Glorious spring sunshine helped to secure an extraordinary start to the 2026 season for Blackgang Chine, with more than 6,000 people passing through the gates across the opening weekend.
The much-anticipated reopening saw an incredible surge in early arrivals, with more than 1,000 guests entering the park within the first half hour on Saturday morning alone – demonstrating the enduring popularity of the UK’s oldest theme park.
This year’s opening weekend carried special significance. A heartfelt initiative offering £5 tickets to Blue Light Card holders and Defence Discount Service members was introduced as a gesture of gratitude, inspired by the late Mr Dick Dabell.
Following the exemplary care he received from the local Isle of Wight NHS, his son Alec, who owns the park, wanted to give something meaningful back to those who serve the community.
The response was overwhelming, with over 3,000 visitors each day turning out to take advantage of the offer and celebrate the start of the season.
Fittingly, one of Mr Dabell’s great passions, car parking, became an unexpected highlight of the weekend. The park’s car park was filled to capacity, managed smoothly and efficiently, a sight that would have made him immensely proud.
Dan White, General Manager at Blackgang Chine, has said:
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the support shown over opening weekend. Seeing thousands of families and visitors through our gates, especially so many within the first few minutes on Saturday, was incredibly special.
“This weekend meant more than just the start of a new season. It was about honouring Mr Dabell’s legacy and giving something back to the incredible people who support our communities every day. The atmosphere was fantastic, and to see the car park so full and running so smoothly would have made him very proud.
“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who joined us and can’t wait to welcome even more visitors throughout the season.”
With such a strong start, Blackgang Chine looks ahead to a busy and exciting year, with the arrival of a new family train ride, plus its regular calendar of family events through peak times.
Now in it’s 183rd year, Blackgang Chine will continue it’s tradition of family fun, imagination, and unforgettable experiences on the Isle of Wight.
Should be £5 for everyone.
Last time I went I paid £4.80
Those were the days, there was a cafeteria, pub and even an
eaterie in cowboy land, plus it was open until late adding to the
then magical experience, nothing there nowdays, yet they charge
extortionate prices to enter, not to mention the extortionate
gift shop prices.
ANOTHER ISLAND ATTRACTION STINGING HOLIDAYMAKERS!
In the end it will be their own demise, greed doesn’t pay.
They need to make as much as possible off people before the rest of the place falls into the sea.
True, but by overcharging many families won’t go there.
I think there’s a difference between ‘more expensive than it used to be’ and ‘extortionate’. Everything costs more now, running a place like that isn’t cheap anymore. You’ve got staffing, upkeep, safety, insurance, all of it has gone up massively. And at the same time they’ve just had thousands of people turn up in one weekend, so from a reality point of view it’s clearly still priced at a level people are willing to pay. It might not feel worth it to you anymore, but that doesn’t automatically make it a rip off.
It was busy because it was £5 specials.
If they can afford to do such deals they
can afford to lower their prices, sorry, but
no excuses.
Shut up you boring old fool.
I don’t see why you should get any discount for doing the job you are paid to do,I know I’ll get value load of crap back but i think it’s time to endthis pandemic privilege!