A Devon theme park has announced a shock sudden closure just two months after opening. Dingles Fun Park in Lifton, which opened its doors in February this year in a rural area bordering Cornwall and Devon, attributed the news to financial pressures.

Park manager Tom Ellis explained that despite "incredible support from locals", the "vast scale" of the site meant rental costs were too high for the park to sustain. He said: "We hoped to bring in more attractions as planned, however we just couldn't quite obtain a long-term lease to suit us and the landlords." It had replaced the defunct Dingles Fairground Museum, which was also forced to close in 2024 after struggling to recover from losses during the Covid pandemic.

A statement on the park's website reads: "We are very sorry to announce, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dingles Fun Park is now closed."

It also apologised that its upcoming Pop Fest tribute festival would have to be cancelled and all tickets refunded.

The new park had replaced the museum's early 20th century rides with dodgems, a waltzer and a fun house.

Locals shared their disappointment at the news, with one commenting: "Wow, can’t believe this is closed already."

Another added: "I had the best time there, the twister was great."

The news comes just weeks after one of the UK's largest theme parks announced its immediate closure after nearly 40 years of operation due to rising costs and declining visitor numbers.

Aspro Parks Group, which owns Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, said it had invested more than £25million since saving the park from closure in 2008.

A spokesperson noted: "In the entire history of Aspro we have never closed any park or attraction," adding it had been "a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors."