One of the Isle of Wight’s largest tourist attractions has officially unveiled 2 brand new rides for 2022, as well as hinting at big plans for its 180th year in 2023.
From tomorrow (Saturday 19th March), Blackgang Chine and its sister park Robin Hill Country Park will both throw open their gates for a jam-packed 2022 season. Ahead of the big opening, Island Echo has taken a sneak peek at what is on offer this year…
The team at Blackgang Chine have been extremely busy behind the scenes and thrill-seekers will be excited to hear that there are 2 new rides to enjoy – Evolution – a 13m drop tower some 400ft above sea level – and Shipwrecked, a ‘flying carpet’ style ride. Both rides have been sprinkled with Blackgang magic after being acquired from another park elsewhere in the country.
As well as the new rides there are 7 new dinosaurs making their way to Blackgang and Waterforce has been upgraded with a new racing system and scoreboard installed.
It has also been revealed that 2022 will be the last chance to ride the Cliffhanger roller coaster before it is removed at the end of the year, to be replaced with something bigger and better next year. 2023 may even see the return of the Weather Wizard…
Dominic Wray, Park Manager at Blackgang Chine, says:
“After a challenging couple of years, we’ve had to put a lot of creative ideas on hold, but now we’re ready to let loose. We’ve got brand-new rides, dinosaurs, an underground tunnel, and a full calendar of events. The team have been working really hard, and we can’t wait to show everyone.”
Over at Robin Hill Country Park, a major development has been underway since the end of their season in 2021. This year, their bird of prey display team will live on-site in their luxury aviaries in the Falconry Experience Centre. The new centre is set to become the home of 28 birds, across 16 different species, placed in the tranquil beauty of peaceful woodland.
James Crofts, who heads up the Robin Hill team, says:
“It’s really exciting to finally see all of this coming together and know what a great opportunity this will give our guests to see the birds in their home setting with tailored falconry experiences.”
Adventures come thick and fast in the park as hot air balloons are set to return for the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival in May and Night Glow in August, along with their brand-new event, Festival of the Dead, in Autumn half-term. Amidst the full event calendar, the park will see famous acts return to the Isle of Wight for the second year of Woodland Sessions.
To book now and find out more about the popular Frequent Visitor Passes, Joint Park Ticket options and popular IOW Schools Programme head over to the park websites at www.blackgangchine.com and www.robin-hill.com.
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