Future of site uncertain as tourism industry reels from shock closure

OAKWOOD THEME PARK one of Wales’ most iconic attractions, has announced its immediate closure, confirming it will not reopen for the 2025 season. The park’s owners, Aspro Parks, cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for the decision, bringing an end to nearly four decades of operation.

In a statement issued today, Aspro Parks said: “It is with much sadness that we have to announce the immediate closure of Oakwood Theme Park and confirm the park will not open for the 2025 season.

Following a strategic review of the business, Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood Theme Park, has reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment.

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 that will be felt as a result.”

The company, which took over Oakwood in 2008, stated that despite investing over £25 million into the park, visitor numbers had declined, making further investment unsustainable. A major refurbishment of Megafobia, the park’s iconic wooden roller coaster, was completed last year to critical acclaim, but it was not enough to offset financial difficulties.

Aspro Parks continued: “The unrelenting economic challenges ahead, increases in costs affecting all areas of the operation from ride parts to electricity costs, food and beverage inflation, increases in National Living Wage and changes to national insurance thresholds have all impacted the decision.

In the entire history of Aspro, we have never closed any park or attraction. We, and our dedicated team of staff, have strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country. Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and, where possible, redeploy our team elsewhere.”

The announcement marks the end of an era for the Pembrokeshire-based theme park, which has been a fixture of Welsh tourism since its opening in 1987.

The rise and fall of Oakwood

Oakwood Theme Park was founded in 1987 by the McNamara family, who owned farmland in Pembrokeshire. Facing challenges in agriculture following the introduction of milk quotas, they pivoted towards tourism, initially developing a small family attraction with go-karts, a wooden fort, and a water chute.

As Oakwood grew, it gained national recognition, particularly with the introduction of Megafobia in 1996. The wooden roller coaster, built by US-based Custom Coasters International, was praised as one of the best in Europe and helped Oakwood attract visitors from across the UK.

Further expansions followed, including Speed: No Limits, a 97-degree drop roller coaster added in 2006, as well as water rides and family attractions. However, by the late 2000s, the park began struggling with financial difficulties, leading to its sale to Aspro Parks in 2008.

The Spanish-based leisure group initially invested in new attractions, including a rebranding effort focused on a younger audience. However, visitor numbers continued to decline, and Oakwood found itself struggling to compete with other UK theme parks, particularly those owned by Merlin Entertainments.

Oakwood made headlines across the UK in 2004 following a tragedy. Hayley Williams, 16, died after falling 100ft from the top of the Hydro rollercoaster.

An inquest into her death in 2006 heard a safety bar designed to restrain passengers as the ride plummeted down a near-vertical chute at 50mph had not been lowered.

But an unlawful killing verdict was ruled out as there was no evidence of gross negligence by anyone involved, according to the coroner. But two years later Oakwood Leisure, which ran the park at the time of the accident, was fined £250,000 in court after admitting staff had failed to ensure passengers were safely restrained.

Impact on Pembrokeshire tourism

Oakwood’s closure will be a significant blow to the local economy. The park has been one of the biggest tourist attractions in West Wales, drawing families from across the country and supporting jobs in the region.

Tourism experts warn that losing Oakwood could have a ripple effect on nearby businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport providers that benefited from visitors to the park.

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Oakwood Theme Park will be closing.

“This is a huge blow for the dedicated staff, the local community, and the tourism economy of Pembrokeshire. For over three decades, Oakwood has been a beloved attraction, bringing joy to generations of families and visitors from across Wales and beyond.

“It has been a key employer in the region and a vital part of our tourism offer, and its closure will be felt keenly by many.

“My immediate thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs and their livelihoods.

“I urge Aspro Parks to do everything possible to support their employees at this difficult time, including exploring redeployment opportunities within their wider business. This closure highlights the pressures facing the tourism and hospitality industry.

“There are significant economic challenges as the industry changes and continues to recover from the pandemic. It is crucial that we work together to support the sector and safeguard the jobs and attractions that are so important to our communities.

“I will be engaging with all relevant stakeholders to assess the impact of this closure and explore what can be done to support the local economy in the wake of this decision. If you have been affected by this closure and need support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office.”

Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, and Leisure, told The Herald on Tuesday evening: “I am obviously really disappointed with the news that Oakwood is closing. I have fond childhood memories of visiting there when I was younger. However, I think we all realise that in more recent years we have not seen the level of investment that would allow Oakwood to compete as a top-tier attraction. This will obviously have an effect on tourism, but I am not sure that it will have as big of an effect as when the park was more popular in its earlier days.”

When asked about the future of the former Oakwood site, Cllr Miller added: “It’s a prime site in the National Park near the Bluestone resort.”

His remarks suggest that he expects the site will attract interest from developers.

Samuel Kurtz, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd, said the park’s closure was “deeply sad” and he reiterated Cllr Miller’s comments sating tat the park had a “special place in the hearts of many”.

Dan Mills, a prominent figure in Milford Haven’s hospitality sector and owner of Martha’s Vineyard restaurant, has also weighed in on the impact of Oakwood’s closure. Mills stated: “Expect more of this as the effects of Rachel from Accounts’ budget hit hospitality and tourism businesses hard! Add to that the Welsh Labour Government’s anti-tourist policies and West Wales will be in continual decline until there is change!”

Mills’ reference to “Rachel from Accounts” alludes to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent budget, which includes measures impacting the hospitality and tourism sectors. Additionally, his mention of “anti-tourist policies” points to the Welsh Government’s proposed Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill, which would empower local authorities to introduce a levy on overnight stays in visitor accommodations.

The bill proposes a charge of £0.75 per person per night for campsites and hostels, and £1.25 for other accommodation types, aiming to generate funds for local services and infrastructure to support tourism.

Critics argue that such a levy could deter visitors and adversely affect the tourism industry, especially in regions like West Wales that heavily rely on tourism revenue. The closure of Oakwood Theme Park, a significant attraction in the area, has heightened these concerns, with local business owners like Mills fearing a potential decline in tourism and its ripple effects on the local economy.

The Welsh Government maintains that the proposed levy is designed to create a fair contribution from visitors to support and sustain local tourism infrastructure. They emphasize that the funds collected would be reinvested into communities to enhance facilities and services that benefit both residents and tourists.

What next? Will Bluestone step in?

Speculation is now mounting over what will happen to the Oakwood site. One of the key questions is whether the McNamara family, the original founders of Oakwood and now the owners of the nearby Bluestone National Park Resort, will be interested in acquiring the park.

Bluestone has expanded significantly in recent years, investing in luxury lodges, the Serendome all-weather play area, and other family-friendly experiences. Some industry insiders believe that Bluestone could either attempt to revive Oakwood or redevelop the site for a different leisure offering.

One possibility is that the land could be incorporated into Bluestone’s existing resort, offering additional accommodation or adventure-based experiences. However, no official comment has been made by Bluestone regarding any interest in acquiring Oakwood.

Meanwhile, another factor to consider is the recent wind turbine planning applications submitted for the area. Documents suggest that energy from these turbines could supply local businesses, including Oakwood and Bluestone. If Bluestone were to expand onto the Oakwood site, renewable energy could play a role in any future development plans.

The end of an era

The closure leaves Wales without a major theme park, and its loss will be felt by generations who once considered Oakwood a rite of passage for thrill-seekers. As Pembrokeshire looks to the future, all eyes will be on Bluestone and the potential redevelopment of the Oakwood site.