Robin Hill Country Park

Robin Hill Country Park

Robin Hill
Robin Hill (Isle of Wight)
Location Downend, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Coordinates 50°41′16″N 1°14′37″W / 50.68778°N 1.24361°W / 50.68778; -1.24361Coordinates: 50°41′16″N 1°14′37″W / 50.68778°N 1.24361°W / 50.68778; -1.24361
Theme Countryside
Owner Vectis Ventures Limited
Opened 1971
Previous names Robin Hill Country Park
Operating season April-September, Closed for Bestival (September), October-November.
Area 88-acre (0.36 km2)
Website Official website

Robin Hill Country Park is an 88-acre (36 ha) theme park located in Downend; outside of 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.[1] Robin Hill is also noted for wildlife, particularly the red squirrels.[2]

The park was the location for the annual Bestival music festival held every September, but has now moved to Lulworth Castle in Dorset. [3] In 2009 it received a "Tourism & Leisure Business Award for Excellence" from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce[4] 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.

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

Park attractions

The Colossus ride at Robin Hill

The park owners claim to place less emphasis on thrill seeking rides and more upon rides which fit into its 'countryside ethos'.[5]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.robin-hill.com/nature-and-history/romans-at-robin-hill Romans at Robin Hill: Robin Hill website
  2. ↑ http://www.robin-hill.com/nature-and-history/red-squirrels-and-squirrel-safari Red squirrels at Robin Hill
  3. ↑ Gittins, Ian (2007-09-11). "The Guardian - Bestival". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  4. ↑ http://www.iwchamber.co.uk/uploads/originals/awards-guidance-notes-2009.pdf I of W, Chamber of Commerce awards, 2009.
  5. ↑ "Robin Hill - Amusement Parks - Countryside Adventure Park". www.blooloop.com. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
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