A Beloved Welsh Theme Park Closes Its Doors After Four Decades

A Legacy Comes to an End: The Closure of Oakwood Theme Park

After nearly 40 years of bringing joy and excitement to countless visitors, Oakwood Theme Park in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, has officially closed its doors. The park, which was once the largest theme park in Wales, announced its immediate closure due to insurmountable financial challenges and a steady decline in visitor numbers. Aspro Parks, the Spanish-owned company that operates Oakwood, described the decision as "difficult" and emphasized the significant efforts made over the years to keep the park afloat. Since 2008, Aspro Parks has invested more than £25 million in an attempt to save the park from closure. However, the company cited "unrelenting economic challenges ahead" as the primary reason for its decision, including rising costs for ride maintenance, electricity, food, and beverage, as well as increases in the National Living Wage and changes to national insurance thresholds.

A History of Thrills and Tragedy: Oakwood’s Journey

Oakwood Theme Park first opened its gates in the late 1980s and quickly became a staple of family entertainment in southwest Wales. Over the years, the park became famous for its iconic rides, including Megafobia, Vertigo, Speed, and Hydro, which was later renamed Drenched. These attractions drew visitors from across the region and beyond, making Oakwood a beloved destination for generations of families. However, the park’s history was not without tragedy. In 2004, a fatal accident occurred on the Hydro ride, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old girl who fell approximately 100 feet from the top of the ride. A 10-year-old boy was also injured in the incident. The tragedy led to a coroner’s inquest, where a narrative verdict was delivered, ruling out unlawful killing. Despite this, the then-owners of the park were later fined £250,000 and ordered to pay £80,000 in costs for ignoring basic safety procedures.

Financial Struggles and the Decision to Close

Despite the investments and efforts to revitalise the park, Oakwood faced continued financial struggles. Aspro Parks, which operates 68 leisure parks and attractions across 10 countries, including Spain, the UK, France, and Germany, has always prided itself on never closing any of its parks or attractions throughout its history. However, the circumstances surrounding Oakwood proved too challenging to overcome. The company expressed deep sadness over the closure, acknowledging the park’s significance as a "much-loved destination for generations" and a "rite of passage for many young visitors." The closure not only marks the end of an era for the park but also leaves uncertainty for the employees at the site. While the exact number of jobs affected by the closure is unclear, the impact on the local community is undeniable.

A Devastating Blow to the Community

The closure of Oakwood Theme Park is more than just the end of a business; it represents the loss of a cultural landmark that has been a part of countless family memories. For decades, Oakwood has been a place where children and adults alike could come together to enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and special events. The park’s closure will undoubtedly leave a void in the hearts of many who grew up visiting the park. Aspro Parks has expressed its gratitude to the loyal staff and visitors who have supported Oakwood over the years, acknowledging the emotional toll the closure will take on the community. The company has committed to rehoming as many employees as possible within its other parks and attractions, offering some hope for those affected by the closure.

Looking to the Future: Aspro Parks’ Next Steps

While Oakwood’s closure is a significant loss, Aspro Parks has made it clear that it will use this opportunity to focus on strengthening its other parks and attractions. The company operates a diverse portfolio of sites, including aquariums in locations such as Cheshire, Portsmouth, and Newquay, as well as unique attractions like the ancient caves and a castle in Hastings. These locations, along with its other ventures, will continue to be a priority for the company as it moves forward. Aspro Parks’ commitment to providing high-quality family entertainment remains unwavering, even as it bids farewell to one of its most cherished parks.

A Fond Farewell to a Welsh Icon

As the gates of Oakwood Theme Park close for the final time, it’s impossible not to reflect on the countless memories that were made within its walls. From the adrenaline-pumping thrill rides to the laughter-filled family days, Oakwood has been a part of the fabric of Welsh culture for nearly four decades. While the closure marks the end of an era, it also serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and the challenges faced by businesses in uncertain economic times. Aspro Parks’ decision to close Oakwood, though heartbreaking, is a testament to the difficult realities of balancing tradition with financial sustainability. As the company moves forward, it does so with a heavy heart but a renewed focus on its other ventures, ensuring that the spirit of Oakwood lives on in the memories of its visitors.