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Named after a now-destroyed chine (a coastal ravine) in the soft Cretaceous cliffs, it is about 6 miles from Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight just below St Catherine's Down. Blackgang Chine are owned by the Dabell family.
Today the park is still owned and run by the descendants of Alexander Dabell, and the magic of the park has only grown over the years.
The history of Blackgang Chine theme park is more interesting than most other Isle of Wight attractions. Its location on the edge of a cliff gives terrific views but also leads to much-loved features occasionally falling into the sea or having to be rebuilt elsewhere.
A short history of Blackgang Chine. When Alexander Dabell acquired Blackgang Chine in 1842 it was a unique and picturesque chine leading down to the beach, and he knew that Victorians would love to visit this atmospheric coastal location.
- Blackgang Chine – Land of Imagination
- Imaginative Ride Locations
- Reaching The Isle of Wight
- Changing Sales at Blackgang Chine
- Shining A Light on Robin Hill
- From Banking to BALPPA Via Blackgang Chine
- Future Plans For Vectis Ventures
“A lot of parents and grandparents have fond memories of sitting on a giant toadstool, exploring Cowboy Town or going inside the Mouth of Hell,” says Wray. “They bring their children or grandchildren because they want to create those intergenerational memories.” “What I think is unique about Blackgang Chine is that it doesn’t follow the traditional...
Blackgang Chine’s newest ride is Extinction. The 16-seatZamperlaMidi Discovery swings to a total height of 18 metres. Going right over the top, thrill seekers are rewarded with spectacular views, even if some of them are upside down! Installation was not without challenge, says James Marsh, Blackgang’s head of site and services. “Transportation, fr...
The Isle of Wight is not as remote as those without knowledge of the area may assume. The ferry crossing takes just over 20 or nearer 40 minutes depending on the route chosen. It’s then about a half-hour drive to Blackgang Chine. For those sailing from Portsmouth to Ryde, Robin Hill is even closer. “We feel we have a responsibility to the Isle of W...
Whilst Blackgang Chine still receives some walk-up ticket sales, pre-bookings have surged since the pandemic. “People have to book ferries and accommodation to come to the island. So, we usually have a good idea of how things are tracking,” says Wray. “Those buying a ticket on the door used to be about 85% of our revenue. That’s completely flipped ...
Once home to the Bestival music festival, Robin Hill now hosts the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival each May. It is also home to hot air balloon Night Glows in August. Light-based events have in fact become something of a calling card for the country park. Staged over selected dates from October to early November is the Festival of the Dead. In the r...
In January, Dominic Wray was appointed to the management committee of BALPPA – two former chairmen of which, Richard Mancey and Marshall Hill, do business just across the water in Hampshire, at Paultons Park and Funland (Hayling Island) respectively. “They have been instrumental not just in my personal development, but the development of the compan...
At Blackgang Chine, Extinction is already proving itself as a new attraction. And Wray hints that more thrill ridesmight be added in future. But this will never at the expense of the park’s heritage which is, after all, is what keeps families coming back. In the short to medium term, there are plans to add accommodation to Robin Hill after planning...
Jun 30, 2024 · In the second of our series on Isle of Wight Chines, Island Echo examines Blackgang Chine – once a deep gaunt ravine but now little more than a shadow of its former self. 20th and...
Aug 26, 2018 · Alexander Dabell, who owns Blackgang Chine, is the great, great-grandson of the park's Victorian founder Credit: Christopher Pledger. When a whale skeleton washed up on the shores of the Isle...
