ONE of Wales’ most recognisable thrill rides is leaving Pembrokeshire for good. Oakwood Theme Park’s legendary rollercoaster, Speed: No Limits, is set to begin a new life at Walygator Sud-Ouest in Roquefort, France.
After almost twenty years of dominating the skyline with its dramatic 97-degree drop, the steel coaster — built by German engineering firm Gerstlauer — will soon thrill a new generation of riders across the Channel.
First opened in 2006, Speed: No Limits was the UK’s first Euro-Fighter model, propelling riders down a beyond-vertical plunge at close to 60mph. It quickly became the pride of Oakwood and a must-ride for thrill-seekers visiting west Wales.
Confirming the move, Walygator Sud-Ouest’s Director of Marketing, Benoît Baylocq, said: “The former Speed rollercoaster from Oakwood Park will soon be joining our site. As of today, the public opening date for this new attraction has not yet been determined, as construction work has not yet begun. We are currently awaiting administrative authorisations before we can start the project.”
He added: “We will announce the official opening date as soon as these steps are completed.”
The park’s Director, Sylvain Chatain, said the new arrival will offer “more thrill than Boomerang”, currently their biggest ride, adding: “It’s time for Walygator to grow up.”
After thirty years of operation, the 20-hectare French park is undergoing major redevelopment — and the arrival of Oakwood’s famous coaster could be the headline attraction.
For rollercoaster fans, it marks the end of an era for Oakwood, but the start of a new chapter for a Welsh icon set to roar again in France.
Photo caption: Dismantling underway: Oakwood’s famous Speed: No Limits rollercoaster being taken apart in preparation for its move to France (Pic: JC Explores).
