Thrilling new indoor family attraction to be unveiled in Devon

An exciting all-year round new indoor family visitor attraction will be opening its doors for the first time next month to coincide with half-term.

Dingles Fun Park is replacing what was Dingles Fairground Museum at Milford just off the A30 near Lifton. It closed in November after more than 20 years at the site.

The museum's owner, the Fairground Heritage Trust, said there was "no viable path" to continue in Devon, with the bulk of the fairground collection moved to Statfold Country Park near Tamworth.

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The new venture has retained the Dingles name but that's where the similarities end. Dingles Fun Park will mostly be an indoor attraction with up to around 20 fairground rides, café and soft play area.

Traditional rides will include a runaway train, waltzer, twister, dodgems, spinning teacups and helter skelter. Entry into the park will be free. A token system will be in operation with rides costing £2 each or savings for tokens bought in bulk.

It will officially open on February 15, and the landowner, Leanne Knight, will run its Carousel Cafe serving a mixed menu from classic burgers and chips, to candyfloss and donuts.

Park manager Tom Ellis is an experienced showman and has previously helped run two amusement parks. He is now enjoying creating a venue of his own.

He said: "For us, it has been a no brainer. We were already familiar with the site as we operate fairground attractions throughout the westcountry.

"We have now rented the site because it almost felt like a natural thing to do. It's good to bring something back to the area after the loss of Flambards and Dairyland Farm Park in Cornwall.

"We don't get the best weather in this country so we wanted to open something that will be primarily indoors, but there will be some outdoor rides like a paratrooper.

"There will be lots of old fashioned rides but we are not a museum or in any way linked to the previous attraction. It's a fresh thing.

"We are offering free entry to keep it better value for everyone and have something in the area that is accessible for everyone. We have got 50,000 sq ft of space indoors.

"We have taken over the left-hand side of the building. Another park closed down up north so we have bought a lot of their stuff such as the runaway train. We are also hoping to create a big soft play area in the future.

"We have kept half of the space free for things such as shows, festivals and tribute acts. In the long term we want to do events like scarefests, mazes, winter wonderland and an ice rink. It will be an attraction that grows hopefully.

"We decided to keep the name Dingles to carry on the name of Richard Dingle who provided financial support and a home for the Fairground Heritage Trust's collection at Dingles Steam Village.

"We are really excited about the new venture. We didn't get on site until January 10 so there's a lot to be done to get it ready by half-term. We will do the best of our ability to put on a good show and create a fun funfair atmosphere in a safe environment.

"To make it work, we need the support of locals as we can't just rely on tourists. "

Dingles Fun Park will be open every day throughout February half-term and then every Saturday and Sunday before Easter from 11am to 7pm. Opening hour updates will be posted on its website.