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Obscure UK Parks

PhalanaxOperativeA1127 said:
Inevitable. Truly, a huge shame, so many happy memories at Flambards, both as a child and taking my own children.
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Same here (minus the kids). I have a number of happy memories of Flambards as a kid, though being evacuated off the flume in a torrential downpour is perhaps not one of them. :p We used to go once a year, and it's a shame that the place has closed. The writing was certainly on the wall when they retired the Thunderbolt and the Hornet (among others) earlier in the year, and I'm not surprised that Flambards won't be reopening (at least in its current guise).
 
Called this earlier this year. They burnt Thier bridges with the local season ticket holders when the rides were closed.

It's quite sad as it was a staple of many holidays which is ultimately part of it's downfall. It's never really had much investment either. I expect it will end up as housing and the remaining rides sold off.
 
Relife said:
Called this earlier this year. They burnt Thier bridges with the local season ticket holders when the rides were closed.

It's quite sad as it was a staple of many holidays which is ultimately park of it's downfall. It's never really had much investment either. I expect it will end up as housing and the remaining rides sold off.
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This is what I'm sadly thinking will happen as well. Flambards is arguably the key place that helped me on the way to becoming an enthusiast, which led to me finally meeting people from this place, and subsequently realising I'm gay. Yes, I know that's a bit of a stretch. :p
 
Apparently Dairyland also closed last week. Not an attraction I'm familiar with but Thier only other theme park Camel Creek is in administration. I love Cornwall but it's become too expensive for many families so family attractions are suffering.
 
dave___ said:
I don't think it ever reopened after COVID, something to do with owed rent to Prince Charles' duchy and the cost of pumping out the mine I think.

I live within spitting distance of yorkshire mining museum but coal mines and tin mines are totally different beasts
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It’s still there - they’ve been doing a lot this season to try and get it in a good state to reopen but they haven’t been able to yet. Plan is for 2025.

Can’t say I’m surprised by the news about Flambards but it’s incredibly saddening. I think we all knew this was coming when the ride closures were announced, but it’s still really devastating that the Victorian Village, the blitz exhibit and all the aeronautical exhibits are probably going to be lost. I pray that something can be done about the most important artefacts - it would be a crime for the preserved Victorian shop and the Concorde cockpit to be destroyed.
 
It is with great regret we have to announce Flambards Theme Park will close its doors permanently with immediate effect.

This difficult decision was reached only after all possible avenues had been exhausted and we fully recognise the impact of this closure on the local community and the sense of loss that it may bring,

Despite significant and ongoing investment since its rescue from closure in 2012 by the current owners, rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers have made the park’s operation and further investment unsustainable.

Over the years, Flambards has strived to evolve, overcoming numerous challenges to continue bringing joy to families and visitors from across the region.

Unfortunately, this year saw the retirement of several older thrill rides, as the increasing difficulty of sourcing specialised parts and maintenance expertise became insurmountable.

Additionally, the much-loved Victorian Village exhibition now requires extensive remedial work; it will remain closed while we investigate alternative options to preserve and honour this unique collection.

While the theme park itself will no longer operate, we are pleased to confirm that Ferdi’s Funland, the indoor play centre, will re-open as a standalone attraction on November 17th, providing a familiar place of play for younger visitors.

Flambards has been a cherished destination for generations, and it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell.

To our loyal supporters and dedicated team, who have given their unwavering commitment through difficult times, we extend our sincerest gratitude.

Thank you for making Flambards a special place.
 
I'm so sad to hear that Flambards has closed. I visited here a lot during my childhood holidays in Cornwall, the last time in 2021 (to see all of the exhibition stuff). It's always had a fond place in my heart.

I really hope they can find a way to preserve the Victorian Village and Blitz exhibitions. There is so much wonderful stuff in there.
 
James said:
I'm so sad to hear that Flambards is closing. I visited here a lot during my childhood holidays in Cornwall, the last time in 2021 (to see all of the exhibition stuff). It's always had a fond place in my heart.

I really hope they can find a way to preserve the Victorian Village and Blitz exhibitions. There is so much wonderful stuff in there.
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While I mainly went to Flambards for the rides, I did try to make a point of going around the exhibitions on each occasion. It was always really nice to just do something a little different.
 
Thankfully the best ride made it out before the place got condemned. Shame about the indoor bit and the Zierer. The Huss Frisbee has now been at 2 different parks that have closed down (Pleasure Island and Flambards)

Here's Thunderbolt living on as Reactor

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Poisson said:
Thankfully the best ride made it out before the place got condemned. Shame about the indoor bit and the Zierer. The Huss Frisbee has now been at 2 different parks that have closed down (Pleasure Island and Flambards)

Here's Thunderbolt living on as Reactor

1000004373.jpg
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They've done SUCH a good job with turning Thunderbolt into Reactor. It looks absolutely incredible.
 
Poisson said:
Thankfully the best ride made it out before the place got condemned. Shame about the indoor bit and the Zierer. The Huss Frisbee has now been at 2 different parks that have closed down (Pleasure Island and Flambards)

Here's Thunderbolt living on as Reactor

1000004373.jpg
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This looks absolutely spectacular 🤩 It seems to have a completely new lease of life on the fair circuit.

I can imagine we will be seeing a lot of the rides sold to other parks over the coming year.

Rides like Skyforce, Skyraker and the Rocking Tug would be the most likely to find somewhere new to go.

It's rides such as the Log Flume, the Hornet and the Cyclocopters that might not be as straightforward to move.
 
Enter Valhalla said:
Didn’t quite a few of their flat rides previously reside at American Adventure? It’s such a shame to hear of yet another closed UK park.
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Think it was just the Rockin’ Tug. Was the bog standard model complete with Zamperla branding down the side.

EDIT: And the train.
 
Enter Valhalla said:
Didn’t quite a few of their flat rides previously reside at American Adventure? It’s such a shame to hear of yet another closed UK park.
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I don't think it will be the last either. With parks facing increasing employee costs I suspect it will tip one or two more over the edge. It would have been nice if Camel Creek got some of the rides but they are in dire financial conditions as well.
 
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