The event opened with presentations from Alec Dabell (the owner and Managing Director of Vectis Ventures), Dominic Wray (Park Manager at Blackgang Chine) and James Crofts (Park Manager at Robin Hill).

It was great to hear all about the exciting new developments at both parks this year, from the rides and attractions to food and events.

Blackgang Chine has introduced two new rides, Evolution and Shipwrecked, both relocated from other theme parks but given a new lease of life with completely new looks and themes so they appear brand new.

As well as the new rides, the Waterforce high speed waterslides have been given a complete refresh with a timing system added to enhance the racing element, and it's the last chance to ride the Cliffhanger roller coaster which will be replaced by a brand new thrilling family ride to celebrate the park's 180th anniversary next year.

A packed programme of events will take place in 2022 including Cowboys Vs Dinos (28th May - 4th June), The Land of Imagination LIVE! (25th July - 29th August) - with Summer Fest every Monday & Wednesday, and Frights & Sprites (24th - 30th October).

The award-winning scare event Terror Island will be back in 2022, with two of the existing scare maze attractions revamped and a new fourth experience added. Read our review of Terror Island 2021.

Dominic Wray, Park Manager at Blackgang Chine:

“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 their sister park Robin Hill, a new Falconry Experience Centre has been created as a home to 28 birds across 16 different species.

During 2022, hot air balloons are set to return for the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival (28th - 30th May) and Night Glow (20th - 21st August). This year there will be a brand new event, Festival of the Dead (7th - 30th October). Amidst the full event calendar, the park will see famous acts return to the Isle of Wight for the second year of Woodland Sessions.

James Crofts, Park Manager at Robin Hill:

“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.”

After the presentations and a Q&A session, all of the invited guests gathered for the unveiling of the new rides, Shipwrecked and Evolution.

Evolution

Evolution is a drop-tower ride standing 400ft above sea level, from Moser Rides.

We loved seeing the effort that the park has gone to with the ride experience, which features a pre-ride tunnel with an introductory video. The views from the top are incredible!

‘An archaeological dig, has revealed some interesting activity above the dinosaur enclosures in Restricted Area 5. Help the professor unearth the mystery with a ride on Evolution!’

Height restrictions: 1.1m to ride with an adult, 1.4m to ride alone.

Shipwrecked

Shipwrecked is a flying-carpet style ride, from Zamperla.

The family ride sits within within the structure of a ship, and has been perfectly positioned to provide sea views.

‘The sea is a cruel mistress... so will you brave the cascading tide to save your pirate crew, or abandon ship as you’re thrown up and over the waves?’

Height restrictions: 90cm to ride with an adult, 1.2m to ride alone.

After experiencing both of the new rides, we had plenty of time to enjoy all the other popular attractions including the Underwater Kingdom, Pirate Cove, Cowboy Town, Rumpus Mansion, Crooked House and Musical Pet Shop.

With extensive work taking place over the winter, the park was looking fresher than ever, and we made the most of the fantastic weather.

Robin Hill

The following day we visited Robin Hill, which includes 88 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens. Their new Falconry Experience Centre provides daily displays with owls and hawks, and between displays Head Falconer, Charlie, and his team are on-hand for meet and greet opportunities.

Highlights at Robin Hill include the exhilarating quarter mile downhill Toboggan Run, swinging galleon Colossus, treetop adventure Jungle Heights and the 4D Motion Cinema.

With 2-park admission tickets available, we thoroughly recommend visiting both parks on your next trip to the Isle of Wight.