Robin Hill Country Park Explained

Robin Hill Country Park
Location:Downend
Location2:Isle of Wight
Location3:United Kingdom
Coordinates:50.6878°N -1.2436°W
Theme:Countryside
Owner:Vectis Ventures Limited
Opening Date:1971
Closing Date:2nd October 2023
Previous Names:Robin Hill Country Park
Season:March - October
Area:88acres

Robin Hill Country Park is an 88acres theme park located in Downend; outside Newport, Isle of Wight. Robin Hill is owned by the Dabell family, who also own Blackgang Chine; another Isle of Wight amusement Park located in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. The park has four main rides: A quarter-mile downhill toboggan, 4D Motion Cinema, 'Cows Express' Junior train ride and the 'Colossus' a swinging galleon boat ride. On the site of Robin Hill is the buried farmstead of Combley Roman Villa. This is explained in the 'Romans at Robin Hill' exhibition when at the park. Robin Hill is also noted for wildlife, particularly the red squirrels.

The park was the location for the annual Bestival music festival held every September, but has now moved to Lulworth Castle in Dorset. [1] In 2009 it received a "Tourism & Leisure Business Award for Excellence" from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce[2] In 2016, it was announced that Bestival was changing location to Dorset.

The park organises a number of regular events. "Electric Woods" events happen several times a year with different themes. February Half term Electric Woods 'Spirit of the Orient' (Chinese New Year), Summer Holidays Various themes, Summer 2015 'Carnival ' October Half Term 'Electric Woods' 'Festival of Light' inspired by Diwali.

On the 2nd of October 2023, the Dabell family announced that the park was being put up for sale, citing financial difficulties due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, as well as a hope that the funds from the sale of the park could be reinvested into the further development of Blackgang Chine.[3]

The park has cafés, ice creams and snack kiosks, a gift shop and a car park.

Park attractions

The park owners claim to place less emphasis on thrill seeking rides and more upon rides which fit into its 'countryside ethos'.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: The Guardian - Bestival. The Guardian. 2009-07-20 . London . Ian . Gittins . 2007-09-11.
  2. http://www.iwchamber.co.uk/uploads/originals/awards-guidance-notes-2009.pdf I of W, Chamber of Commerce awards, 2009.
  3. Web site: 2023-10-02 . Robin Hill up for sale and jobs at risk after long 'period of financial turbulence' . 2023-10-02 . Isle of Wight County Press . en.
  4. Web site: Robin Hill - Amusement Parks - Countryside Adventure Park. www.blooloop.com. 2009-07-20.