The adventure park used to be a beloved attraction for locals and tourists for 48 years, but the funfair suddenly closed its doors permanently and now lies forgotten and deserted
The roster of once-bustling theme parks across the UK now lying derelict and abandoned continues to expand, with another cherished funfair having recently joined their number.
Once regarded as the vibrant hub of Cornwall’s local community, the amusement park shut its gates to the public for good after 48 years in business – much to the heartbreak of residents and tourists alike.
The theme park was formerly considered the largest in West Cornwall, and its storied site has provided countless treasured memories and escapades for children and grown-ups alike.
Situated on the edge of the town of Helston in Cornwall, Flambards Theme Park was adored by everyone. However, it didn’t begin life as Flambards.
Launching in 1976 and established by Douglas Kingsford Hale MBE and his wife Audrey, Flambards Theme Park originally traded as the Cornwall Aero Park. Douglas and Audrey aspired to create an aviation museum showcasing aircraft, engines and airframes, and the amusement park gradually developed its offerings, incorporating a diverse collection of aircraft, models and exhibitions amongst its attractions, reports Cornwall Live.
Cornwall Aero Park grew consistently throughout the 70s and 80s – two decades that witnessed a significant surge in theme park popularity worldwide – and swiftly became the area’s premier destination.
In 1984, the celebrated ‘Britain in the Blitz’ attraction was unveiled — a recreation of a bomb-damaged street from the Second World War.
‘The Victorian Village’ followed shortly afterwards, and by 1990, the theme park had expanded dramatically, being rebranded as ‘The Flambards Experience’ to better reflect its diverse range of attractions.
Among the park’s most beloved early rides were the Canyon River Log Flume, Dragon Coaster, the Hype Glide and Paddle Boats.
Between 2007 and 2013, a host of exciting new rides arrived at the park, including the Space Shuttle, Rocking Tug, Carousel, and Cornish Mine Train.
2010 proved to be a landmark year for the theme park, with the introduction of the iconic Skyraker 001, which claimed the prestigious title of the UK’s first ever twisting drop tower. It was also the year the park was officially rebranded once more, this time adopting the name by which it became widely known — Flambards Theme Park.
In 2013, the park hit a significant stumbling block and was placed into administration, ultimately being sold to an existing investor, Livingston Leisure Ltd.
Under new ownership, 2015 saw the arrival of the ‘Sky Swinger’ ride, while the permanent dinosaur exhibition, Jurassic Journey, made its debut in 2016. In 2017, a decommissioned ride from Pleasure Island park in Lincolnshire was acquired and relaunched as the Sky-Force — a companion ride to the hugely popular Sky Swinger.
The winter shutdown of 2017-2018 brought sweeping upgrades to the theme park’s facilities alongside a welcome refresh, giving the 2018 season a brighter, cleaner and more energised atmosphere.
Between 2017 and 2022, the theme park undertook extensive renovations, overhauled facilities throughout, and stripped out outdated attractions. Areas such as the Science Exploratorium were completely torn down, while sections of the outdoor play area were entirely rebuilt.
What led to the downfall
The Covid-19 pandemic triggered significant upheaval for the theme park, with the funfair enduring at least two full site shutdowns. The Western Mine Train (2021) and ThunderDome (2024) were unveiled, yet four of the park’s headline thrill rides – The Thunderbolt, Sky Swinger, SkyForce, and Hornet Coaster – were axed during an additional closure in June 2024 due to supply problems. The SkyForce briefly returned to action from August that year.
With several of its flagship attractions gone, Flambards slashed its admission prices and introduced two new rides, Flying Planes and a set of Dodgems, for the 2024 season. Sadly, this marked the beginning of an unexpected downturn for the beloved theme park.
Speculation began mounting that the theme park was facing a complete redevelopment, though the owners flatly denied suggestions that Flambards Theme Park was going to turn into a fast-food restaurant.
On November 4, 2024, the park abruptly announced its permanent closure, with a spokesperson saying: “It is with great regret we have to announce Flambards Theme Park will close its doors permanently with immediate effect. Flambards has been a cherished destination for generations, and it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell.”
Currently, Ferdi’s Indoor Play remains the only standalone attraction from the original theme park still operating on site, while over 1,000 items from Flambards were put up for auction.
Last year, a young urban explorer in her 20s managed to find her way inside Flambards Theme Park with friends, and described feeling “saddened” by the park’s condition.
Charlee, from Penryn, told What’s The Jam: “It was very sad to see the state of the place. Especially having so many childhood memories there, not just for me but for many people in Cornwall.
“It was weird to walk around a theme park where nothing was running. Most of the rides are still there, but then some have been sold off in an auction along with the stuff from the Victorian village. It was very easy to get in, and there was not a lot stopping anyone from going inside. The site is constantly patrolled by security.”
Abandoned but never forgotten
Former visitors have been sharing cherished memories from their time at Flambards, with one taking to Reddit and writing: “Wow. That is so gutting. So many amazing childhood memories. They let that place run into the ground. What a terrible shame. Sold off to a housing developer no doubt.”
Another user shared: “I am so genuinely sad. Went a few years back for nostalgia and we actually had a lovely day, they had a fireworks display on and it was genuinely wonderful. Am so gutted.”
While one Redditor added: “Been on the decline for years sadly, always seemed like this day was coming. An iconic part of a Cornish childhood gone.”
Others waxed lyrical about the theme park’s heyday on Facebook, with one person posting on the Cornwall Family Life page: “Fond memories of visiting Flambards when we were on holiday in Cornwall. A firm favourite and must do day out for the whole family. Such a shame it’s closed.”
Some visitors even recalled attending when it was still known as the Cornwall Aero Park: “Some of us remember way back when it was the Aero Park. Simple fun climbing around inside old aircraft.”
The shutting of Flambards Theme Park dealt a devastating blow to the local community, and what lies ahead for this now-deserted and forgotten attraction remains very much up in the air.
