Man behind iconic Devon theme park dies, aged 92

A visionary Devon farmer who turned farm and woodland into a major tourist attraction and caravan park has sadly died. Graham Bendall created family theme park Woodlands in Blackawton, Totnes, regarded as one of the largest in the county.

It includes water rides, a zoo farm along with rides. Graham, who was very proud of how successful it became, passed away 'peacefully' at his family farmhouse, East Hartley Farm, on October 28, aged 92.

He leaves behind seven children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and his wife Pat. In an obituary notice posted online, his family said they announced his passing from heart failure with 'great sadness'.

They said: "Sharing a wonderful life together for 70 years, Graham will be very sadly missed by his wife Pat, as well as his seven children, many grandchildren and friends. Over 35 years, Graham diversified from farming and with his family, created Woodlands, the successful theme and caravan park near Dartmouth."

Graham was born in 1932 on a farm in Gloucestershire and chose to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a dairy farmer. A keen chairman of Thornbury Young Farmers, he travelled with them on trips to extend his knowledge of dairy farming and the cows he loved.

He married Pat when he was 21 and managed farms in three countries before they fell in love with the South Hams. In 1971, they bought the 160 acre farm including 30 acres of woodland and three small monastic lakes.

Keen to exploit his untapped entrepreneurial skills, Graham saw an opportunity to develop a major tourist attraction and accommodation. After tireless work from his family, in 1989 they opened Woodlands with play areas supported by caravan park, restaurant and shop all sensitively integrated throughout the woodland.

The first year saw 60,000 visitors come to Woodlands and the success prompted further investment and the development of new parks in the Midlands run by members of the family. Graham was also a skilled gardener and tree lover planting trees across the entire estate.

He collected seeds from all over the world including Giant Redwoods from California which grace the landscape at East Hartley today. Graham's funeral will be held at 11am at St Michael's Church, Blackawton, next Wednesday, November 27. The Bendall family welcome family and friends to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barn Owl Trust, Waterleat, Ashburton, to reflect Graham's passion for wildlife and the countryside.