| Previously known as Robin Hill Country Park | |
 | |
 The Colossus ride at Robin Hill | |
| Location | Downend, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°41′16″N 1°14′37″W / 50.68778°N 1.24361°W |
| Opened | 1971 |
| Closed | 2 October 2023 |
| Owner | Vectis Ventures Limited |
| Theme | Countryside |
| Operating season | March - October |
| 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 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. Robin Hill is also noted for wildlife, particularly the red squirrels.
The park was the location for the annual Bestival music festival held every September, but has now moved to Lulworth Castle in Dorset. [1] In 2009 it received a "Tourism & Leisure Business Award for Excellence" from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce[2] 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.[citation needed]
On 2 October 2023, the Dabell family announced that the park was being put up for sale, citing financial difficulties due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, as well as a hope that the funds from the sale of the park could be reinvested into the further development of Blackgang Chine.[3]
The park has cafés, ice creams and snack kiosks, a gift shop and a car park.
- ^ Gittins, Ian (11 September 2007). "The Guardian - Bestival". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
- ^ http://www.iwchamber.co.uk/uploads/originals/awards-guidance-notes-2009.pdf I of W, Chamber of Commerce awards, 2009.
- ^ "Robin Hill up for sale and jobs at risk after long 'period of financial turbulence'". Isle of Wight County Press. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.