Flambards Theme Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Flambards Theme Park

Previously known as Cornwall Aero Park The Flambards Experience
Location	Culdrose Manor, Helston, Cornwall, England
Coordinates	50°05′31″N 5°15′29″W / 50.092°N 5.258°W / 50.092; -5.258
Opened	1976
Owner	Hale family (1976-2013) Livingston Leisure Ltd (2013 - Present)
Slogan	"Best Day of the Week"
Operating season	Easter–October with winter opening of undercover exhibitions
Area	27
Attractions
Total	19
Roller coasters	1
Water rides	1

Rides at Flambards Theme Park

Flambards Theme Park is a super fun amusement park. You can find it near Helston in Cornwall, England. It first opened in 1976. Douglas Kingsford Hale MBE started it as the Cornwall Aero Park.

History of Flambards Theme Park

The entrance to Flambards

Flambards first opened its doors in 1976. Back then, it was called 'Cornwall Aero Park'. The owner, Douglas Kingsford Hale MBE, slowly added more aircraft, models, and cool exhibitions.

In 1984, a special area called "Britain in the Blitz" opened. It showed what a street looked like during World War II after a bomb hit it.

By 1990, the park had grown a lot. Its name changed to "The Flambards Experience." Some of the first rides included the Dragon Coaster and the Canyon River Log Flume. There were also Paddle Boats and a hype glide.

New Rides and Changes Over Time

In 2007, three new rides arrived: The Rocking Tug, The Carousel, and The Space Shuttle. The next year, 2008, saw the addition of the Cornish Mine Train. A paintball game called War of the Worlds also started.

In 2010, the Skyraker 001 opened. It was the first twisting drop tower in the UK! The park also changed its name again to Flambards Theme Park.

A company called Livingston Leisure Ltd bought the park in 2013. They added a new ride called the 'Sky Swinger' in 2015. They also made the Victorian Village even better.

In March 2016, a permanent dinosaur exhibit opened. It's called Jurassic Journey. You can follow in the footsteps of giant dinosaurs there.

March 2017 brought another exciting ride, Sky-Force. This thrill ride came from another park. It took the place of some smaller rides and a pirate play area.

Over the next few years, the park kept getting updates. They redecorated indoor exhibits. A new shooting gallery called ‘Faulty Repair Shop’ was added.

Recent Updates and New Attractions

Flambards had to close for a short time in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in July of the same year.

In 2021, a new ride called ‘The Western Mine Train’ opened. It's a short train ride through a mining town. The park also added a new outdoor seating area. The Victorian village got new LED lights. The outdoor play area received completely new equipment.

More redecorating happened in 2021-2022. The Village Cafe was completely redone. The Science Exploratorium was removed and replaced with more outdoor seating. A miniature pirate ship was replaced with a Miniature Carousel.

Between 2022 and 2023, the ‘Balloon Race’ ride was replaced. The new ride is called ‘Samba Balloons’. It's perfect for younger visitors. Also, ‘Ferdi’s Indoor Play’ (which used to be a separate place) became part of the park admission. This means younger kids can play inside while older kids enjoy the rides.

Exciting Attractions at Flambards

Flambards has many different areas to explore and enjoy.

The Big Ride Zone

This area is packed with thrilling rides for families and older kids.

Jurassic Journey

Step back in time to when dinosaurs ruled!

• See life-size dinosaurs like a huge 5-meter tall brachiosaurus.
• Meet a mighty T-Rex and a three-horned triceratops.
• Visit the "Dino-Nursery" to see baby velociraptors.
• Try the "Dino-dig" where you can dig up pretend dinosaur bones!

Ferdi's Funland

This area is specially designed for younger guests.

• Human Cannonball – Spin and control your height in cool 4-person capsules.
• Mini Carousel – A smaller, cute version of the classic carousel.
• Tea Cups – A miniature tea cups ride for little ones.
• Dino Express – Ride through a Dinosaur Haven in dinosaur-themed cars.
• The Cornish Children's Eye – A small version of a classic Ferris wheel.
• The Western Mine Train - A short train ride through a Western mining town.
• Outdoor Stage - Enjoy live shows and entertainment here.

Exhibitions and Museums

Explore the Victorian Village

• The Victorian Village Experience – Walk through a life-size Victorian street! It has over 50 shops and cottages. You can see a butcher’s shop, a bakery, and a sweet shop. There's even a time capsule from an old chemist shop.

The "Britain in the Blitz" display

• The Britain in the Blitz Experience – This exhibit shows what life was like during World War II. It was opened by Dame Vera Lynn in 1984.
• The War Gallery – This gallery honors the brave men and women who served in World Wars 1 and 2. It's connected to the Britain In The Blitz exhibit.
• Memory Lane – See how wedding dresses have changed over 100 years. There's even a wartime dress made from a parachute!
• The Aviation Experience - A Century of Pioneering Flight – Learn about amazing moments in flight history.
  • Discover Richard Pearse, who some say flew before the Wright brothers.
  • Learn about Charles Kingsford Smith, who flew between Australia and England in 1929.
  • See a full-size cockpit of the Concorde airplane!
• Operation Sealion - Learn about Germany's plans to invade England in World War 2.
• William White’s Chemist Time Capsule - This old chemist shop was found locked away since 1909! Every item was carefully put back exactly as it was.

Family Entertainment Zones

• Space Orbiters (Coin Operated Bumper Cars)
• ‘Faulty Repair Shop’ Shooting Range (Coin Operated Shooting Gallery)
• Coin Operated Ride on Tractors
• Coin Operated Crane Machines
• Family Amusements
• Free to Play Mini Golf (9 hole golf course)
• Ferdi’s Indoor Play - This used to be a separate place, but now it's included with your park ticket!

Food and Drink Options

When you get hungry, Flambards has places to eat.

• Village Cafe
• Ferdi’s Burger Bar

You can also find many smaller shops around the park. They sell hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice creams.