The Resurrection of Dingles: From Museum to Fun Park

Dingles Fairground Museum in Devon, once a haven for vintage fairground rides and artwork, closed its doors in November 2024, citing challenges posed by its remote location and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Operated by the Fairground Heritage Trust, the museum’s closure marked the end of an era for enthusiasts of classic fairground attractions. However, from the ashes of the museum rises a new venture: Dingles Fun Park, an all-year, indoor entertainment destination set to breathe new life into the location. This transformation signifies a shift from preserving history to providing contemporary family entertainment.

Dingles Fun Park promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with the nostalgic charm of classic fairground rides. Visitors can expect a diverse array of attractions, including waltzers, dodgems, spinning tea cups, a helter skelter, and a runaway train. A dedicated soft play area caters to younger children, ensuring a fun experience for the entire family. The Carousel Cafe will offer traditional fairground treats such as burgers, chips, and candyfloss, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. While entry to the fun park is free, rides operate on a token system, starting at £2 per token, with bundled options available for cost savings.

The driving force behind Dingles Fun Park is Tom Ellis, who aims to fill the void left by recent closures of attractions in the area, including Flambards and Dairyland Farm Park. Recognizing the unpredictable nature of British weather, Ellis envisioned an indoor entertainment venue that could operate year-round. While primarily indoors, the park will also feature some outdoor rides, such as a paratrooper. Importantly, Ellis emphasizes that Dingles Fun Park is a distinct entity, not affiliated with the former museum. It represents a fresh start, offering accessible and affordable entertainment for the community. The sprawling 50,000 sq ft indoor space allows ample room for the diverse range of attractions and activities.

Looking to the future, Dingles Fun Park has ambitious plans for themed events, capitalizing on the spacious venue. Halloween will bring scarefests, while the winter season will transform the park into a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink, ensuring year-round appeal and attracting visitors throughout various seasons. This approach diversifies the entertainment offerings beyond the core fairground rides, adding seasonal experiences to the park’s repertoire.

The closure of Dingles Fairground Museum in November 2024 marked a significant loss for the local community and enthusiasts of fairground history. The museum, an extension of the Dingles Steam Village Museum, had showcased vintage rides and artwork since 2007. The combined challenges of a remote location, the impact of the pandemic, and a limited operating season ultimately led to its closure. The majority of the museum’s collection found a new home at the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum in Tamworth, preserving the historical artifacts for future generations.

The closure of Dingles Fairground Museum coincided with the unexpected closure of Flambards Theme Park, another blow to the entertainment landscape of the region. These closures evoked nostalgia and sadness for many, especially those who cherished childhood memories of these attractions. The loss of these landmarks underscored the challenges faced by traditional entertainment venues in a changing world.

However, the emergence of Dingles Fun Park signifies a new chapter, offering a different kind of entertainment experience. While the nostalgia of the museum may be gone, the new venue promises a vibrant and accessible alternative for families and individuals seeking indoor entertainment. Dingles Fun Park represents a reinvention of the space, embracing contemporary attractions while acknowledging the legacy of the former museum. The focus shifts from preserving the past to creating new memories, offering a revitalized entertainment destination for the community. The upcoming opening of Dingles Fun Park marks a fresh start, bringing a new era of fun and excitement to the area.

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