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Blackgang Chine

An Isle of Wight classic with charm, but I think it needs more rides

5/10
📍LocationBlackgang, Isle of Wight
🎢RidesFamily attractions and flat rides across themed areas
👶Best ageLittle kids and younger families
💷Tickets fromCheck official site for current prices
📅OpenSeasonal, check dates before you travel
🚗Getting thereCar recommended, Isle of Wight ferry then drive

My Review

Blackgang Chine gets a 5 out of 10 from me. It is not a bad park, but it is not a thrill park, and I am honest that it does not have enough rides to compete with the bigger UK parks. The removal of Cliffhanger still bothers me. It was one of my favourite rides there, and what replaced it has not filled that gap.

If you go in expecting a proper thrill day out, you will be disappointed. If you go knowing what it actually is, you can still have a good time, especially with younger kids.

Don't expect a thrill ride. Just don't expect something big being there.

★★★☆☆ 5/10

Rides & Areas

Extinction

Drop tower My favourite

My top ride at Blackgang. It takes you up and then drops you down fast, and my tummy goes bad, bad, bad on it: lots of tickling. It caught me off guard the first time, which made it even better. I genuinely did not expect it to affect me that much, and that surprise is the moment I remember most from this park.

Jolly Roger

Pirate ship My second favourite

Originally from Robin Hill, the Jolly Roger pirate ship is my second pick. I think it is one of the best rides the park has, and I rate it genuinely rather than just by default.

Storm Force

Water ride

A water ride I compare to Buffalo Falls at Paultons Park, but with an added tunnel with stars on the ceiling, which makes it a little bit better in my opinion. It is a solid family ride and one of the park's stronger offerings.

The Beach

Newer addition

I get it. I have had fun chasing my parents around the water pillow area. But I do not understand why Cliffhanger had to go to make space for it. The beach is cool. It just did not feel like a fair trade.

Shipwrecked

Would not bother again

One of those sideways-swinging rides that goes higher with each pass. I have been on it plenty of times, but next visit I will skip it. It is not a ride I dislike, just one I have moved past.

What I wish they had

I am clear on this: Blackgang needs a roller coaster. Every major UK park has a Shampoo Disco and Blackgang does not even have a small one. When they announced a runaway train I got so excited, thinking Thunder Mountain style, then it turned out to be a gentle train that goes round the park. I was not impressed.

Plan Your Visit

Getting There

  • You need to get to the Isle of Wight first: ferry from Southampton or Portsmouth, then drive to the south of the island.
  • Car is essential once you are there. Factor in ferry times when planning your day.

Food

  • I cannot give a proper food review here because we usually stop at a Tesco on the island rather than eating in the park.
  • I do not think there are many food options inside, so going in fed or with your own food seems like a sensible move.
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My Tips

Straight from me.

Go for the atmosphere

Treat it as an island day out, not a big thrill ride day.

Best with younger kids

If you have younger children, it works well and the themed areas make more sense.

Manage expectations

If you are a thrill seeker, know what you are getting before you go.

Plan food ahead

We usually eat elsewhere on the island, so I would not rely on park food.

Honest Take

Who it works for

Little kids, a hundred percent. The park has gentle rides, themed areas and a water ride that families enjoy. Older kids and thrill seekers will find the ride list thin.

What I want them to fix

More rides. A proper roller coaster. At minimum a Shampoo Disco style ride, something with a bit of energy. I do not understand the decision to remove Cliffhanger and replace it with flat rides, and the runaway train announcement that turned out to be a gentle park tour was a real letdown.

Moment I will never forget

My first ride on Extinction. I had no idea what it was going to be like and went in expecting something more low-key. When the drop hit and my tummy went properly, I was genuinely surprised. That first ride sticks with me.

Watch The Videos

Blackgang Chine moments from TobesVerse.

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FAQs

What rating do I give Blackgang Chine?

5 out of 10. It is okay but does not have enough rides, especially for older kids and thrill seekers.

What is my favourite ride at Blackgang Chine?

Extinction, the drop tower. It surprised me on my first ride and the tummy drop is really strong.

What is my second favourite ride?

The Jolly Roger pirate ship, originally from Robin Hill. I think it is one of the best things the park has.

Who is Blackgang Chine best for?

Younger children and families with little kids. Thrill seekers will not find enough here.

What happened to Cliffhanger?

It was removed, and I am still not happy about it. I loved that ride and I do not think what replaced it was a fair trade.

Does Blackgang Chine have good food?

I honestly cannot say because we usually eat elsewhere on the island. I do not think there are many options inside so I would plan ahead.

Should thrill seekers visit Blackgang Chine?

My honest advice is not primarily. Go for the Isle of Wight day out, enjoy it for what it is, but do not go expecting big thrill rides.

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