting ones for many families who visited over the years. The park came under scrutiny once before, tragically so, when Hayley Williams, 16, fell from the Hydro rollercoaster in 2004, resulting in severe safety discussions. Yet it survived those challenges, continuing to bring joy to visitors.
Even after its near-closure, the park saw substantial investment to modernize its offerings and keep pace with industry standards. Just this year, it announced plans to remove the water ride Drenched, yet revitalization efforts faltered amid mounting costs and dwindling visitors.
The impact of Oakwood’s closure goes beyond lost rides. It signals broader economic challenges as attractions struggle with inflation and rising operational costs—issues echoed by industry commentators and park operators alike.
Huw Thomas, BBC Wales business correspondent, commented on these economic pressures, stating, “The owners of Oakwood are not alone in criticizing the impending rise in national insurance contributions and increases to the living wage. ... Companies are preparing for these changes and adjusting their budgets accordingly.” This sentiment enters stark relief as the once-bustling tourist destination fades away.
Social media echoes the sentiments of loss as many reminisced about cherished memories at the park: “This is sad news. Oakwood Theme Park will be closing. I hope Megafobia will be saved somehow,” cried one user. Another expressed devastation over the news and its impact on Welsh tourism, reflecting the park's importance to the region.
The future of Oakwood now remains uncertain. Many hope for potential buyers, as interest from enthusiasts persists, hinting at possible revival efforts. With the kisses of nostalgia over its rides and vibrant atmosphere still fresh, the closure serves as both a final farewell to the children’s laughter echoing through the park and a challenge for the Welsh tourism industry moving forward.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors, who have loyally supported us, and of course all those who have visited Oakwood Theme Park over the years. Thank you for making Oakwood Theme Park a special place,” the park stated poignantly, leaving behind echoes of joy as it shuts its gates for good.