Theme park owner stays positive despite local closures

In the latest blow to South West tourism, Flambards Theme Park in Helston has officially closed its doors, citing unsustainable rising costs. 

The closure adds to a growing list of beloved attractions in the region that have shuttered in recent years, highlighting the mounting difficulties for the sector.

Rick Turner, founder of The Big Sheep theme park in Abbotsham and Chair of Devon’s Top Attractions, spoke to the Gazette about the challenges facing South West attractions, underscoring how economic pressures are impacting the broader hospitality and tourism sectors.

“This is the third major attraction in the area to close recently, following Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre and DairyLand Farm Park,” Mr Turner explained. 

“Cobbaton Combat Museum in North Devon has also closed its doors at the end of the summer.” 

He described the season as unpredictable, with high-performing weeks contrasted by unusually low turnout on others. 

“It’s been a very erratic season,” he said.

“There have been great weeks and days, but also some pretty dreadful ones.”

Mr Turner noted that economic conditions have placed a heavy burden on attractions, many of which rely on local staff and face rising wage demands and other operational costs. 

“We employ large numbers of local people, and the increases in minimum wage, along with higher national insurance and changes in tax thresholds, are putting significant pressure on profitability,” he said. 

“This combination could drive some of the smaller attractions into a loss-making situation.”

In recent years, the closures of Dingles, DairyLand and now Flambards have left a concerning mark on the local tourism landscape, with some communities facing a potential loss of local jobs, visitor traffic and the economic support that attractions bring. 

To weather the challenges, Mr Turner and his team at The Big Sheep have taken proactive steps to adapt their offerings and diversify revenue streams. 

“We’ve expanded into hosting large events and festivals, as well as introducing camping accommodations and even a forest nursery,” he explained. 

“This diversification has been essential to keep our financial situation stable and to protect jobs.”

Mr Turner is determined to continue finding creative ways to navigate the difficult business climate, with an eye on technological innovations that could improve efficiency.

“We will survive the increases, but it will make life interesting,” he said.

“We’re certainly looking at new ideas on technology and how we can deliver more with less. We have an incredible flock who operate the park, and they’ll be up for the challenge, I’m sure.”

Mr Turner acknowledged the loyalty of both local residents and returning tourists who consider The Big Sheep a staple of their holidays.

“We get fantastic support from our locals and the visitors who come back every year for a highlight of their holidays,” he said. 

He pointed to a reduction in visitor numbers this summer as evidence that many attractions may need to shift their focus to offer better value for money. 

“I think many will be looking at providing better value, which will encourage more people to holiday in North Devon.”

Despite the industry’s challenges, Mr Turner expressed a cautious optimism rooted in Devon’s tourism resilience. 

“Normally, when times are tough, we actually do better here in Devon tourism,” he shared. “So let’s keep positive, work and help one another, and enjoy the journey!”

With the sector facing continued financial strain, the future of tourism in Devon and the broader South West region may hinge on collaborative resilience, local support, and adaptive strategies. 

In addition to adapting through events and new attractions, Mr Turner sees an opportunity for the government to support an industry that has weathered many storms.

He voiced hope that policymakers would use increased tax revenue wisely to strengthen public services and bolster growth in ways that benefit businesses and residents alike.

“The government certainly isn’t making life easy for anyone in tourism,” Mr Turner remarked. “We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate and remain the most popular family attraction in the region, but there are limits to what we can achieve without support.”

As Flambards, Dingles, DairyLand and Cobbaton Combat Museum all close their doors, Devon’s attractions are at a turning point.

For those that remain, staying competitive in an evolving tourism market will require innovation, resilience, and an eye toward better value for visitors.