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The Tom Anstey Column
Oakwood saw its story cut short in March after nearly four decades in operation, with Apsro announcing that the park was shutting down with immediate effect.
In 2024, after months of speculation, Apsro decided that due to declining visitor numbers, future - it had invested around £25m since 2008. The closure marked the end of an era for the Welsh theme park, leaving many loyal fans and staff saddened by the news. reflected on the closure in a heartfelt LinkedIn post, acknowledging that the decision had been a long works in our industry will know that for us, this was that has been discussed, thought about, debated and reviewed over a substantial period of time, as far back as 2020 when COVID stopped us opening
a way in which we cannot just operate profitably, but deliver both a product and standard that we are proud of, and is deserving of our faithful customer base. We recently removed some rides that were both aging, expensive and complicated to maintain and operate in a bid to level our offering to the local market. It would have been easier (and cheaper) not to have done this, but such was the determination by my on-site and head office
Economic challenges UK, theme parks and tourist attractions are facing similar pressures, with the UK market recently losing announced its closure in November last year thanks to rising costs and falling visitor numbers. The tragic loss of two staples of the UK theme park industry can can be a lesson to operators, with the closure highlighting the need for continued investment in reflect the needs of the modern visitor. Reflecting on the closure, Verbinnen highlighted some of the incredible things Oakwood has been community in particular is evident, with numerous partnerships and the creation of job opportunities for thousands of locals. one of the best summer UK theme park events, Halloween event and built partnerships with local colleges to give drama students paid performance opportunities. We introduced new events and
APRIL 2025
ticketing options and built an army of loyal Season Pass holders. Oakwood was used for events such hosted rollercoaster clubs from across the world. Pembrokeshire, work at Oakwood during my time, which for many was their first paid job and experience of working life. hardworking and loyal group of employees that doubt for those before me. They have reported for work daily and on time, irrespective of the weather and the challenges that awaited them, and with the same positive outlook that enabled us to deliver a fun-filled day for thousands of visitors each and
A lasting legacy iconic chapter in Welsh tourism, its legacy will not attractions, and a rural charm that set it apart and later returning with their own families to relive the magic. This generational appeal is rare in where high-budget attractions often dominate. The closure of Oakwood also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by theme parks across the UK, where rising costs, changing visitor expectations, and competition from larger parks are creating an increasingly difficult landscape. In the last 12 months, another UK gem, similar reasons.
As attention now shifts to the future of government has pledged to work closely with the local industry to address these challenges. What lies ahead for the region and its attractions remains undeniable void.
While Oakwood may be shuttered, its legacy will
it will live long as a treasured memory for many years to come.
TOM ANSTEY
Tom Anstey is a world-travelled journalist who has been actively working in the attractions and wider leisure industries for more than a decade. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at Planet Attractions, a platform he co-founded in 2020, Tom is known for his deep industry knowledge and his commitment to exploring the stories and the people behind some of the world's most ambitious attractions projects. His favourite attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako coaster.
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