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A beloved UK theme park that has been shut for good is sorely missed by locals and visitors alike. It has now been closed for two years, but many people remember it fondly as a place for family days out over the last few decades. Flambards in Heston, Cornwall, announced its sudden closure in November 2024, blaming rising costs and waning visitor numbers. It was loved by many as it was one of the more affordable family attractions in the UK.

Having opened in 1976, it is a well-remembered institution in Cornwall. The site remains derelict more than a year after it was closed, with rides being removed and some auctioned off. Some parts of the theme park have been acquired by other UK attractions. The Victorian Village, for example, was acquired by Kynren, an immersive historical experience for tourists in County Durham. Before it was acquired, it was at risk of being broken up and sold in individual lots following the park's recent closure, according to Kynren.

As the site sits vacant, its future remains uncertain. The park was originally founded by Douglas Kingsford Hale and his wife Audrey, who aimed to establish an aviation museum displaying aircraft, engines and airframes.

However, it expanded rapidly throughout the 70s and 80s, introducing new attractions and rides, and growing into a beloved summer experience for families visiting from across the region.

A host of exciting attractions were introduced between 2007 and 2013. However, visitor numbers eventually began to drop, leading to its closure in 2024.

The park shut with immediate effect when the closure was announced on November 4, 2024.

Flambards said at the time: "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."

Devastated fans took to social media at the time. One Facebook user wrote: "Flambards will always have a place in my heart, I went on my first roller coaster here."

Another shared: "Devastating news. Have supported Flambards for the last 5-6 years with season tickets and you could see the gradual decline."

Meanwhile, Heston's mayor told the BBC at the time that he had concerns over the park's closure and its impact on the area's tourism. He said: "We're not getting so many people coming in now and the impact is going to be significant for the whole of Cornwall."