Oakwood, Wales’ largest theme park, has announced its immediate closure due to “unrelenting economic challenges”.
Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood in Pembrokeshire, said the park will not open for the 2025 season.
The company “reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment”, it said in a statement.
These challenges include increases in costs, including ride parts, electricity, food and beverage, and the national living wage, as well as changes to national insurance thresholds.
Aspro Parks has explored “all possible avenues” to avoid closing, and has invested more than £25 million in the park since rescuing it from closure in 2008.
Until it was acquired by Aspro Parks in 2008, Oakwood was owned and operated by the McNamara family.
Most recently, Oakwood refurbished its Megafobia wooden coaster, considered to be one of the top roller coasters in the UK.
“Unrelenting economic challenges”
Despite the company’s ongoing investment, attendance has declined and the financial performance of the park has suffered.
Aspro Parks said it recognises the impact of the closure on the local community and “the loss that will be felt as a result”.
It also said the Oakwood closure is the first time the group has shut a park or attraction in its “entire history”.
“We, and our dedicated team of staff has strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country,” it said.
“Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible team elsewhere.”
Located in Canaston Bridge, Oakwood opened as a small family destination in the late 1980s with a handful of attractions.
“We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors,” Aspro Parks said.
“It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.”
Images courtesy of Aspro Parks
