A Conversation for Great Fairs and Theme Parks of Europe

The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 1

Bluebottle

Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine is England's oldest theme park, opened in 1843 by Alexander Dabell. He felt that the beautiful crumbling coastline would make a wonderful attraction, with visitors to the chine paying, walking through a pavilion that housed the skeleton of a whale that had washed up on the coast, and seeing the magnificent landscape being eroded by the weather. Still owned by the Dabell family 160 years later, the theme park is still going from strength to strength and is considered by many to be the prime tourist attraction on the Island, and doubtlessly one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

Blackgang chine is a quiet theme park, without the rides that you'd see at Chessington or Thorpe Park, and one of the prime attractions are the Dinosaurs, Snakes and Ladders slide game, as well as the more modern rides, plus tanks etc. It may not have the immense thrills, but it is relaxing, has no queues, and also has the Saw Mill and St. Catherine's Quay museums.

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The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 2

Orcus

...and a cool maze!


The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 3

Bluebottle

Yes, but after going there so often I know my way now!
Its a shame, I'll have to find new mazes to get lost in - I know my way around Paulton's Park maze toosmiley - blue
Admittedly, it is easier than Blackgang's...

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The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 4

Orcus

Ah, but if you go only once every 20 years like me then it remains a big mystery.

It is also interesting to see how much of the place has fallen over the cliff face during that time also smiley - smiley


The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 5

Frankie Roberto

Hampton Court is quite a good maze...


The UKs Oldest Theme Park

Post 6

Bluebottle

They have the same things there, they just move them further away from the cliff. Now that they own Robin Hill - which is almost the most central point on the Island, the Dabbel's can certainly keep moving things further and further away from the coast for the next thousand generations to come. smiley - smiley

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