Destination UK

A Visit to Blackgang Chine – March 2017

Posted on
March 24, 2017

Mention the words Blackgang Chine and it is amazing how many people mention the fact that they visited as a child and have very fond memories of Britains oldest theme park which turns 174 years old in 2017.
I loved Blackgang Chine as a child and have fond memories of walking around the dinosaurs and in 2006 we visited with a young Abbey, Callan and Kian.
Blackgang Chine 2006
Last weekend it was the turn of Isaac, Eliza and Sebastian to make the ferry journey from Lymington over to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, with Blackgang Chine being a 20 minute picturesque coastal drive from the port.
Isle of Wight
As soon as they spotted the huge giant at the entrance to the theme park they could not wait to get inside.
Blackgang Chine
Once inside the first thing that struck me was that the park has been modernised and updated. Our favourite dinosaurs are still there, but in a modern twist, are now animatronic and incredibly lifelike, much to the kids delight, although we did find an old favourite to climb!
Blackgang Chine
Sebastian is dinosaur mad and excitedly bounded up to each and every one, until we reached a rather intimidating T-Rex, which is the largest animatronic dinosaur in the UK. The floor actually shakes when he roars and giving him the nickname Terence we thought we had managed make him slightly less scary to get Sebby to pose for a picture………..not sure it quite worked!
Blackgang Chine
Unlike most UK theme parks, Blackgang Chine doesn’t have many rides. In fact it has one rollercoaster, a waterslide and a small teacup ride, however, don’t let that put you off. It is the “Land of Imagination” and the kids were having a ball exploring everything the park has to offer with the Crooked House being a huge hit.
Crooked House
We had been invited to Blackgang Chine to visit their new Underwater Kingdom and we were not disappointed.
Underwater Kingdom
From the moment we entered the cave the kids knew they were heading underwater, with Sebby excitedly exclaiming “Mummy, I am under the sea“.
Underwater Kingdom
On our journey through the colourful coral reef we discovered an abandoned sunken shipwreck to explore, the most amazing array of colourful, larger than life animatronic sea creatures including a huge whale floating above our heads, moving its tail as if it were swimming.
Blackgang Chine
The park still has a familiar set up from how I remember with Pirate Cove and its massive pirate ship to play on, complete with water pistols to fire at each other. I urge you to visit the pirate pet shop which is full of weird and wonderful creatures.
Pirate Cove
Cowboy Town is also still there and I could not resist the urge to buy the kids some fun snaps in the shop. We staged a bank robbery, put the kids in jail and even tried out some coffins for size – all in fun of course!
Blackgang Chine
Eliza loved finding fairies in Fairyland ………
Blackgang Chine
…..and visiting Sleeping Beauty in her castle.
Black Gang Chine
They all enjoyed a real life game of snakes and ladders.
Blackgang Chine
On our last visit the mouth of hell was still being built but it was there in all it’s glory and Isaac especially enjoyed messing around in it, sticking his hands through the nose as if it had bogies or pretending it was eating him.
Blackgang Chine
Facility wise, there are plenty of toilets and baby changing stations and lots of food and drink stands selling things from donuts to ice creams and those all important teas and coffees for Mum and Dad. We ate in the Chine Cafe at the entrance to the park and our food was lovely – especially the fish finger sandwiches!!
Blackgang Chine
If you are visiting with young children, please be aware that the park is very hilly, although perfectly accessible, so it can be hard work pushing a pram / buggy or on those little legs.
Black Gang Chine
Do make sure you explore the whole park as their first ever exhibit is still on display – the magnificent skeleton of a Fin Whale that you can actually walk through to find some dinosaurs and discover the history of Blackgang Chine – beware of the landslip room though.
Black Gang Chine
A hall of mirrors is always a hit too.
Black Gang Chine
If you are looking for somewhere to visit that is full of thrills and spills, then Blackgang Chine probably isn’t for you, but, if you are looking for somewhere for kids to use their imaginations and play then this is the perfect place to visit.
Black Gang Chine
Tickets cost from £19.50 each, for adults and children over the age of 4 or £74.00 for a family ticket (you may revisit the park for up to 7 days with these tickets so great if you are on holiday).
Some things never change………..
2006:
Blackgang Chine
2017:
blackgang chine
Thinking of visiting, check out my video below.

Country Kids

 
 
 
 
 

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17 Comments
  1. Reply

    Jenni

    March 24, 2017

    I’ve never heard of here before, looks fun x

  2. Reply

    five little doves

    March 24, 2017

    Ooh this looks like a fab day out! The photograph in the coffins made me laugh out loud! So funny!

  3. Reply

    Angela hamilton

    March 24, 2017

    Never heard of that park but oh my goodness it looks like so much fun!! I want to play snakes and ladders!!

  4. Reply

    Clare aka Emmy's Mummy

    March 24, 2017

    I’ve taken the kids I used to Nanny for many times. A great day out, it doesn’t seem to have changed much either.

  5. Reply

    Kat

    March 25, 2017

    Looks like you had a fantastic day- it’s a great place to visit! I really like a “coral reef” and the dinosaur! 🙂

  6. Reply

    Sara | mumturnedmom

    March 25, 2017

    I’ve never heard of this park, but it looks AMAZING! My kids would love it, and I love the fact that so much of it is about using their imaginations. Brilliant. #countrykids

  7. Reply

    Coombe Mill

    March 25, 2017

    It looks like you all had a fantastic time exploring Blackgang Chine, it’s amazing how old this park is! I bet hunting down all the animatronic dinosaurs was fun although I can definitely see why Sebby might’ve been afraid of the T-Rex. It’s great how it clearly sparks the imagination of the kids, I’m sure there’s too much to fit in in one visit!
    Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.

  8. Reply

    Sonia Cave

    March 25, 2017

    This looks great. My gang loves animatronic dinosaurs and your three’s faces were fab! #countrykidsfun

  9. Reply

    Fashion and Style Police

    March 26, 2017

    This park sounds amazing. My kids would love it.

  10. Reply

    Mary Louise

    March 27, 2017

    Loving the scary faces!
    I prefer a smaller theme park which offers imagination and sensory fun rather than fast rides.
    We are big fans of the IOW and have never heard of blackgang chine. Will certainly put it on our must do list for next time we visit though!

  11. Reply

    Emma Raphael

    March 27, 2017

    I lived in Hampshire fora few years growing up, and I think all of my friends went to this place apart from me!! Actually, I have never been to the Isle of Wight!! Looks like a really fun day out! 🙂

  12. Reply

    Helena

    March 27, 2017

    The Isle of Wight is great especially the milkshakes they do. Thank you for bringing back many a memory. #CountryKids

  13. Reply

    Karen | TwoTinyHands

    March 27, 2017

    What a brilliant park and not one I’ve heard of. I don’t really like big thrills and rollercoastera so this would be more up my street. Love all the dinosaurs and it’s great you get to use your imagination and play a little! #countrykids

  14. Reply

    chocolateandwineandillbefine

    March 29, 2017

    I have never heard of this before at all! It looks so much fun and reminds me of a place in the Netherlands that we used to visit when I was little! #countrykids

  15. Reply

    The Princess and The Pickle

    March 29, 2017

    We visited this weekend and loved it, such a great place for family fun. You captured some great moments, especially the photo with the T-Rex… my little one wasn’t too sure about him either!

  16. Reply

    Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)

    March 29, 2017

    I haven’t been to Blackgang Chine in years! I never realised it was so old though. Looks like you had a wonderful day out. I love the new underwater world. Blackgang Chine is a fabulous place to explore and use your imagination and I love all the different areas there. The Crooked House was always one of my favourite things there. #countrykids

  17. Reply

    Zena's Suitcase

    March 31, 2017

    I think this place sounds like a lot of fun. We have a park like this near us, and the kids love going there and it’s not always about the rides

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KARA GUPPY
Bournemouth

Are we nearly there yet? is a new online blog run by me, Kara Guppy, and is named as such thanks to my daughter Eliza who always asks that very question when we are less than 5 minutes up the road heading off on our adventures. You may know me from my other family blog chelseamamma.co.uk