Bream Theme Park, the UK's largest free-admission theme park located in Somerset, has collapsed into liquidation, throwing the future of this long-standing family attraction into serious doubt. A notice posted by the park confirms that liquidators were appointed last week, requiring the company to cease all trading activities except those necessary for the winding-up process.
Historical Background and Current Situation
First established in the 1940s as a camping and leisure park, Bream Theme Park introduced its first rides during the 1970s, evolving into a popular destination for families seeking affordable entertainment. The park typically operated from March through October each year, though no official announcements have been made regarding potential reopening dates or plans for the 2026 season.
On its website, the park proudly described itself as "the UK's BIGGEST Free-Admission Theme Park" and "the South West's Greatest Day Out," emphasising its location just off the M5 at Junction 22. The attraction marketed itself as offering thrills, family fun, and exceptional value for visitors of all ages, with no admission fees required.
Broader Context of Business Failures
This development follows another significant liquidation in the UK leisure and transport sector. EcoJet Airlines, once celebrated as "the world's first electric airline," has also collapsed into liquidation after failing to secure necessary funding. The airline was first launched in Edinburgh in 2023 by entrepreneur Dale Vince, with provisional liquidators appointed following an unsuccessful attempt to raise £20 million.
Mr Vince commented on the situation, stating: "We remain committed to electrifying all forms of transport – aviation is the last frontier and the hardest. It's taking longer than we hoped to get the technology and regulatory pieces of the puzzle in alignment, and so we're pausing work at this time. This is a vital frontier in the move to net zero, green living, whatever you choose to call it – and it's absolutely doable. It's a matter of when not if."
Implications for Visitors and the Local Community
The liquidation of Bream Theme Park represents a significant loss for the South West's tourism and leisure industry, particularly for families who relied on its free-admission model for affordable days out. The park's closure leaves questions about:
- The fate of seasonal employees who typically worked during the park's operating months
- Potential impacts on local businesses that benefited from visitor traffic
- The future use of the park's substantial premises and facilities
- Alternative affordable entertainment options for families in the region
As the liquidation process unfolds, stakeholders including creditors, former employees, and regular visitors await further details about the park's assets and any potential rescue plans that might emerge during the winding-up proceedings.
