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Blackgang Chine

UK's OLDEST theme park (1843)! Cliff-top fantasyland with Extinction 360° swing, Evolution drop tower, life-sized dinosaurs, Fairyland castle, Cowboy Town. FREE for under 1m. 7-day free returns!

Data last verified on 20 January 2025. Always confirm critical restrictions with the park on the day of your visit.

Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Blackgang

Quick Stats

Total Rides:
20
No Restrictions:
13
Adult Price:
£24
Child Price:
£24
Parking:
Free
Updated:
20 January 2025
Opening Hours
10:00 - 17:00 (closed winter months)

Park Photos

Licensed imagery to help preview the experience

Blackgang Chine imagery is being refreshed
Blackgang Chine imagery is being refreshed

Rides by Height Requirement

13
No Restriction
Perfect for all ages
4
Under 110cm
Great for young children
3
110-140cm
Adventure starts here
0
140cm+
Thrill rides

All Rides & Attractions

Filter Rides

Ride Name
Type
Height Requirement
Intensity
Duration
Cowboy Town
Full-sized Western town - play Sheriff or outlaw! Visit General Store, enjoy La Cantina with hand-made burritos.
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Crooked House
Wonky walkthrough attraction that defies gravity.
Dark Ride
No restriction
Gentle2:00
Dodo Valley
Themed area celebrating the extinct dodo bird.
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Evolution
Epic drop tower 400ft above the Jurassic Coast. Opened 2022.
Thrill
100cm alone
High1:30
Extinction
360-degree cliff-edge pendulum swing reaching 18m high - twice the height of the Smuggler! Gondola spins for unparalleled coastal views. Gentle option available.
Thrill
120cm alone
High2:00
Fairyland
Magical realm with toadstool village, fairy castle with turrets, walkways and balconies. Spot fairies throughout!
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Hedge Maze
Blackgang Chine's iconic maze with stunning sea views.
interactive
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Heritage Exhibitions
Learn about the UK's oldest theme park - operating since 1843!
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Mouth of Hell
Quirky and eerie walkthrough attraction.
Dark Ride
No restriction
Gentle3:00
Nurseryland
Nursery rhyme themed area for youngest visitors.
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Pirate Barrels
Spinning barrels ride for young pirates.
Family
90cm alone
Gentle1:30
Pirate Cove
Pirate-themed area with ship playground and swashbuckling adventures.
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Restricted Area 5
Life-sized dinosaurs including the biggest animatronic T-Rex in the country and towering Argentinosaurus bigger than a double-decker bus!
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Rumpus Mansion
Where gremlins and pixies bring chaos to this mysterious mansion.
Dark Ride
No restriction
Gentle3:00
Shipwrecked
Family-friendly high-seas adventure with swinging, spinning and screaming.
Family
100cm alone
Medium1:30
Snakes & Ladders
Classic boardgame brought to life with towering ladders to climb and twisting snake slides.
Family
110cm alone
Low2:00
The Jolly Robin
Ghostly ship attraction with maritime mysteries.
Dark Ride
110cm alone
Low3:00
The Vortex
Spinning pirate adventure with mind-bending illusions.
Dark Ride
No restriction
Gentle2:00
Underwater Kingdom
Dive into the deep! Glistening underwater cave, luminescent coral reef, sunken shipwreck, and massive 60ft blue whale overhead.
observation
No restriction
Gentle10:00
Waterforce
Isle of Wight's biggest waterslide! Choose thrilling open-top 'Overflow' chutes or dark 'Plughole' tunnels.
Water
100cm with adult
120cm alone
Medium2:00

Location

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Address

Blackgang
Ventnor
PO38 2HN
United Kingdom
Lat: 50.5833
Lng: -1.2667

Complete Park Guide

Complete Park Guide

Blackgang Chine Height Guide

Blackgang Chine is the UK's oldest theme park, opened in 1843 and celebrating over 180 years of magical adventures! Located on stunning clifftops overlooking the Isle of Wight coast, this "Land of Imagination" combines thrilling rides, themed fantasy lands, and heritage attractions. FREE entry for children under 1m, and tickets include 7 days of unlimited free returns!

Sections
15

Organized insights

Reading Time
~6 min

Plan ahead quickly

Highlights
3

Need-to-know tips

Guide Section

Park Highlights

Operating since 1843 - over 180 years of history and magic!

UK's Oldest Theme Park

Operating since 1843 - over 180 years of history and magic!

Cliff-Edge Thrills

Unique location with rides literally on the cliff edge offering spectacular coastal views.

7-Day Free Returns

Visit as many times as you like within a week - incredible value!

Under 1m Free

Children under 1 meter height get completely free entry.

Height Strategy

Height Breakdown

Everyone enjoys together:

No Height Restriction (13 Attractions!)

Everyone enjoys together:

  • Restricted Area 5 (biggest animatronic T-Rex in the country!)
  • Fairyland (magical castle and toadstool village)
  • Underwater Kingdom (60ft blue whale overhead!)
  • Cowboy Town (full-sized Western town)
  • Pirate Cove
  • Dodo Valley
  • Nurseryland
  • Heritage Exhibitions
  • Mouth of Hell
  • The Vortex
  • Crooked House
  • Rumpus Mansion
  • Hedge Maze (with sea views)

90cm+ (1 Ride)

First thrills:

  • Pirate Barrels (90cm) - spinning barrels

100cm+ (3 Rides)

Growing adventures:

  • Evolution (100cm) - epic drop tower 400ft above Jurassic Coast
  • Shipwrecked (100cm) - swinging pirate ship
  • Waterforce (100cm-120cm must be with adult) - Isle of Wight's biggest waterslide

110cm+ (2 Rides)

More challenges:

  • Snakes & Ladders (110cm) - climb ladders, slide down snakes
  • The Jolly Robin (110cm) - ghostly ship walkthrough

120cm+ (1 Ride)

Ultimate thrill:

  • Extinction (120cm) - 360-degree cliff-edge pendulum swing reaching 18m high!
  • Waterforce (120cm alone) - ride the waterslide solo

Planning Tips

Best For

  • Toddlers (under 1m): EXCELLENT - FREE entry, 13 attractions accessible
  • Young Children (90-110cm): Great! Pirate Barrels plus all themed lands
  • Older Children (110-130cm): Perfect! All rides including Evolution and Extinction
  • Families: Incredible - something magical for every age

Guide Section

Themed Fantasy Lands

Life-sized dinosaurs and the biggest T-Rex in the country!

Restricted Area 5

Life-sized dinosaurs and the biggest T-Rex in the country!

Fairyland

Enchanted castle, toadstool village, and fairy spotting.

Cowboy Town

Wild West adventure with General Store and La Cantina restaurant.

Underwater Kingdom

Deep sea exploration with coral reef and 60ft blue whale.

Pirate Cove

Swashbuckling pirate adventures and ship playground.

Dodo Valley

Celebrating the extinct dodo bird.

Nurseryland

Nursery rhyme themed area for youngest visitors.

Guide Section

Unique Features

Only theme park where you can literally fly off a cliff edge (Extinction)!

Cliff-Top Location

Only theme park where you can literally fly off a cliff edge (Extinction)!

Heritage & History

UK's oldest theme park with 180+ years of memories. Heritage exhibitions tell the story.

Land of Imagination

Every corner reveals new fantasy worlds and magical discoveries.

Guide Section

Pricing System

Variable pricing by date:

  • Range: £16 - £32 depending on date
  • Adults & Children: Same price (tiered by date, not age)
  • Under 1m: FREE
  • Peak times: Higher prices during school holidays
  • Off-peak: Family of four from £60 total

Money-Savers:

  • Book online - cheaper than gate prices
  • 7-day FREE returns included with every ticket
  • £55 annual season pass for unlimited visits
  • Free parking

Planning Tips

Top Tips for Visitors

  1. 7-day free returns - Plan multiple visits during your holiday!
  2. Book online - Always cheaper than gate prices
  3. Under 1m free - Toddlers get FREE entry
  4. Cliff-edge location - Dress for coastal weather
  5. Extinction gentle option - Don't fancy going upside down? Queue separately for gentler swings
  6. La Cantina - Hand-made burritos in Cowboy Town
  7. Heritage - Don't miss learning about 180+ years of history

Planning Tips

Best Times to Visit

Quietest: Weekdays in May, June, September Busiest: School holidays, especially August Cheapest: Off-peak dates (check online calendar) Season: March/April - October (closed winter months)

Guide Section

Facilities

  • La Cantina - Hand-made burritos and Mexican food in Cowboy Town
  • Various food outlets - Throughout the park
  • Gift shops - Themed merchandise
  • FREE parking - No additional cost
  • Baby care - Facilities available
  • Dog-friendly - Well-behaved dogs welcome in certain areas

On the Ground

Getting There

By Ferry:

  • Red Funnel (Southampton to East Cowes)
  • Wightlink (Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth)

By Car on Isle of Wight: A3055 coast road, follow signs to Blackgang (FREE parking)

From Ventnor: 5 minutes by car along coast road

Note: Located on cliff-top site - stunning views but hilly terrain

Guide Section

Age Recommendations

  • Under 3 years (under 1m): EXCELLENT - FREE entry, 13+ attractions
  • 3-6 years (90-110cm): Great! Themed lands, gentle rides, fantasy worlds
  • 6-10 years (110-120cm): Perfect! All rides except Extinction
  • 10+ years (120cm+): Fantastic! Full access including cliff-edge Extinction

Planning Tips

Money-Saving Tips

  • Under 1m FREE - Huge saving for families with toddlers
  • 7-day free returns - Visit multiple times during holiday
  • Book online - Always cheaper than gate
  • Off-peak dates - Family of four from £60
  • Annual pass £55 - Great for Isle of Wight residents
  • FREE parking - No hidden costs

Guide Section

Historical Significance

Blackgang Chine opened in 1843, making it the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom. Originally a Victorian pleasure garden, it has evolved through generations while maintaining its unique charm.

1843 - UK's Oldest

Blackgang Chine opened in 1843, making it the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom. Originally a Victorian pleasure garden, it has evolved through generations while maintaining its unique charm.

Coastal Erosion

The park's cliff-top location means it's battled coastal erosion for 180 years. Some attractions have literally fallen into the sea over the decades, making each visit precious history!

2023 - 180th Anniversary

Extinction, the spectacular 360° cliff-edge swing, was added to celebrate 180 years of thrills and imagination.

Guide Section

Weather Considerations

Cliff-top location means:

  • Stunning sea views
  • Can be windy - bring layers
  • Some rides may close in high winds
  • Spectacular on sunny days
  • Indoor attractions for rainy weather (Underwater Kingdom, walkthroughs)