The park opened in the 1990s and was a huge hit with fans of a particular Saturday night TV mascot. However, the novelty soon wore off
TV legend Noel Edmonds has recently returned to our screens, tending to his vineyards on the expansive River Haven estate in New Zealand, while also pulling pints in his historic 17th-century pub, and broadcasting a “positivity” radio station dedicated to his plants and pets.
Yet, it’s his role as the host of the iconic ’90s hit Noel’s House Party that he’s best remembered for around here. Broadcast from Crinkley Bottom in Somerset, Noel was frequently overshadowed by his infamous accomplice – Mr Blobby.
Mr Blobby, a regular on Noel Edmonds’ House Party, not only had his own VHS release but also stormed to the top of the UK singles charts with his self-titled track Mr Blobby.
To cash in on the success of Blobbymania, Crinkley Bottom theme park, often dubbed Blobbyland, opened its gates at Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, in 1994. But sadly, Blobbymania didn’t carry over into the new millennium. The park closed in 1999 but wasn’t demolished in 2014, leaving behind an abandoned site that attracted nostalgia-seekers, reports Somerset Live.
What happened to Crinkley Bottom at Cricket St Thomas?
The theme park was established within the grounds of Cricket House, at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset, which was already a well-loved local hotspot in the 90s, boasting wildlife enclosures and an adventure park. The wildlife park, opened in the 1960s, was home to a range of animals including leopards, zebras, flamingoes, elephants, and ring-tailed lemurs.
Visitors to the park could step into Mr Blobby’s world by exploring his house: Dunblobbin’, offering a glimpse into what life might be like for Mr Blobby when he wasn’t causing chaos on Noel’s House Party.
Fans had the opportunity to meet Mr, Mrs and Baby Blobby at various live events and even snap a photo with the notorious blob. Blobbyland (later rebranded as Cuckooland) featured a children’s play area, while the high street offered a slice of Crinkley Bottom with shops such as a bakery and the Blobby shop.
Two trains whisked visitors around the grounds and across the valley, offering stunning views of the landscape and free-roaming deer.
A map of the Crinkley Bottom theme park reveals features such as a railway, an ‘Animals of Farthing Wood’ attraction, sea lion shows, a safari ride, ‘fun village’, a deer park and leopards.
The park also boasted a ‘TV’s family favourites’ feature and a high street complete with the Blobby Shop. The main attraction for 90s children, however, was undoubtedly Mr Blobby’s house.
Dunblobbin, a vibrant pink structure adorned with yellow spots and a blue roof, was encircled by a white picket fence and featured windowsills decorated with colourful plastic flowers. Next to its iconic front door – a popular spot for photos – was a doorbell that, when pressed, would emit the familiar high-pitched chant of ‘Blobby blobby blobby!’.
However, the park’s glory days were short-lived, closing down just five years later in 1999 when Warner Leisure purchased the site. The company gradually phased out the wildlife aspect, transforming the area into an adults-only hotel centred around Cricket House, with most traces of Mr Blobby either removed or demolished.
When the theme park shut its doors in the late 1990s, the buildings remained untouched until they were stumbled upon by urban explorers in 2009.
Their discovery, captured on film, quickly went viral, stirring up nostalgia among 90s kids.
The images sparked such interest that people began flocking to Cricket St Thomas in Somerset to sneak into the now-deserted Blobbyland.
Despite efforts by the site owners to deter trespassers – including sealing off an access tunnel – the site was eventually demolished in 2014.
Our reporters have shared some of their favourite memories and attractions at Blobby land.
1. Dunblobbin’
Mr Blobby’s home was a sight to behold, with its pink and yellow spotted exterior, topped off with a blue roof. The house, complete with a large, inviting archway, beckoned visitors to venture inside.
Once within the walls of this eccentric dwelling, guests were greeted by an assortment of Blobby-themed furnishings, often being used by a member of the Blobby clan. This whimsical home was arguably the park’s main draw.
You might recall strolling past the charming white picket fence, spotting plastic flowers adorning the windowsills, before finally arriving at the iconic front door. Here, you’d strike a pose for a snapshot before pressing that now eerie doorbell.
Once inside, it was hard to know where to direct your gaze – the sofas were adorned with floral patterns, the fixtures and fittings appeared as if they’d been sketched by Smart Arty from the 90s children’s programme ‘Zzzap!’, and even the family loo sported Mr Blobby’s signature pink and yellow spots.
A peculiar TV and record player took pride of place in the living room.
Visitors got a real insight into the lives of Mr and Mrs Blobby and their baby. Upon entering the kitchen, it became apparent that their diet consisted mainly of cake and Blobby Flakes.
Of course, there was also a blobby dog lounging on the floor and blobby fish swimming in a bowl, both sporting matching spotty pink and yellow attire.
The bathroom held a surprise for unsuspecting visitors, with Mr Blobby’s head cheekily peeking out from behind the shower curtain.
2. The Mr Blobby Shop
Blobbyland was a treasure trove of unique shops, featuring the likes of the Smell Shop, Gunge Factory, Town Hall, Peculiar Pet Shop, Potty Plant Shop, Cuckoo Clock Shop and Bakery. It boasted an eclectic mix of genuine and mock-up stores, with the latter hosting animated characters in the windows to entertain visitors.
But the true highlight was the Mr Blobby Shop, taking centre stage on Crinkley Bottom’s very own High Street. This was the go-to place for all things Blobby, from memorabilia to merchandise.
3. That iconic Blobby bench
Cast your mind back to the unmistakable pink and yellow bench, sculpted into the welcoming figures of Mr and Mrs Blobby. Perfect for a cheeky Blobby selfie or a family photo, it’s likely you’ve got an old picture of yourself perched on that very bench.
Scary? Not any more than being up close and personal with Mr Blobby himself, which brings us to….
4. Unforgettable Blobby photo moments
Post-show, fans were thrilled with the opportunity to snap a photo with THE Mr Blobby – ‘THE’ being used lightly, as there were rumoured to be multiple Mr Blobbys meeting and greeting across the nation. But in that moment, he was your Mr Blobby, and that’s what counted.
As a keepsake, visitors left with a polaroid of themselves alongside the celebrity, neatly framed in a little yellow cardboard frame emblazoned with “A memory of your day at… Crinkley Bottom”. As if such a day could ever slip one’s mind.
5. The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy in Toyland
Crinkley Bottom was home to more than just Mr Blobby; it also hosted The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy with Big Ears, each having their dedicated areas within the park. Visitors could spot woodland creatures nestled among trees and bushes while taking a train ride around the site.
Toyland’s characters also had their own corner of the park, providing a respite from the Blobby frenzy when needed.
6. Gunge
Gunge was a staple of 90s television, and neither Mr Blobby nor Noel Edmonds could resist its allure. Blobbyland followed suit, featuring The Gunge Factory and even its own Gunge Mines, located a stone’s throw from the High Street.
This faux tunnel, disguised as a gunge mine, housed two mining figures resembling Crinkley Bottom’s other inhabitants.
7. The balcony of the Liszt and Newt pub
Next to Blobbyland’s entrance stood the Liszt and Newt pub (now known as The Black Swan). Serving food and beverages to visitors and locals of Cricket St Thomas, it was a favoured gathering spot for families, friends, and Blobbyland enthusiasts.
The main attraction, however, was at the rear of the building where it connected to Blobbyland. Here, Mr Blobby could often be seen waving from the balcony, accessible via the pub’s staff room.
The pub remains open for visits, and rumours suggest that remnants of the ‘Blobby wall’ can still be spotted.
8. The chequerboard courtyard
Mr Blobby, alongside his other half, was a regular sight entertaining crowds on their impromptu chequerboard courtyard stage. A mere white fence was all that stood between the kids and what was affectionately known as the “performance space”.
Post-show, the Blobby family would mingle with fans, sharing moments and snapping pictures. During the height of their performances, this corner of Blobbyland would be swarming with visitors.
9. The TV Favourites Water Ride
A stone’s throw from the Crinkley Bottom Post Office lay the park’s beloved TV Favourites Water Ride. A perfect escape when the skies turned grey, this indoor aquatic adventure showcased a host of animated figures from David Aldridge Animations, the same team behind Noddy in Toytown and Longleat’s Postman Pat feature.
Guests would board yellow and blue ‘TV Dreamboats’, embarking on a serene journey through various themed chambers where familiar characters awaited. The experience began with a dramatic ‘crash’ into a colossal TV set, complete with smoke and lights to ignite the imagination.
The Magic Roundabout chamber was a fan favourite for photos, bringing to life the entire cast of the cherished series.
In 2001, Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe became the new home of the ride, following rumoursof character thefts.
For a trip down memory lane filled with images of Blobbyland in its heyday, plus exclusive content celebrating its 25th anniversary, make your way to Dunblobbin.
