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Cornwall was once spoiled for choice when it came to places to go for a family day out. But in recent years, there have been devastating losses in the pool of favourite childhood attractions across the county.

Just last year we lost arguably two of the biggest family parks in Cornwall when Flambards near Helston and Dairyland near Newquay shut for good, leaving locals and visitors alike devastated at the news.

In 2025, we've already seen threats to other well-loved attractions, including Looe Monkey Sanctuary which has been closed all year due to rising costs. Wild Futures, which has provided a home for rescued monkeys for over 60 years, also put the sanctuary up for sale in June, in a "strategic move to ensure its long-term future".

Newquay Zoo, which has just struck gold in its first ever entry in the Britain in Bloom competition, was also put on the market earlier this month in a bid to secure its long-term future. Wild Planet Trust, which operates the 13-acre zoo in Newquay and Paignton Zoo in Devon, blamed rising costs and "global challenges" for the decision. While both zoos still remain fully open to visitors, it still leaves the future of family fun-filled days out at risk.

Although these attractions may no longer be around, they can have a permanent place in our hearts and memories. We've had a look back at some of the most popular Cornish attractions that have closed over the last five years and listed them below.

Flambards

Originally known as the Cornish Aircraft Park in the 1970s and later the Aeropark, Flambards evolved into a fully fledged theme park by the 1980s. Its Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz exhibit, and rides made it a top attraction for families. That was until recent years, when rising costs and dwindling visitors due to the retirement of some of its best-loved rides meant the attraction was no longer financially viable.

The theme park announced its immediate closure on November 4, 2024, devastating generations of Cornish folk and visitors. There was an outpouring of love as people just couldn't believe they'd never have the chance to visit again. You can read all about the rise and fall of Flambards, here.

Dairyland

Just several weeks before the Flambards' blow, Dairyland Farm Park announced it was to be no more. Despite record visitor numbers, the 60-acre park's owners said it would close for good because of financial difficulties.

After nearly 50 years, those behind the family attraction said they were "filled with gratitude and a heap of sadness". Following the announcement there was a huge outpouring of love from families who said Cornwall would not be the same without the well-loved attraction.

Heartlands

For years Heartlands, located in Pool between Camborne and Redruth, attracted visitors as a free, family-friendly 19-acre site with mining attractions, venue hire, botanical gardens and a café. It was also well-known for its popular firework display each year.

However, despite being seemingly well-used with an estimated 360,000 visitors a year, it was announced on January 5, 2024, that it was closing as it was not able to cover its operating costs with costs having increased considerably. The park, gardens and private offices at the site have remained open.

Tamar Valley Donkey Park

This beloved animal sanctuary closed its doors for good in August this year and devastated fans described it as being the "end of an era". Over the years countless visitors made trips to the site, at St Ann's Chapel, near Gunnislake on the Devon border, and helped the charity with their mission to find 'forever homes' for the animals.

But recent visitors may have noticed that animal numbers had thinned out, as staff tried to make running the centre "more manageable" for owners Julie and David Gibbons, who at 82 "really needed to retire".

Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre

The family-owned Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre, near Launceston, announced its closure on October 31, 2020, due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. John and Mandy Allen had owned the wildlife centre for 14 years and during that time, they cared for 200 mammals and birds including its 26 otters.

CornwallLive had previously reported how the wildlife centre had to remain closed to the public for a while due the pandemic, which had a very serious impact on the charity as visitors usually provide the much-needed financial income required to care for the animals.

The site has since turned into a cafe and woodland walk called Willow Tree Cafe. It is dog friendly and customers of the cafe can enjoy the grounds/woodland walk free of charge.

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