You know that feeling when you drive deep into the Welsh countryside, past endless sheep and rolling green hills, and suddenly a massive wooden structure rises out of the mist? That’s Oakwood. It’s weird, honestly. It shouldn’t really work—a major theme park tucked away in the far corner of West Wales, miles from any big city. But Oakwood Theme Park Pembrokeshire has this strange, magnetic pull that has kept families trekking down the A40 since the late eighties. It isn't Alton Towers. It doesn't have the billion-pound budget of Disney. Yet, there’s a specific kind of magic in the Narberth air that makes it a staple for anyone who grew up in Wales or spends their summers on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Originally, it was just a small family park. Back in 1987, it opened as a BMX track and a few slides. Simple stuff. Then things got serious.
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The Megafobia Factor: Why Coaster Nerds Still Travel to Narberth
If you talk to any serious "cred" hunter—those people who travel the world just to check roller coasters off a list—they will all say the same thing: Megafobia is the goat. It’s a wooden coaster. It creaks. It screams. It feels like it might actually fly off the tracks, which is exactly why people love it.
When it opened in 1996, it changed everything for Oakwood Theme Park Pembrokeshire. Built by Custom Coasters International, it was famously voted the best wooden coaster in the world multiple times by the Golden Ticket Awards. It’s not just about the height or the speed. It’s the "airtime." That specific feeling of your stomach hitting your throat as you crest a hill. Because it’s wood, the ride changes depending on the weather. On a hot, dry day, the grease on the tracks thins out and the train runs absolutely wild. On a rainy Welsh afternoon, it feels different—slicker, maybe a bit more ominous.
I’ve sat in the back row during a late-night ride in October. It’s terrifying. You can't see the track ahead of you, only the silhouette of the wooden structure against the dark Pembrokeshire sky. It’s raw. Modern steel coasters are smooth and clinical. Megafobia is a brawl.
Recently, the park invested heavily in re-tracking large sections of Megafobia, working with The Gravity Group to ensure it stays rideable for the next generation. They didn't just patch it up; they engineered it to be faster and smoother in the right places while keeping that chaotic "woodie" soul. It shows a commitment to the park's legacy that many feared was slipping away.
Beyond the Wood: Speed, Drenched, and Vertical Drops
Oakwood isn't a one-trick pony, though Megafobia usually gets the headlines. If you want pure adrenaline, you go to Speed.
Speed: No Limits was the first Euro-Fighter coaster in the UK. It features a 90-degree vertical lift hill. You’re lying on your back, staring at the sky, clicking up, up, up. Then, it drops you past the vertical—97 degrees, to be exact. It’s a short ride, barely a minute long, but the intensity is massive. You hit 59 mph almost instantly.
Then there’s Drenched.
Formerly known as Hydro, this ride is basically a giant boat that goes up, turns around, and plunges into a pool of water. It creates a literal tidal wave. If you stand on the bridge, you will get soaked to the bone. There is no "staying a little bit dry." You will be drenched. It’s one of the tallest water rides in Europe, and honestly, on a cold day in May, you have to be slightly insane to ride it. But people do. Every single day.
The "Vibe" Shift: From Family Farm to Thrill Capital
There’s a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this place. For many, Oakwood Theme Park Pembrokeshire is defined by the areas that don't change. Neverland is a great example. Based on Peter Pan, it’s actually really well-themed for a regional park. The Skull Rock log flume is a legitimate "starter" thrill for kids who aren't quite ready for the big stuff.
But let's be real—the park has faced its share of criticism over the years. Some visitors feel the food options are a bit basic, or that certain older rides like the Treetops coaster (a classic family ride) need more frequent TLC. It's a fair point. Running a theme park in a high-salt, high-moisture environment like Pembrokeshire is an uphill battle against rust and rot.
What’s interesting is how the park handles its identity. It doesn't try to be a corporate, shiny machine. It feels local. You’ll see staff who have worked there for twenty years. There’s a quirkiness to it, like the pedalos on the lake or the random shooting gallery. It’s a mix of world-class engineering and "funfair at the end of the pier" energy.
A Quick Reality Check for Your Visit
- The Weather: It’s Pembrokeshire. It will probably rain at 2:00 PM and be sunny by 2:15 PM. Wear layers.
- The Walk: The park is spread out. You’ll do a lot of walking on asphalt and gravel. Wear actual shoes, not flip-flops that will fly off on Speed.
- The Crowds: During the summer holidays, queues for Megafobia and Speed can hit 60-90 minutes. Go on a weekday in June or September if you can. The place is ghost-town quiet, and you can often "marathon" the rides without getting off.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Pembrokeshire is a tourism powerhouse, but it's mostly known for the Coastal Path and Tenby’s pastel-colored houses. Oakwood provides the "high-energy" counterpoint to a week spent looking at rock pools.
The park's survival is actually pretty vital for the local economy. It employs hundreds of seasonal workers, many of them local teenagers getting their first job experience. When you spend money here, you aren't just lining the pockets of a massive global conglomerate like Merlin Entertainments (who own Alton Towers and Thorpe Park). Oakwood is owned by Aspro Parks, but it operates with a much more independent, regional feel.
Hidden Gems and Weird History
Did you know the park used to have a massive brass rubbing center? Or that the "Snake River Falls" slides are surprisingly fast if you use the right mat?
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One of the most underrated spots is the Boating Lake. Most people ignore it because they want to go upside down, but if you’ve got kids, it’s a nice breather. Also, look out for the Spooky 3D ride. It’s a bit dated, sure, but it’s a cult classic. It uses 3D glasses and some very "retro" effects to tell a ghost story that has been scaring Welsh children since the nineties. It’s charmingly low-tech in an era of VR and augmented reality.
The park also hosts "After Dark" events in August. This is arguably the best time to visit. They stay open late, blast music, and set off fireworks. Riding Megafobia in total darkness, lit only by the strobe lights of the DJ booth, is a core memory for most people who live in the South West.
The Practical Side of Oakwood Theme Park Pembrokeshire
Let's talk logistics because nothing ruins a trip like being unprepared.
First off, book online. If you turn up at the gate and pay full price, you’re basically throwing money away. They almost always have "early bird" discounts on their website.
Second, the food. Look, it’s theme park food. Burgers, chips, chicken nuggets. It’s fine, but it’s pricey. A lot of regulars bring a picnic and leave it in the car. You can get a hand stamp to go out to the car park and come back in. There are plenty of grassy areas near the entrance to sit and eat, which saves you £40 and a bit of a headache.
Third, the "Fast Pass" situation. Oakwood offers a "Fast Pass" system, but honestly, you usually don't need it unless it's a bank holiday weekend. Save your money for an extra ice cream or a souvenir photo of your face looking terrified on the 97-degree drop.
Is It Still Worth It?
People ask if Oakwood is "dying." I don't think so. It’s evolving. The massive investment in Megafobia proves they know what their crown jewel is. They aren't trying to build ten new rides a year; they’re trying to keep the ones they have running well.
Is it as polished as Europa-Park? No. But does it have a massive wooden coaster that feels like it’s fueled by pure adrenaline and Welsh magic? Yes.
For a day out that feels genuinely different from the "pre-packaged" corporate fun of larger chains, Oakwood hits the spot. It’s a bit rough around the edges, it’s a bit wild, and it’s unapologetically Pembrokeshire.
Making the Most of Your Trip
To truly enjoy your day, start at the back of the park and work your way forward. Most people stop at the first big thing they see, creating a bottleneck. Head straight for Speed or Megafobia the moment the gates open.
If you're traveling from far away, don't just do Oakwood. Pair it with a visit to Folly Farm (which is just down the road and incredible for younger kids) or a sunset walk at Barafundle Bay. Pembrokeshire is too beautiful to spend the whole time inside a perimeter fence.
Check the ride status page on the official website before you leave. Because the park is so exposed to the elements, high winds can sometimes shut down the taller rides. A quick check can save a lot of disappointment for the kids.
Pack a poncho. Even if the sun is out, Drenched will find a way to get you. It always does.