For nearly four decades, the biggest theme park in Wales has been the go-to destination for school trips and family days out.
From adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters for thrill-seekers to pedalos perfect for a sunny day, Oakwood in Pembrokeshire had something exciting for everyone.
And over the last 20 years, gaggles of children who flocked to the park tested their friends’ resolve by telling them in hushed tones about a tragic accident on another school trip many years ago.
Everyone heard these tales growing up about one place or another – but in the case of Oakwood, it was true. For in 2004, 16-year-old Hayley Williams was tragically killed after falling 100ft from the top of the Hydro ride, and a 10-year-old boy was also injured in the accident.
The ride was later renamed as ‘Drenched’ – but warnings about the rollercoaster were passed down through each generation of schoolchildren who visited in the summer.
In 2008, Oakwood Leisure was fined £250,000 and ordered to pay £80,000 costs because of the tragedy when it was revealed that basic safety procedures were widely ignored by staff overseeing the ride.
The firm said it invested more than £25million since the park was saved from closure that year – but now a staple of west Wales has finally reached its end after many ups and downs.
Haunting photos show the empty theme park in the process of being shut down, with the Drenched and Bounce coasters totally dismantled.
Haunting photos show the empty theme park, with the Pirate Ship ride partially dismantled
The staple of west Wales has finally reached its end after many ups and downs
Colourful toy aeroplanes which used to swing around in a circle with delighted children sitting inside were pictured lined up in a row on the ground
Remains of rollercoaster tracks can be seen scattered around the park
The partially dismantled Dizzy Disk ride is pictured as the park is taken down
Oakwood had rides for everyone, including toy taxis in a mini London for children to explore
The Pirate Ship ride is in the process of being taken apart, and a section of track has been removed from Tree Tops ride.
The Pedalos have been removed from the water as the attraction is shut down, photos shared to Hidden Pembrokeshire – Gareth Davies Photography illustrate.
Colourful toy aeroplanes which used to swing around in a circle with delighted children sitting inside were pictured lined up in a row on the ground.
The crestfallen locals put up hand-drawn signs outside, reading ‘we love Oakwood’ and ‘don’t let the rides just rot’. Others read ‘save Oakwood’ and ‘open those gates’.
Nostalgic people commented on social media to say they are ‘gutted’ and said it is ‘sad the park was left to rot’.
One parent said: ‘Very sad, many happy days on our holidays with our children.’
The park, which opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire farmer.
The park, which opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire farmer. Pictured is Oakwood left as a ghost town after the closure
Pictured is the current condition of Oakwood Theme Park
Speed: No Limits was the fastest rollercoaster in Wales
The Pirate Ship ride is pictured in the background amongst the rubble
Pictured left is one of the pirates near the Pirate Ship ride. Pictured right is the abandoned ride Speed
Snake River Falls had several water slides for those who hate being flung in the air
Pictured are the abandoned twists and tracks at the park
The rides had something for everyone, from the Creepy Crawler to Speed
The Snake River Falls ride is one of those yet to be taken down
Pictured is the boat part of the Pirate Ship ride, which was part of the Neverland area for younger visitors to enjoy
The park had a ‘sights of London’ area for kids to explore and hop in taxis for a ride
He went on to open another staple of the county’s entertainment industry – Bluestone water park – and sold Oakwood to Spanish leisure giant Aspro in 2008.
Richard, 48, from Pembroke Dock, joined Oakwood in 1995 and his father and two sons all worked at the attraction.
He worked at the park when the world-renowned rollercoaster Megafobia was installed in 1996, and he told the BBC he remembers thinking how impressive it was.
When Aspro took over, Richard stayed on but was let go in 2009, after 14 years of working there. He said he thinks Astro ‘underestimated’ the scale of maintaining the park.
The closure has left him feeling ’emotional’, but he plans to have a staff reunion this summer.
He said his father, who still worked at the park recently, would say ‘we only had so many people in today’, or they had to ‘close this ride because they didn’t have enough staff’.
Aspro Parks, the owner and operator of Oakwood, said it reached the ‘difficult decision’ to shut the park due to financial challenges caused by rising costs and declining visitor numbers.
Pictured are some of the abandoned rides at Oakwood
Vertigo hung thrill-seekers from the top by a cord before swinging them back and forth
The crestfallen locals have put up hand-drawn signs outside, reading ‘we love Oakwood’ and ‘don’t let the rides just rot’. Others read ‘save Oakwood’ and ‘open those gates’
Some of the rides have already been dismantled, but others are taking more work
Pictured are some of the water slides at the run-down theme park
One of the most popular rides was TreeTops, where visitors were hurled through the trees and weaved around them at high speeds
Hayley Williams 16, fell 100ft to her death from the Hydro ride at Oakwood Theme Park in 2004
The ride was later renamed as ‘Drenched’ – but warnings were passed down to each generation of schoolchildren who visited in the summer
Announcing the closure, a spokesperson for Aspro Parks Group said: ‘In the entire history of Aspro we have never closed any park or attraction.
‘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.
‘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.
‘We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors.
‘It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.
‘We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those that have visited Oakwood Theme Park over the years. We are sincerely grateful.’
