Popular free-entry theme park in the UK at risk of closure

Brean Theme Park has been a popular spot for holidaymakers since the 1940s

Bream Theme Park in Somerset has appointed liquidators (Martin Lewison )

A popular theme park in Somerset is at risk of closing its doors after it was forced into liquidation.

Brean Theme Park first opened in 1946 and offers more than 40 different attractions, including indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, dodgems and a terror castle.

The family-run site was originally opened as a campsite but introduced rides in the 1970s, and has spent decades as a popular tourist spot for holidaymakers around Bristol and Gloucestershire.

A notice was published in official public record The Gazette which stated the park appointed liquidators last week, and announced “resolutions for winding-up” on 4 February.

This means that the company can no longer continue trading as normal and must effectively close.

It states: “NOTICE IS GIVEN that the following written resolutions of the above-named Company, were passed on 28 January 2026 as a Special resolution and Ordinary resolution respectively:

1. That the Company be wound up voluntarily
2. That Nicholas Stafford (IP No: 27270) of Hazlewoods LLP, Staverton Court, Staverton, Cheltenham, GL51 0UX be appointed Liquidator of the Company.”

The Pontins holiday park in Brean is also not being used by holidaymakers (PA Archive)

Some tourism businesses in Brean have reported a reduction in trade and footfall in recent years, which has partially been blamed on the nearby Pontins holiday park not being used by holidaymakers.

The theme park website still states the venue is set to open as usual on 14 March for the warmer months, with no official date for closure announced. The Independent has requested comment.

A spokesperson confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com that Brean’s Unity Holidays, Brean Splash, Brean Play and Brean Gym will remain unaffected.

The theme park is popular due to its free entry, although visitors must then purchase credits to ride on each attraction.

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “Lots of good memories with my children and grandchildren, it will be missed,” while another said: “It’s not Brean without a funfair.”

Another wrote: “Without the theme park there, I don’t think many people are going to want to just come there to swim in the pool and use the beach.

“When we come there on holiday, we normally plan a holiday around going to the theme park. It is a major draw to the attraction and it’s also one of the reasons I feel a lot of people stay at Unity farm because it is so close to the fun fair.

“It is gonna be a really big shame if they’re not able to save it and keep it.”