Brean Theme Park in Somerset – which is the ‘Home of Sooty and Sweep’ – has officially entered liquidation, meaning it can no longer trade as it winds up its operations.
The popular park initially opened as a camping and leisure site in the village of Brean – set between between Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea – in the 1940s, but has since developed into a sprawling amusement ground with more than 40 rides.
Brean Theme Park is said to be the UK’s largest free theme park, as entry is free, though credits are required to hop on different rides, which can be purchased in advance or on site on the day.
Despite opening seasonally from March to October each year, the family-run park has faced ‘significant challenges’ due to dwindling visitor numbers following the pandemic, according to a spokesperson for the attraction’s liquidators.
The closure of the nearby Pontins Brean Sands – currently used to house Hinkley Point C workers rather than tourists – is said to have also severely impacted footfall.
On 28 January, 2026, liquidators from Hazlewoods LLP were appointed, and the company must now cease all trading except for what is necessary to complete the closure process.
Nicholas Stafford, of Hazlewoods, said: ‘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 posted on The Gazette reads: ‘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.’
Brean Theme Park, a beloved family-run attraction in Somerset, has officially entered liquidation
The site is said to be the UK’s biggest free theme park – boasting more than 40 rides
While the Brean Theme Park’s official website still lists a 2026 opening date of 14 March, the liquidation notice suggests the company is being wound up voluntarily and likely will not reopen for the new season.
However, it appears Brean’s Unity Holidays – which leases land to the theme park – along with Brean Splash, Brean Play and Brean Gym remain unaffected and will continue to trade as normal.
A spokesman confirmed: ‘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).
‘The park continues to operate as normal, and Brean Play, Brean Splash and Brean Gym will re-open as planned for the 2026 season – all with many improvements and enhancements as part of our ongoing investment in our Unity Beach resort.’
It comes a week after a 106-year-old roller coaster, believed to be the oldest of its kind in Britain, closed permanently.
Dreamland Margate, based in Kent, said last week that the iconic Scenic Railway would ‘take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride’ following safety concerns linked to its age and condition.
Despite opening seasonally from March to October, the park has faced ‘significant challenges’ due to dwindling visitor numbers in the wake of the pandemic
The park likely will not reopen for the new season as it winds up operations, despite the official website still listing a 2026 opening date of 14 March
The wooden roller coaster, which first opened in 1920, is Grade II listed and has long been one of the amusement park’s most beloved attractions.
However, Dreamland said an ‘extensive process of consultations and inspections’ had concluded that ‘the ride has come to the end of its current life’.
The decision was taken ‘in close consultation’ with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Thanet District Council.
The Scenic Railway has been out of action after a fault was identified in 2024. Its closure now marks the end of a turbulent history that has included multiple fires and a major restoration effort.
According to Historic England, the ride suffered fires in 1949 and 1957, and it was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2008 after the park had closed.
A full restoration was completed in 2015 as part of an £18million investment to reopen Dreamland, which had spent a decade closed to the public.
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