Brean Theme Park Enters Liquidation After Decades of Family Fun
Brean Theme Park in Somerset, famously known as the 'Home of Sooty and Sweep', has officially entered liquidation, ceasing all trading as it winds up its operations. This marks the end of an era for a beloved family attraction that has been a staple of the local community and tourism scene.
Historical Roots and Modern Challenges
The park originally opened as a camping and leisure site in the village of Brean during the 1940s, strategically located between Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea. Over the decades, it evolved into a sprawling amusement ground boasting more than 40 rides, earning recognition as the UK's largest free theme park. While entry was free, visitors needed to purchase credits to access the various rides, either in advance or on-site.
Despite operating seasonally from March to October each year, the family-run park encountered significant challenges in recent times. A spokesperson for the liquidators cited dwindling visitor numbers following the pandemic as a primary factor. Additionally, the closure of the nearby Pontins Brean Sands, which is now used to house Hinkley Point C workers instead of tourists, severely impacted footfall to the theme park.
Liquidation Process and Financial Struggles
On 28 January 2026, liquidators from Hazlewoods LLP were appointed, compelling the company to halt all trading except for activities necessary to complete the closure process. Nicholas Stafford of Hazlewoods explained, 'The company traded throughout the peak summer season of 2025, however revenue generated over that time was insufficient to enable the company to sustain operations through the park's usual winter closure.'
A notice published in The Gazette confirmed the voluntary winding up of the company, with Nicholas Stafford appointed as Liquidator. Although the park's official website still lists a 2026 opening date of 14 March, the liquidation notice strongly suggests that Brean Theme Park will not reopen for the new season.
Impact on Related Businesses and Broader Context
Importantly, other businesses in the area remain unaffected. Brean's Unity Holidays, which leases land to the theme park, along with Brean Splash, Brean Play, and Brean Gym, will continue to trade as normal. A spokesman clarified, 'While Brean Theme Park leases land from Unity Holidays, it is not a business we own. The theme park is its own business. Anything that may or may not be happening to the theme park does not and will not affect Unity Holidays, or our park in Brean (Unity Beach).'
This closure follows closely on the heels of another significant loss in the UK's amusement park heritage. Just a week prior, Dreamland Margate in Kent announced the permanent closure of the 106-year-old Scenic Railway, believed to be the oldest roller coaster in Britain. After safety concerns linked to its age and condition, the Grade II listed ride, which first opened in 1920, will take retirement from operation.
The Scenic Railway's history includes multiple fires and a major restoration effort, with its closure marking the end of a turbulent chapter. This dual blow highlights the ongoing struggles faced by traditional amusement parks in maintaining operations amid economic pressures and changing visitor patterns.
