Popular Cornish theme park, Flambards, has been put up for sale for the first time in its 37-year history.

Established in 1976, by Douglas and Audrey Kingsford-Hale as the Cornwall Aero Park, it quickly grew from an exhibition hall with a vast collection of aviation memorabilia, aircraft and gardens into 27 acres of crowd pleasing entertainment for all ages. Attractions include the recreation of a victorian village and a street during World War II. More recently, the One2eleven indoor play complex has been a popular addition.

When the Kingsford-Hales retired from the day to day management, their son, James, took over as managing director, with Douglas as chair. James’s daughter, Susie, has also worked as head of marketing in recent years.

Changes in the family has led to the decision to sell. James Kingsford-Hale explained that his daughter is getting married and has plans of her own, his mother passed away last year and his father is now 82. He is 54 and, with no obvious successor to take the reins, the sensible decision is to sell. “Deciding has been an enormously difficult decision,” he says. “Despite the recession, we saw an increase in visitor numbers last year and turnover increased. As a family, we’ve spent 37 years working hard to establish it as a must-see place to visit and enjoy in Cornwall. Now it’s up to a new buyer with a fresh perspective to take the business forward.”

The attraction will be marketed by Stratton Creber Commercial and Jones Lang LaSalle.