OAKWOOD PARK (Oakwood Park)

Member Name: aero-zeppelin

Product:	Oakwood Park
Date:	18/05/09 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good selection of rides, reasonably priced, not too busy at peak of summer

Disadvantages: Hydro tragedy left park with bad reputation

Oakwood Park is Wales' biggest theme park. It is located in Pembrokeshire, in the South-west of Wales, a popular spot with tourists from all over the UK and beyond.

I first visited Oakwood as an 11 year old in 2002. Since then, I have been another 3 times, the most recent in the summer of 2007, so I guess I can say I've experienced Oakwood at different stages in my life!

The most positive thing I can say about the park is that it has something for everyone. Had I been a few years younger when I first went, I would've thoroughly enjoyed what family rides and entertainment they have on site, for example the Brer Rabbit Lair. The rides that appealed to me the first time I went were the ones aimed at the whole family, such as the pirate ship, tree tops roller coaster and snake river falls, all three which I enjoyed as a 16 year old during my last visit!

For the visitors who prefer more of the adrenaline rush, there are what are called the 'white knuckle rides'. There are 5 of these, of which 2 are roller coasters (one wooden, one steel), one water coaster, one 'Shot n Drop' tower ride, and a free fall type ride.

The wooden roller coaster is Megafobia. It is perhaps Oakwood's most famous ride, given that it is one of the most famous wooden roller coasters throughout Europe, and I've often seen it in the top 10 roller coasters in the world on these Sky countdown programmes. It is a great roller coaster to ride if you're wary of roller coasters in the first place. It has no inversions, but is very rough and noisy, adding to the excitement! It is quite tame for regular roller coaster users, never the less a must have a go!!!

The steel roller coaster is Speed, which was added to the park in 2006. It has a vertical incline, and a more than vertical descent! This is a roller I'd recommend for anyone who likes a bit of everything, as Speed has everything, literally! It has a loop, a helix, a barrel roll - everything! The incline isn't as scary as it looks, once your on it it's quite an experience then you enjoy the next 90 seconds of twists, turns and exciting! It's a ride that will make you want to get off and get back on, it is so much fun, and in my opinion the best ride at Oakwood!

Vertigo is the free fall type ride. It costs additional including the entrance fee. Up to 3 people can ride, for a single rider it is £33, £16.50 for two, and £11 for 3. So I recommend to book in advance otherwise you could be disappointed on the day. The only time I went on it was during my first visit in 2002, I shared with 2 strangers, and it was a fun experience! I wasn't one for heights back then but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was £10 well spen (Used to be cheaper).

The 'Shot n Drop' tower ride is called Bounce. It's pattern of operation tends to vary, as sometimes you are shot directly into the air, and straight back down via a few bounces, and sometimes you are elevated slowly to the top, and then randomly dropped when near the top. I have to say both ways are as exciting as each other, so you won't be too disappointed whatever the outcome!

Hydro is the water coaster, and the last of the 'white knuckle rides'. It is simply a water drop from 80ft, and tends to get very busy during the summer. You will also get very wet if you do go on it! I've never been on Hydro, but I do enjoy standing on the exit platform and 'avoiding' the splash of the car when it hits the water. Unfortunately the Hydro ride was closed for over a year following the death of a 16 year old girl in 200, which damaged the reputation of the park a bit, but never the less, it remains as popualr today as it's always been.

Entry to the park varies with the time of year as well as time of year, so I recommend you check out their website. I don't know it off hand, but google Oakwood Theme Park and you'll find it!

Visit Oakwood this summer and holiday in beautiful Pembrokeshire!

Summary: Great family day out, or great day out with friends