180 years of Magic and Memories
Who would have thought back in 1843 that Blackgang Chine would now be the UK’s oldest amusement park?
Built by Alexander Dabell and still run by the family, who saw the potential of the beautifully sited chine (small ravine) sitting above Chale Bay here on the Isle of Wight. He realised that the smuggling history of the Island, and this largely inaccessible beach, made for a great story… and it’s one we’re incredibly proud of!
Over our 180 years, we’ve welcomed well over 10 million visitors to shriek, laugh, and sometimes cry (in a good way!). Visitors have made wonderful memories that have lasted a lifetime and passed through the generations.
So, what do we have planned for 2023?
Firstly, we’ve already unveiled our birthday present to ourselves and you! We’re inviting you to join the party that includes the incredible new for 2023, Extinction ride for all the family to enjoy!
Throughout the year, we have sensational spot prizes like our 180th visitor through the gates each day, crazy competitions for you to enter and ‘win big’, new (or old 😉) characters popping up to say hello, and a tremendous timeline to track where we’ve come from, and where we’re going.
Family fun is at the heart of all we do here at Blackgang Chine, and this is a bumper year of celebration and exciting events such as Cowboys Vs. Dinos, Summer Fest and Frights and Sprites.
Alec Dabell, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures, says,
“There is something uniquely special about Blackgang Chine – with the gates open, there is joy and laughter all around, and we can’t wait to welcome you back this season to make more memories with your family and friends.”
FUN FACT
Why is Blackgang called ‘Blackgang’?
It’s thought that the sides of the original chine were mainly black because of the mineral deposits, with ‘gang’ meaning pathway, possibly referring to the old smugglers’ paths!