Latest news with #Blobby
The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Eerie demise of Noel Edmonds' 90s theme park left to decay with graffiti-covered rides after opening for only 13 weeks
NOEL Edmonds jetted to New Zealand to invest £15million in property and start a new life down under. Fans are hoping that his new business ventures are more successful than his Blobbyland theme park, which closed after just 13 weeks. 8 Blobbyland was more popular than Buckingham Palace in the year that it opened Credit: SWNS The park in Cricket St Thomas, in Somerset, was based on the BBC's hit show Noel's House Party, and first opened in 1994. Blobbyland welcomed 650,000 guests, making it even more popular than Inside was a mocked-up high street with a Blobby store, but the crown jewel of the resort was Mr Blobby's house. It was named Dunblobbin and was painted bright pink with yellow spots and had a blue roof. read more on noel edmonds Locals often complained of a loud doorbell that could be heard for miles - which rang through their houses every time someone visited the little pink home. But the noise didn't bother guests as young fans went mad for its quirky look, which included a giant stuffed Blobby dog kipping on the ground. When visitors roamed in they were met with a view of a cake-only dinner that the fictional character and his family ate for tea. The entertainment show ran for eight years between November 1991 and March 1999, and Mr Blobby became a kids' craze. Most read in The Sun Although the bustling fantasy-fueled land attracted thousands of fans, it didn't last long. According to Noel Edmonds' most bizarre moments - from 'dead parent' orbs and 'electro smog' to Candice the mannequin and bid to buy the BBC As a result, the land's owners blocked an access tunnel and had the remains demolished in 2014. Noel, 76, returning to TV screens to document his new life in New Zealand in June - but insisted the ITV show will be nothing like Clarkson's Farm — because he's not as funny as the former Top Gear star. Noel exclusively told The Sun: 'When we were filming our show, some people who knew about Clarkson's Farm said to me, 'Oh, is it like Clarkson's Farm?' 'And I said, 'No, it couldn't be more different.' First of all, I'm not like Jeremy in many ways, though I wish I were. "He's brilliant. He can articulate an argument beautifully and deliver a sharp, humorous line like no one else.' Noel went on to crack a joke about his years in the showbiz wilderness. His last big gig was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, when he was Noel laughed: 'People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' 'Yes, I'm still here — and living life to the full.' You can stream all the episodes of Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure on ITVX. 8 The theme park in Somerset was left to ruin Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 The crown jewel of the attraction was Mr Blobby's house Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 It was demolished by new land owners Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 Mr Blobby was a huge kids' craze in the 90s Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 The house was named Dunblobbin and was painted bright pink with yellow spots Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 Noel presented Noel's House Party, where he was joined by the pink and yellow character Credit: SWNS 8 Noel is starring in his new travel series about his life in New Zealand Credit: PA
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Eerie demise of Noel Edmonds' 90s theme park left to decay with graffiti-covered rides after opening for only 13 weeks
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOEL Edmonds jetted to New Zealand to invest £15million in property and start a new life down under. Fans are hoping that his new business ventures are more successful than his Blobbyland theme park, which closed after just 13 weeks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Blobbyland was more popular than Buckingham Palace in the year that it opened Credit: SWNS The park in Cricket St Thomas, in Somerset, was based on the BBC's hit show Noel's House Party, and first opened in 1994. Blobbyland welcomed 650,000 guests, making it even more popular than Buckingham Place, which welcomed 200,000 fewer visitors in the same year. Inside was a mocked-up high street with a Blobby store, but the crown jewel of the resort was Mr Blobby's house. It was named Dunblobbin and was painted bright pink with yellow spots and had a blue roof. Locals often complained of a loud doorbell that could be heard for miles - which rang through their houses every time someone visited the little pink home. But the noise didn't bother guests as young fans went mad for its quirky look, which included a giant stuffed Blobby dog kipping on the ground. When visitors roamed in they were met with a view of a cake-only dinner that the fictional character and his family ate for tea. The entertainment show ran for eight years between November 1991 and March 1999, and Mr Blobby became a kids' craze. Although the bustling fantasy-fueled land attracted thousands of fans, it didn't last long. According to DorsetLive, when the area was re-discovered by urban explorers in 2009 it rekindled the public's interest, and soon groups of people started trying to break into the forgotten den. Noel Edmonds' most bizarre moments - from 'dead parent' orbs and 'electro smog' to Candice the mannequin and bid to buy the BBC As a result, the land's owners blocked an access tunnel and had the remains demolished in 2014. Noel, 76, returning to TV screens to document his new life in New Zealand in June - but insisted the ITV show will be nothing like Clarkson's Farm — because he's not as funny as the former Top Gear star. Noel exclusively told The Sun: 'When we were filming our show, some people who knew about Clarkson's Farm said to me, 'Oh, is it like Clarkson's Farm?' 'And I said, 'No, it couldn't be more different.' First of all, I'm not like Jeremy in many ways, though I wish I were. "He's brilliant. He can articulate an argument beautifully and deliver a sharp, humorous line like no one else.' Noel went on to crack a joke about his years in the showbiz wilderness. His last big gig was on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, when he was voted out after only nine days. Noel laughed: 'People still ask, 'Noel Edmonds? Didn't he die? Is he still around?' 'Yes, I'm still here — and living life to the full.' You can stream all the episodes of Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure on ITVX. 8 The theme park in Somerset was left to ruin Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 The crown jewel of the attraction was Mr Blobby's house Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 It was demolished by new land owners Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 Mr Blobby was a huge kids' craze in the 90s Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 The house was named Dunblobbin and was painted bright pink with yellow spots Credit: Billy Griffiths 8 Noel presented Noel's House Party, where he was joined by the pink and yellow character Credit: SWNS
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Haunting photos show UK theme parks abandoned and left to rot
A particular region in the UK has been home to some incredible theme parks but sadly many have had to close down over the years. Here are some of the most haunting abandoned theme parks Once filled with the sounds of merriment and glee, these once-loved amusement parks now stand eerily deserted. Independent theme parks have struggled in recent years, particularly against the likes of national giants of Alton Towers and Thorpe Bay. Just this year, an amusement in Devon had to shut after two months due to rising rent. Meanwhile, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire – the largest in Wales – was forced to close its doors after almost 40 years. The company behind the group, Aspro Parks Group, 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." Photographs have now captured the chilling sight of some parks in the South West that were left to rot after they were forced to close. Spirit Of The West, Cornwall Located in St Columb Major in Cornwall, the Spirit Of The West theme park was once a popular spot. The park closed its doors in 2009 and was transformed into holiday lodges under the name Retallack Resort and Spa. Retallack Resort and Spa is a five-star luxury self-catering holiday destination boasting holiday Lodges, watersports, spa, and entertainment. A few years ago, the Spirit Of The West theme park drew considerable attention when photos of the deserted park surfaced in publications such as the Mail Online. However, the former theme park has since been entirely demolished. Blobbyland, Somerset Inspired by the popular Saturday night TV show Noel's House Party, set in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom, Blobbyland was established at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset. At the peak of Blobbymania, the show's pink and spotty sidekick, Mr Blobby, was the star attraction at a theme park filled with rides inspired by him. Among the attractions were the Animals of Farthing Wood, a safari ride, a deer park, and Dubblobbin, Mr Blobby's house, painted in his signature bright pink with yellow spots and topped with a blue roof. However, the park shut its doors in 1998 due to falling visitor numbers. Despite efforts to secure the site, including blocking an access tunnel, it became a target for trespassers until it was finally demolished in 2014. Tivoli Park, Cornwall Nestled deep within a Cornish woodland, beside a scenic river, lie the overgrown remnants of a century-old pleasure garden, modelled after one of the world's oldest and most beloved amusement parks. The deserted fountains, arches, bandstand, and swimming pool, which emerge unexpectedly from the undergrowth along a woodland path in the village of Lerryn, are all that remain of the once-popular Tivoli Park. The park took its name from the renowned Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen. The brainchild of China Clay magnate Frank Parkyn, who was born in the village in 1850, construction on the elaborate park began around 1920, following his visit to the Danish Tivoli. Drawing inspiration from the fountains, the octagonal Glass Hall and the arches of Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Parkyn transformed a large portion of his woodland into an ornate garden, complete with intricate structures and water features, including an octagonal pool. In 1922, Tivoli Park in Cornwall was unveiled to the public, serving as a fresh venue for the increasingly popular Lerryn Regatta. Despite its former reputation as 'The Henley of the West', the annual event was last held in 1968. While Tivoli Park remained relatively untouched until the late 20th century, nature has slowly reclaimed it over recent decades. Dobwalls Adventure Park A decade ago, the closure of Dobwalls Adventure Park marked a sombre day for Cornwall. John Southern emerged as a tourism trailblazer in 1970 when he transformed his pig farm into one of the South West's earliest tourist attractions. For over 35 years, trains chugged along two-mile-long tracks at the park, situated just a 20-minute drive from Plymouth. The site rapidly became a favourite destination for school trips for generations. Admission granted visitors access to explore the Krazee Kavern play barn, enjoy unlimited rides on the park's trains, visit Rocky Ridge's sand and water play area, inspect the locomotive shed, and experience the Steam Back in Time exhibition. The park's main draw was its immaculately maintained steam and diesel trains, with two tracks on offer - the Union Pacific Railroad and the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande track, which opened in 1970, boasted a four per cent gradient, making it the world's steepest climb on a passenger-carrying miniature railway. Due to its success, the Pacific was added in 1979, closely modelled on the real Union Pacific Sherman Hill line in Wyoming. However, a proposed redevelopment of Dobwalls, including a new arts centre, hit a snag, and the 22-acre site was put up for sale in 2012 with a guide price of £400,000 via sealed bid auction. In March 2013, Charteroak purchased the site, renaming it Southern Halt, which now houses a collection of eco-friendly log cabins. Kitley Caves Kitley Caves in Yealmpton were once a beloved tourist attraction in the Plymouth area. Over 20 years ago, they temporarily closed their doors, but have never reopened since. These cherished caves nestled in the woods at Yealmpton were a popular destination for school trips and archaeology enthusiasts for two decades. Despite being closed to the public since 1999, with little hope of reopening, the historic caves and grottoes along the Yealm estuary remain a significant landmark, having housed Bronze Age and Stone Age artefacts. Additionally, green marble was once quarried from these caves, some of which has been used in notable London landmarks. Ever since a Devon labourer accidentally opened up the caves, they've been a treasure trove of discoveries, including a 6,000 year old human bone and a lion. The caves became a tourist hotspot in the 1970s, offering self-guided tours through the intricate network from one end to the other. The two primary chambers were affectionately dubbed Bob's Cave and No Name Cave. However, in 1999, management concluded that visitor numbers were dwindling. After an impressive 114 years of operation, the decision was made to seal the caves.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
90s TV icon had his own UK theme park but five years later it was abandoned
The park opened in the 1990s and was a huge hit with fans of a particular Saturday night TV mascot. However, the novelty soon wore off TV legend Noel Edmonds has recently returned to our screens, tending to his vineyards on the expansive River Haven estate in New Zealand, while also pulling pints in his historic 17th-century pub, and broadcasting a "positivity" radio station dedicated to his plants and pets. Yet, it's his role as the host of the iconic '90s hit Noel's House Party that he's best remembered for around here. Broadcast from Crinkley Bottom in Somerset, Noel was frequently overshadowed by his infamous accomplice - Mr Blobby. Mr Blobby, a regular on Noel Edmonds' House Party, not only had his own VHS release but also stormed to the top of the UK singles charts with his self-titled track Mr Blobby. To cash in on the success of Blobbymania, Crinkley Bottom theme park, often dubbed Blobbyland, opened its gates at Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, in 1994. But sadly, Blobbymania didn't carry over into the new millennium. The park closed in 1999 but wasn't demolished in 2014, leaving behind an abandoned site that attracted nostalgia-seekers, reports Somerset Live. What happened to Crinkley Bottom at Cricket St Thomas? The theme park was established within the grounds of Cricket House, at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset, which was already a well-loved local hotspot in the 90s, boasting wildlife enclosures and an adventure park. The wildlife park, opened in the 1960s, was home to a range of animals including leopards, zebras, flamingoes, elephants, and ring-tailed lemurs. Visitors to the park could step into Mr Blobby's world by exploring his house: Dunblobbin', offering a glimpse into what life might be like for Mr Blobby when he wasn't causing chaos on Noel's House Party. Fans had the opportunity to meet Mr, Mrs and Baby Blobby at various live events and even snap a photo with the notorious blob. Blobbyland (later rebranded as Cuckooland) featured a children's play area, while the high street offered a slice of Crinkley Bottom with shops such as a bakery and the Blobby shop. Two trains whisked visitors around the grounds and across the valley, offering stunning views of the landscape and free-roaming deer. A map of the Crinkley Bottom theme park reveals features such as a railway, an 'Animals of Farthing Wood' attraction, sea lion shows, a safari ride, 'fun village', a deer park and leopards. The park also boasted a 'TV's family favourites' feature and a high street complete with the Blobby Shop. The main attraction for 90s children, however, was undoubtedly Mr Blobby's house. Dunblobbin, a vibrant pink structure adorned with yellow spots and a blue roof, was encircled by a white picket fence and featured windowsills decorated with colourful plastic flowers. Next to its iconic front door – a popular spot for photos – was a doorbell that, when pressed, would emit the familiar high-pitched chant of 'Blobby blobby blobby!'. However, the park's glory days were short-lived, closing down just five years later in 1999 when Warner Leisure purchased the site. The company gradually phased out the wildlife aspect, transforming the area into an adults-only hotel centred around Cricket House, with most traces of Mr Blobby either removed or demolished. When the theme park shut its doors in the late 1990s, the buildings remained untouched until they were stumbled upon by urban explorers in 2009. Their discovery, captured on film, quickly went viral, stirring up nostalgia among 90s kids. The images sparked such interest that people began flocking to Cricket St Thomas in Somerset to sneak into the now-deserted Blobbyland. Despite efforts by the site owners to deter trespassers – including sealing off an access tunnel – the site was eventually demolished in 2014. Our reporters have shared some of their favourite memories and attractions at Blobby land. 1. Dunblobbin' Mr Blobby's home was a sight to behold, with its pink and yellow spotted exterior, topped off with a blue roof. The house, complete with a large, inviting archway, beckoned visitors to venture inside. Once within the walls of this eccentric dwelling, guests were greeted by an assortment of Blobby-themed furnishings, often being used by a member of the Blobby clan. This whimsical home was arguably the park's main draw. You might recall strolling past the charming white picket fence, spotting plastic flowers adorning the windowsills, before finally arriving at the iconic front door. Here, you'd strike a pose for a snapshot before pressing that now eerie doorbell. Once inside, it was hard to know where to direct your gaze - the sofas were adorned with floral patterns, the fixtures and fittings appeared as if they'd been sketched by Smart Arty from the 90s children's programme 'Zzzap!', and even the family loo sported Mr Blobby's signature pink and yellow spots. A peculiar TV and record player took pride of place in the living room. Visitors got a real insight into the lives of Mr and Mrs Blobby and their baby. Upon entering the kitchen, it became apparent that their diet consisted mainly of cake and Blobby Flakes. Of course, there was also a blobby dog lounging on the floor and blobby fish swimming in a bowl, both sporting matching spotty pink and yellow attire. The bathroom held a surprise for unsuspecting visitors, with Mr Blobby's head cheekily peeking out from behind the shower curtain. 2. The Mr Blobby Shop Blobbyland was a treasure trove of unique shops, featuring the likes of the Smell Shop, Gunge Factory, Town Hall, Peculiar Pet Shop, Potty Plant Shop, Cuckoo Clock Shop and Bakery. It boasted an eclectic mix of genuine and mock-up stores, with the latter hosting animated characters in the windows to entertain visitors. But the true highlight was the Mr Blobby Shop, taking centre stage on Crinkley Bottom's very own High Street. This was the go-to place for all things Blobby, from memorabilia to merchandise. 3. That iconic Blobby bench Cast your mind back to the unmistakable pink and yellow bench, sculpted into the welcoming figures of Mr and Mrs Blobby. Perfect for a cheeky Blobby selfie or a family photo, it's likely you've got an old picture of yourself perched on that very bench. Scary? Not any more than being up close and personal with Mr Blobby himself, which brings us to.... 4. Unforgettable Blobby photo moments Post-show, fans were thrilled with the opportunity to snap a photo with THE Mr Blobby – 'THE' being used lightly, as there were rumoured to be multiple Mr Blobbys meeting and greeting across the nation. But in that moment, he was your Mr Blobby, and that's what counted. As a keepsake, visitors left with a polaroid of themselves alongside the celebrity, neatly framed in a little yellow cardboard frame emblazoned with "A memory of your day at... Crinkley Bottom". As if such a day could ever slip one's mind. 5. The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy in Toyland Crinkley Bottom was home to more than just Mr Blobby; it also hosted The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy with Big Ears, each having their dedicated areas within the park. Visitors could spot woodland creatures nestled among trees and bushes while taking a train ride around the site. Toyland's characters also had their own corner of the park, providing a respite from the Blobby frenzy when needed. 6. Gunge Gunge was a staple of 90s television, and neither Mr Blobby nor Noel Edmonds could resist its allure. Blobbyland followed suit, featuring The Gunge Factory and even its own Gunge Mines, located a stone's throw from the High Street. This faux tunnel, disguised as a gunge mine, housed two mining figures resembling Crinkley Bottom's other inhabitants. 7. The balcony of the Liszt and Newt pub Next to Blobbyland's entrance stood the Liszt and Newt pub (now known as The Black Swan). Serving food and beverages to visitors and locals of Cricket St Thomas, it was a favoured gathering spot for families, friends, and Blobbyland enthusiasts. The main attraction, however, was at the rear of the building where it connected to Blobbyland. Here, Mr Blobby could often be seen waving from the balcony, accessible via the pub's staff room. The pub remains open for visits, and rumours suggest that remnants of the 'Blobby wall' can still be spotted. 8. The chequerboard courtyard Mr Blobby, alongside his other half, was a regular sight entertaining crowds on their impromptu chequerboard courtyard stage. A mere white fence was all that stood between the kids and what was affectionately known as the "performance space". Post-show, the Blobby family would mingle with fans, sharing moments and snapping pictures. During the height of their performances, this corner of Blobbyland would be swarming with visitors. 9. The TV Favourites Water Ride A stone's throw from the Crinkley Bottom Post Office lay the park's beloved TV Favourites Water Ride. A perfect escape when the skies turned grey, this indoor aquatic adventure showcased a host of animated figures from David Aldridge Animations, the same team behind Noddy in Toytown and Longleat's Postman Pat feature. Guests would board yellow and blue 'TV Dreamboats', embarking on a serene journey through various themed chambers where familiar characters awaited. The experience began with a dramatic 'crash' into a colossal TV set, complete with smoke and lights to ignite the imagination. The Magic Roundabout chamber was a fan favourite for photos, bringing to life the entire cast of the cherished series. In 2001, Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe became the new home of the ride, following rumoursof character thefts. For a trip down memory lane filled with images of Blobbyland in its heyday, plus exclusive content celebrating its 25th anniversary, make your way to Dunblobbin.
