Oakwood Theme Park
Sightseeing attraction | Narberth | Wales | United Kingdom
Family-friendly theme park in Wales
The Oakwood Theme Park in Narberth, Wales, is one of the most well-known and popular attractions in Southwest Wales, and is considered the largest amusement park in the country. Located in the picturesque county of Pembrokeshire, this park offers an impressive variety of attractions for visitors of all ages – from thrilling roller coasters for adrenaline junkies to family-friendly rides and themed areas for the youngest guests. The park covers a vast area and is surrounded by spectacular scenery, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. Since its establishment, it has grown from a small family park to a leading attraction in the United Kingdom, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Best roller coasters in South Wales
Initially, the park was a modest enterprise with simple attractions such as BMX bikes, a wooden fort, go-karts, and a water slide. However, over the following decades, it grew significantly, especially with the addition of large thrill rides that made the park known beyond the borders of Wales. In 2008, it was sold to the Spanish Aspro Ocio Group, a company specializing in amusement parks, which made further investments in the development of the park. This transfer marked a new phase with a focus on modernization and expansion to appeal to a broader audience.
Day trip to Pembrokeshire
Some of the main attractions at Oakwood Theme Park include some of the most spectacular roller coasters in Britain. The wooden roller coaster "Megafobia," built in 1996 by the American company Custom Coasters International, is considered one of the best of its kind in Europe and has been awarded multiple times by enthusiasts. With a height of 26 meters and its fast ride through the hilly landscape, it offers an unforgettable experience. Another outstanding attraction is "Speed," a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter steel roller coaster that has thrilled visitors since 2006 with speeds of up to 95 km/h and a "beyond vertical" drop of 97 degrees – it was the steepest roller coaster in Britain at its opening. "Drenched," formerly known as "Hydro," is a water coaster that promises both thrills and refreshment with a 30-meter height and a wet descent, while "Vertigo" as a Skycoaster catapults guests to dizzying heights and provides a sensation of free-flying.
Thrill and family fun Wales
In addition to these thrill rides, the park offers a variety of family-friendly attractions. The "Neverland" area brings the world of Peter Pan to life, with themed rides such as the "Jolly Roger Pirate Ship" swing ride and "Skull Rock," a family-friendly water attraction. For younger children, there is "Treetops," a moderate wooden roller coaster that passes through the park's treetops, as well as "Dizzy Disk," a rotating ride that offers fun for the whole family. Water lovers can enjoy "Snake River Falls," a giant slide, or paddle boats on the boating lake. A mini-golf course and various play areas complete the offering, making the park a place where every age group can find something suitable.
Special events at amusement park
The Oakwood Theme Park also emphasizes special events that enrich the experience throughout the year. The "After Dark" event in summer offers nighttime rides with fireworks and entertainment, while "Spooktacular" in autumn creates a spooky Halloween atmosphere with special attractions like the "Witch Hunt" haunted maze. These events attract additional visitors and give the park a festive touch, making it worth revisiting.
The park's surroundings are characterized by the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire, with gentle hills and lush vegetation forming an idyllic backdrop. Despite its rural location, the park is well connected to the transport network, making it easily accessible. Additionally, it offers amenities such as various dining establishments – from burger bars to pizzerias – and picnic areas for those who want to bring their own food. The zoo also features a narrow-gauge railway that transports visitors from the parking lot to the entrance and back, increasing convenience.
Despite some challenges – such as an accident on the "Hydro" roller coaster in 2007 that led to legal consequences – the Oakwood Theme Park has established itself as a resilient and popular destination. The continuous investments in new attractions and the maintenance of existing rides demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the park at a high standard. It remains a place that combines adventure and family fun while highlighting the natural beauty of the Welsh landscape.
