5 new things on the Isle of Wight for summer 2018

It's always heartening to see new stuff appearing on the Isle of Wight. Sure, we've had some painful losses in recent years (RIP Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Waltzing Waters, Bestival and Coleman's Farm).

But we've also been treated to new stuff, such as Tapnell Farm Park, Eklectica and Fairweather Festival.

This summer there's a good choice of new stuff to try out. Here's a selection that we've heard about - feel free to comment at the bottom if you know of others.

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1. Jungle shenanigans at Robin Hill

Robin Hill is going for a jungley theme this summer, with a load of colourful treetop nets which were being built last time we visited. 

This will undoubtedly lead to copywriters punning about 'going wild' and having a 'roarsome time'.

​I shall avoid the obvious and come up with something a bit cleverer. 

Er, "let's Flamin-go to Robin Hill"?

Perhaps not.

BIG NEWS: JUNGLE HEIGHTS to launch this weekend!

Adventure is being taken to new heights this summer with the launch of the Isle of Wight's first adventure net attraction of this scale... Find out more here: https://t.co/Q130JLidbL pic.twitter.com/R4UCdrQo3r

— Robin Hill (@RobinHillIW) July 17, 2018

There will also be 'Jungle Fever' events on Tuesday and Thursday with 'the biggest fire balls you've ever seen' and 'life sized animal puppets'. I'd like to see the risk assessment form for that one.

Don't miss out on the Fire Extravaganza during #JungleFever!
Acrobatics combined with the biggest fire balls you've ever seen, the witty comedic duo will make you laugh, smile &fear for their lives – it’s an epic finale you won’t want to miss! https://t.co/yuz7bJzsdS pic.twitter.com/jMrFagN7Qo

— Robin Hill (@RobinHillIW) July 14, 2018

They've also got this massive water slide which looks like it's been constructed by a weekend Dad who was desperate to impress his kids.

"Hey kids, I bet Mum's new boyfriend doesn't have one of these in his garden does he?"

It's been a busy day of sliding and disc golf today!
If you missed out, don't worry...we'll be setting everything up in the morning for another day of fun! Book your park tickets online now to save: https://t.co/GdyeO0xQDh pic.twitter.com/fUfTHCwMlj

— Robin Hill (@RobinHillIW) 26 May 2018

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2. Boro Beach Bike

Visitors to European cities will have seen these multi-seater bicycles being powered by beered-up British stag dos. The aim is to drink as much as you can without falling off your seat and then hoping someone will find the EHIC card in your wallet and take you to the nearest A&E.

Thankfully, the Isle of Wight takes a more civilised approach to such things.

According to the official blurb you can 'Choose from a range of themed rides: from Afternoon Tea to Fitness, Networking to Litter Picking, or our Original Tour which takes in the sights and sea views of Ryde and the Solent.'

Awesome day launching the @BoRo_IoW in Ryde on the Isle of Wight today. Great photo from https://t.co/PYO0zpIUPZ @anthology_the Book tickets now at https://t.co/8NFjKv6fP1!!!! pic.twitter.com/OAETY5BmIb

— BoRo Experiences (@BoRoExperiences) July 18, 2018

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3. Osborne Horse Trials

I take great comfort in the fact that Nick Skelton won a showjumping Olympic gold at the age of 58.

That gives me at least another couple of decades before I need to start training for my Olympic medal. Until then I'll just watch the new horsey eventing at Osborne.

Looking forward to welcoming equestrian royalty in the form of Olympians @MaryKingGB and @foxpitteventing, competing in the upcoming London Capital & Finance PLC Osborne Horse Trials. Join us to cheer them on, next week at Osborne! @bedeevents @BEventing https://t.co/r2iupjk6hO pic.twitter.com/RvTqkJxC5W

— Osborne (@EHOsborneHouse) July 16, 2018

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4. Tapnell Farm

Tapnell Farm Park seems to add something new every time I turn my back.

For 2018 they've extended the go kart track and added some outdoor sledges. The indoor bits have also had a move around to make space for new bits and bobs.

Such a fun way to transport your little brother. These were amazing fun @tapnellfarmpark at the weekend. https://t.co/b2vbFwthBI pic.twitter.com/GCKBgnXKw3

— Kate Peers (@Katepeers40) 16 May 2017

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5. Comicoffee

And for anyone who knows what an FN-59 is, there's a new Comic book shop/cafe which has turned up in Newport.

Well why not?

FN-59 working hard to get the coffee shop ready for Lord Vader #isleofwight #comingsoon #newcoffeeshop #anewhope #moreworkthanthedeathstar pic.twitter.com/Gi0LbUejUv

— ComiCoffeeUK (@ComiCoffeeUK) 25 April 2018