Oakwood Theme Park to Close for 2025 Season

In an unexpected announcement, Oakwood Theme Park, a beloved attraction nestled in Pembrokeshire, Wales, will not open its doors for the 2025 season.

The news comes after an extensive strategic review conducted by Aspro Parks, the company that owns and operates the park. Citing the current challenging business environment and financial struggles, the decision to close the park was described as one of the hardest taken by the company.

Aspro Parks, which took over Oakwood in 2008 and invested over £25 million in its development, revealed that despite numerous efforts to keep the park operational, the financial realities of the business had become insurmountable. The company expressed deep regret over the impact the closure will have on the local community, who have long cherished Oakwood as a family-friendly destination and an essential part of the region’s tourism landscape.

Challenges and Declining Performance

The closure is attributed to a combination of factors that have made the ongoing operation of Oakwood unsustainable. Visitor numbers have steadily declined in recent years, and despite significant investments, including the successful refurbishment of the iconic wooden rollercoaster Megafobia, the park’s financial performance has continued to suffer. The increasing costs of running the park, including rising ride part prices, soaring electricity costs, inflation in food and beverage pricing, and other financial pressures such as increases in the National Living Wage (NLW) and changes to national insurance thresholds, all contributed to the difficult decision to cease operations for the coming season.

Aspro Parks stated that they had explored every possible avenue to avoid closure but ultimately determined that they could no longer justify further investment in the park. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and that Oakwood has been a significant part of Aspro’s history.

A Heartfelt Goodbye to a Welsh Icon

Oakwood Theme Park, which opened its gates in 1987, has been a staple of the Welsh tourism scene for decades, offering a range of exciting rides and attractions that have attracted millions of visitors over the years. For many, it has been a rite of passage—whether it was braving the thrilling Megafobia rollercoaster or enjoying a family day out in the park’s lush countryside setting. Its closure marks the end of an era for fans and families alike.

“We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors,” said Aspro Parks in their statement. “It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.”

The company also took a moment to express gratitude toward the park’s loyal staff, contractors, and suppliers, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout the years. The heartfelt thanks extended to Oakwood’s visitors were particularly poignant, with Aspro Parks acknowledging the park's special place in the hearts of families from all over the country.

Looking Ahead

While the closure of Oakwood is a devastating blow to both the local community and fans, Aspro Parks has assured that they will continue to focus on improving their other parks across the region, utilizing available assets and relocating staff to other sites where possible. The company made it clear that this is an effort to ensure the sustainability of their other attractions.

The future of Oakwood Theme Park remains uncertain, but for now, the closure marks the end of a chapter in the long history of a park that has brought joy to so many. Whether this will be a temporary hiatus or the end of Oakwood’s legacy altogether is a question that time will answer.

As we say goodbye to Oakwood, we reflect on the memories it has created and the joy it has brought to generations of visitors over the years.