Popular Theme Park to Close as Costs Rise and Visitors Dwindle
Former Popular Theme Park
After 35 years of operation, Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire will close permanently on November 6, 2023. The theme park, which was once a popular destination for families in the East Midlands, has been struggling with rising costs and declining visitor numbers in recent years.Gulliver's Kingdom first opened in 1989 and quickly became a popular destination for families in the region. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, water slides, and a petting zoo. However, in recent years, the park has faced increasing competition from other theme parks in the area, such as Alton Towers and Drayton Manor. Gulliver's Kingdom has also been affected by the rising cost of living, which has made it difficult for families to afford to visit the park.
Attendance and Financial Issues
In 2022, Gulliver's Kingdom saw a 20% decline in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. The park also made a loss of £1.5 million in 2022. The park's owners, the Gulliver's Theme Parks Group, said that they had made the "difficult decision" to close Gulliver's Kingdom due to the "challenging economic climate."The closure of Gulliver's Kingdom will be a major loss for the Matlock Bath area. The park is a major employer in the area, and its closure will have a significant impact on the local economy. The park's closure will also be a disappointment to many families in the East Midlands who have enjoyed visiting the park over the years.
Future of the Site
The Gulliver's Theme Parks Group has not yet announced what will happen to the Gulliver's Kingdom site once the park closes. However, it is likely that the site will be sold to a developer. The site could be used for housing, a new business, or a new tourist attraction.The closure of Gulliver's Kingdom is a reminder of the challenges facing the theme park industry in the UK. Rising costs and declining visitor numbers are making it difficult for many theme parks to survive. It is likely that we will see more theme parks close in the coming years.
