Inside abandoned UK theme park's network of tunnels, bunny statues & rotting rollercoaster as owner issued harsh warning
The site has been put under 24-hour security
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
PICTURES of a UK theme park reveal a tunnel network, creepy bunny statues, and rotting rollercoasters as owners are issues a stark warning by officials.
The ghost town bosses are being urged to sell the abandoned park quickly as the site is facing a major issue.
7
Urban explorers have taken some spooky snaps of the crumbling park
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
7
The site has attracted a lot of trespassers since it was abandoned
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
7
Creepy bunny statues and other ominous ornaments can be spotted around the site
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
Oakwood Theme Park, Wales, has attracted a series of trespassers as it becomes a hot urban exploration spot.
A politician has warned that the venue needs to be sold as soon as possible to prevent trespassers from getting hurt trying to get onto the closed rides.
There has been a spate of break-ins at the biggest theme park in Wales which attracted thousands of thrill-seekers for almost 40 years.
That was until its sudden closure last month due to a decline in footfall.
Owners described the site as "unsustainable" and said there would be no future investments in the park, which opened in 1987.
Now it looks more like something from a horror movie and has attracted adrenaline junkies who want to explore the dilapidated structures.
Trespassers have been seen sneaking into the park to explore the rides before they are sold off by Spanish owners Aspro.
Conservative MS Sam Kurtz has called for a "quick sale" of the countryside site as he believes to prevent further problems at the deserted resort.
Mr Kurtz, the MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said: "That's a risk to their health and safety, but also if this is a site that deteriorates, then we potentially lose the opportunity for a quick sale and turnaround to get this site back up and running, whatever that might be in the future.
"I really want to see Aspro working with everybody that's available including the Welsh government, myself and other businesses, and potential buyers to see if we can get a quick sale of this asset.
"It's such a great asset.
Inside abandoned Bugatti factory that made some of world's most expensive cars before being left to rot for 30 years
"This is a bit of a plea to the parent company - let's work together and try and get going to find a buyer for this site.
"I've not yet heard from them. I really wish they get back in touch with me."
Cops have received a number of reports detailing break-ins and potential crimes taking place at the park.
Dyfed-Powys Police said it had received a number of calls "indicating trespassing and potential crimes".
The Welsh government said it "continues to engage" with the owner of the site.
"We recognise the significant value the former Oakwood site holds for locals and visitors, and are hopeful a buyer will come forward to ensure its continued contribution to the local economy and tourism industry," a spokesperson said.
Park bosses say trespassers could face "serious consequences" if caught and have employed security teams to put an end to it.
A spokesperson for Oakwood Theme Park warned that staff have been monitoring the area and police dogs are on-site.
As the site is still under ownership it's not technically abandoned and those on the premises are committing a crime.
They said: "To ensure the safety and security of both our staff and the premises, 24-hour security is in place, including regular police patrols and security dogs on-site.
"Anyone found trespassing will be reported to the authorities."
Aspro added that despite the park's closure, Oakwood remained private property and was not abandoned.
"Trespassers not only face legal repercussions but also put themselves at risk," they continued.
"The site remains a working environment and not suitable for public access, making it extremely hazardous.
"Rides and structures that once entertained thousands are strictly off-limits, with safety hazards that could result in serious injury.
"We urge the public to respect the park, as well as the hard work and dedication of those who continue to maintain the site.
"Trespassing is a criminal offence and anyone caught on-site without permission could face prosecution."
7
The once bustling venue now is completely quiet
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
7
Cops have warned trespassers there is 24-hour security at the site
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
7
A rusty and rotting bathtub was seen in the grounds
Credit: Hidden Pembrokeshire - Gareth Davies Photography
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
17 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Holidaymakers swapping traditional European hotspots for north Africa
Experts say many people are being drawn to the region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy. North African countries Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all experiencing a boost in visitors from the UK. Figures from aviation analysts Cirium show 19,847 flights are projected to serve routes from UK airports to those nations this year, more than twice as many as the 8,653 that did so in 2019. By comparison, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is forecast to increase by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period. This suggests many holidaymakers who want better quality accommodation without paying more are prepared to take a longer flight, despite airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair having seats that do not recline and no onboard entertainment. Flights from Gatwick airport, West Sussex, to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh take about five hours and 20 minutes. That means spending an extra hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared with trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante. The promenade at night in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (Alamy/PA) EasyJet launched flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the coast of west Africa, in March, which is its longest route serving England. The flights take six hours and 10 minutes to cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles. Travel company Tui said bookings from flight-only and package holiday customers for summer breaks in Egypt are 30% higher compared with a year ago. It also reported 'double-digit growth' for Tunisia and strong demand for Morocco. Tui's UK commercial director Chris Logan said these three destinations offer 'fantastic value for money', meaning traditional European destinations find it 'hard to compete'. He told the PA news agency: 'There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. 'Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel.' Tourists walking along a sandy beach in Cape Verde (Alamy/PA) Tui has increased its flights from the UK to north Africa this summer to meet growing demand, with new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. Online accommodation marketplace said it recorded a 68% increase in the number of searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024. Egypt and Morocco saw rises of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at travel agency Barrhead Travel, said Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer 'incredible value for money' which is 'proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year'. She added: 'The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe. 'Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it's safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said there is a 'clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning'. She went on: 'Ongoing cost of living pressures and squeezed disposable incomes have meant that while people remain committed to taking holidays, they're increasingly focused on maximising value for money. 'This shift has driven growing popularity for destinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, which offer more competitive pricing and high-quality accommodation options compared to the more traditional western Mediterranean resorts.'
North Wales Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Holidaymakers swapping traditional European hotspots for north Africa
Experts say many people are being drawn to the region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy. North African countries Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all experiencing a boost in visitors from the UK. Figures from aviation analysts Cirium show 19,847 flights are projected to serve routes from UK airports to those nations this year, more than twice as many as the 8,653 that did so in 2019. By comparison, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is forecast to increase by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period. This suggests many holidaymakers who want better quality accommodation without paying more are prepared to take a longer flight, despite airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair having seats that do not recline and no onboard entertainment. Flights from Gatwick airport, West Sussex, to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh take about five hours and 20 minutes. That means spending an extra hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared with trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante. EasyJet launched flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the coast of west Africa, in March, which is its longest route serving England. The flights take six hours and 10 minutes to cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles. Travel company Tui said bookings from flight-only and package holiday customers for summer breaks in Egypt are 30% higher compared with a year ago. It also reported 'double-digit growth' for Tunisia and strong demand for Morocco. Tui's UK commercial director Chris Logan said these three destinations offer 'fantastic value for money', meaning traditional European destinations find it 'hard to compete'. He told the PA news agency: 'There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. 'Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel.' Tui has increased its flights from the UK to north Africa this summer to meet growing demand, with new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. Online accommodation marketplace said it recorded a 68% increase in the number of searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024. Egypt and Morocco saw rises of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at travel agency Barrhead Travel, said Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer 'incredible value for money' which is 'proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year'. She added: 'The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe. 'Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it's safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said there is a 'clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning'. She went on: 'Ongoing cost of living pressures and squeezed disposable incomes have meant that while people remain committed to taking holidays, they're increasingly focused on maximising value for money. 'This shift has driven growing popularity for destinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, which offer more competitive pricing and high-quality accommodation options compared to the more traditional western Mediterranean resorts.'
Powys County Times
29 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Holidaymakers swapping traditional European hotspots for north Africa
Thousands of UK holidaymakers are ditching traditional European hotspots in favour of north Africa, travel companies have reported. Experts say many people are being drawn to the region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy. North African countries Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all experiencing a boost in visitors from the UK. Figures from aviation analysts Cirium show 19,847 flights are projected to serve routes from UK airports to those nations this year, more than twice as many as the 8,653 that did so in 2019. By comparison, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is forecast to increase by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period. This suggests many holidaymakers who want better quality accommodation without paying more are prepared to take a longer flight, despite airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair having seats that do not recline and no onboard entertainment. Flights from Gatwick airport, West Sussex, to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh take about five hours and 20 minutes. That means spending an extra hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared with trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante. EasyJet launched flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the coast of west Africa, in March, which is its longest route serving England. The flights take six hours and 10 minutes to cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles. Travel company Tui said bookings from flight-only and package holiday customers for summer breaks in Egypt are 30% higher compared with a year ago. It also reported 'double-digit growth' for Tunisia and strong demand for Morocco. Tui's UK commercial director Chris Logan said these three destinations offer 'fantastic value for money', meaning traditional European destinations find it 'hard to compete'. He told the PA news agency: 'There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. 'Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel.' Tui has increased its flights from the UK to north Africa this summer to meet growing demand, with new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. Online accommodation marketplace said it recorded a 68% increase in the number of searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024. Egypt and Morocco saw rises of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at travel agency Barrhead Travel, said Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer 'incredible value for money' which is 'proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year'. She added: 'The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe. 'Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it's safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said there is a 'clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning'. She went on: 'Ongoing cost of living pressures and squeezed disposable incomes have meant that while people remain committed to taking holidays, they're increasingly focused on maximising value for money.
