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At the time of writing, Robin Hill is closed. You might like to read our blog about why it closed. You can also read about alternative days out for families on the Isle of Wight. Otherwise, please read on for our history of Robin Hill. A few months ago we put together a timeline of Blackgang Chine, which is so long that it has been added to some undergraduate reading lists. And so, it would be remiss of us to not also embark on a history of Robin Hill Country Park. Robin Hill may lack the sea views and perilous erosion of Blackgang Chine but it holds a special place in my heart and it has some curious stories to tell. As much discussed in this blog, I worked at Robin Hill for four summers (including the early Bestival years) and then returned in the last decade, where it became a favourite of my young children. The story of Robin Hill can roughly be split into two halves. For the first half of its life it combined dozens of animals with moderately risky games and activities. In the second half of its life, the animals vanished (we shall explain why later) and the play became safer, with professionally run rides and outstanding events. Most people over the age of about 50 will tell you that the early years were the golden years. Those of us who bounced through the woods and danced to Fatboy Slim in the lower valley will make a good case for the later years. A word of warning before we begin. This timeline is ridiculously detailed. If you only have a passing interest in Robin Hill then you are best to back away and read something a little shorter. Anyway, let's get on with the timeline. 1906A row of trees are planted. Yes, our first entry in the Robin Hill timeline is not the most thrilling but bear with me. The trees in question are a row of Corsican Pines that make up the Corsican Pine Walk. It later becomes an attractive route leading to the barbecues held at Robin Hill in the 1970s. The trees are significant because they later give a couple of brothers an idea to create a country park. 1910We won't waffle on too much about Robin Hill's history before it opened as a country park, but this bit is relevant. Much of Robin Hill sits on Combley Farm, which had been owned by the Fleming family since 1609. In 1910, excavation work starts at Combley Villa, which is the now-covered-up Roman Villa at Robin Hill. Apparently, the family had known about the Roman Villa for some time, but picked up tools and started digging enthusiastically in 1910. It wasn't exactly done with precision, according to Ida Willis Fleming, who was the daughter of the landowner: "In 1910, my father, with old William Salmon the estate bailiff in charge, and several men armed with spades and picks, started to work uncovering it. Soon a deputation of experts arrived from London, who knew we had a villa. They protested, and beseeched Dad to let them handle it in an expert fashion; they wept at the sight of old William and his pick. But no, Dad would have none of it and told them to go away." Dads, eh? 1967Some of Combley Farm along with part of Downend Brickyard is sectioned off by the Willis-Fleming family to form a new country park. Two brothers were particularly keen on the idea and thought it would be a good way to use the trees that had been attractively planted. Records from 1956 show the Willis-Fleming family owned 378 acres, so my assumption is that Robin Hill took up about a quarter of their estate. From a mix of the official family website and County Press reports, I am fairly sure this was John Valentine 'Roo' Willis Fleming, who was born in 1925 and died in 2009 and Robert Noel Willis Fleming, who was born in 1927 and died in 1996. These two gentlemen can then be called the founders of Robin Hill. The County Press reports that it took them "two years to remove the bramble, bracken, and fallen trees to create a nature trail". An early brochure gives a more detailed re-telling of the two year project: "In 1967, four courageous and perhaps foolhardy people decided that the area, now known as Robin Hill, should be opened up for the enjoyment of the public. This hitherto secluded valley, with its magnificent views and abundance of natural history and historical features, could remain hidden no longer. Undeterred by neck high brambles and bracken, saplings and fallen trees which had been allowed to smother the area over a period of thirty years, they plunged into their work and columns of smoke from their bonfires were the feature of Downend for two long years." I'm not who the other two people mentioned in this summary are. The same document also explains the name: "Why Robin Hill? While they laboured on the steep hillside there was always a robin in attendance as if to cheer them, on." 1968Whilst the Willis-Fleming brothers continue clearing the site, a second attempt at digging up the Roman Villa begins, led by LR Fennelly. Some reports say this dig lasted until 1970, others says it lasted until 1975, 1976 or 1979 (I think the latest date was actually a new bit of excavation). Let's not lose any sleep over it. Fennelly's dig appears to be more professional, but I assume that the 1910 efforts didn't help them as they had to figure out what damage was Roman and what was the result of enthusiastic men with pickaxes. I've seen a photo dated as 1974 that appears to show the Roman Villa still on display (and with a goat walking across it) so I think you could certainly see it for a few years before it was covered up. I'm still figuring out the exact year it was covered. According to Heritage Gateway, the villa at Robin Hill includes a "bath-house and an aisled building linked by a corridor and comprising 45m. of the north side of a courtyard. A dolphin mosaic floor was found in the bath-house, but few finds were made on the site, these consisted of six coins dated 250-350 and a very worn Hadrianic Sestercius." (i.e. an old coin). 1969Robin Hill opens! It originally opens as a nature trail but you would be hard pressed to call it a country park at this point. This may explain why an official brochure from 1983/4 says it opened in 1970. I suspect they are referring to the date that it became an actual country park rather than a more basic nature trail. It was in this year that a company was set up called Downend Enterprises Ltd to operate the park. There is barely any mention online of Downend Enterprises Ltd, but the name does appear on a guide to "Robin Hill: The Isle of Wight Country Park and A Guide To Places of Historical Interest". Some more recent news reports say that Robin Hill opened in 1971 but that appears to be well off. If you need further evidence, there is an early brochure shows the entry price as 2s 6d for adults or 1s 0d for children. Decimalisation was in February 1971 so it must have been prior to that date. I've also seen a guide book on Facebook which has 1969 written in pencil on it. Another bit of confusing history that comes up a few times in this guide is Robin Hill's name. Is it an adventure park, a country park or a zoo or a park and gardens? A guide from 1983/4 claims it was originally called Robin Hill Zoological and Adventure Park, and then changed to Robin Hill Country Park. However, I'm yet to see any early use of the 'Zoological and Adventure Park' title in adverts from the 1970s. In fact, it was used more in the late 1980s. As we shall see, the name keeps changing over the years as owners come up with different ideas for the park. 1970An undated map, which appears to be from 1970 uses the name Robin Hill and shows a simple layout with:
Animals mentioned in this early guide include cattle, sheep, bantams, ducks and geese. It also names different parks of the park as Primrose Spring, Fir Avenue, Saltmoor Copse, Clamerkin Stream and Bennetts Rock. Not a thrilling day out then, but it was a simpler time... We haven't pinned down exact years that everything happened but a guidebook from 1983 (or possibly 1984) says that in the early years, they began by introducing more animals and the commando style assault course.  Thanks to Joanne for sharing this map, which we are pretty sure is from 1970 when the park first opened  A Robin Hill brochure, which we think is from 1970. Note the claim that the Roman Villa is being excavated 'for the first time' 1971An advert from 1971 invites you to 'share a dream for a day' at Robin Hill, The Isle of Wight Country Park. It claims to be 60 acres (rather than the usual 88 acres) and has 'walks, wild flowers, birds, friendly farm animals, colourful pheasants, bantams, duck and geese'. There's also a 'tiny tots play area, young commando course (and) sports area'. Entry is 15p for adults or 10p for children. 1972By 1972, the park is advertised as being 80 acres including a bluebell woods. You are invited to 'meet Violet, our gorgeous Clydesdale' horse. 1973Live and Let Die and Nightmare Park are both released in cinemas. Why is this of relevance? The snakes used the films come to live at Robin Hill shortly afterwards, with the park becoming more adventurous in the type of animals it housed. We don't know exactly when the park shifted from farm animals to exotic animals but my best guess is around 1973-1975. 100,000 people visit Robin Hill throughout the year, including 60,000 adults (according to an article from 1974). 1974An application is submitted to create a 'beer garden' at Robin Hill. Not a thrilling update, but I'm something of a completist and found this in the County Press archives. 1976An advert for Robin Hill Country Park, apparently from 1976, says it has 'over 100 varieties of mammals, reptiles, insects and birds. Assault course, Tropical Jungle House, walk thro' enclosures with friendly and unusual animals, Roman Villa excavations, picnic gardens and barbecues...' as well as 'Pony rides at high season'. The park's phone number is 430. I just tried it now but no-one was around to take my booking for the barbecue. It also advertises barbecues from July to mid September. Meanwhile, a newspaper advert from 1976 gives a (rather dated) description of the attractions: "more rugged action men can have a great, time on the Commando Assault Course. Designed to present a challenge for the youngsters this gigantic complex includes pulley hoists, rope walks, climbing towers and numerous ether obstacles. For the Junior Commandos (and anxious mums) there is a scaled down version constructed in the style of a rugged Wild West Fort. Radio controlled boats next to the Rondaval gift shop, the putting green and Donkey rides (pony treks too) add up to a full day's enjoyment". So, we aren't exactly sure when the commando assault course first appeared, but it was certainly in place by 1976. Early brochures say it has a 'twin-lane aerial wizzer', which I assume is what they called two zip lines back in the day. My guess is that the assault was gradually built and extended in the first half of the 1970s. The logo changed from a robin to a different bird as the park shifted towards more exotic animals (I'm sure someone can identify it for me). Season tickets are offered for £2.50 for adults or £1.50 for children. Single entry is 45p for adults or 25p for children.  Thanks to Steve for sharing this advert, which he says is from 1976 1977A 'children's fort playground' was constructed in this year, according to an official guide from the 1980s. This doesn't make much sense, as it is also mentioned in an advert from 1976. Competitions are held on the assault course between different groups of men. In another thrilling highlight, whippet racing is held at Robin Hill The Queen's Gurkha Rifles visit the park as part of her Silver Jubilee. A two foot long porcupine called Portia escapes from the park, leading to a front page newspaper appeal.  Credit: Mike Airey  Credit: Mike Airey  Credit: Mike Airey 1978The woodland gardens start to take shape at Robin Hill. They are designed to 'provide relaxation for the less energetic' according to a 1980s brochure. At this stage, different paths in the woodland have names. I'm pretty sure this was dropped by the time I worked at Robin Hill. 1979There are further excavations of Combley Villa at Robin Hill, as recorded in a document from the University of Southampton's Archaeology Department. It's not a thrilling read, but it says they studied three 'Dressel 20 bodysherds'. In other words, they found three chunks of a ceramic pot.  Credit: Mike Airey 1980Robin Hill hosts its first Isle of Wight Midsummer Country Fair with demonstrations of 'local crafts and skills'. It becomes a big event and raises more than £3000 a year for local charities as well as attracting thousands of people. 1981Foot-and-mouth is found on the Island, leading to fears for the animals at Robin Hill. The Midsummer Country Fair returns with an entry price of £1 for adults or 60p for children. 1982A Regiment of the Gurkhas cancels its annual tradition of visiting Robin Hill to show off their marching skills because of the Falklands War. They had put on a show every year since their appearance in 1977. More than 200,000 people visit Robin Hill throughout the year, according to a County Press article. 1983The park begins a 'major conservation project concerning tortoises and turtles' according to a 1983 brochure. Highlights include cockatoos performing tricks in a 'Parrot Playschool'. A pair of Falabella miniature horses also arrive. The Isle of Wight County Press runs a feature with keeper Dave Couch, who is clutching a bird of prey called Rebel. In a major development, Robin Hill launches Freerider Land (sometimes two words, sometimes one word). This is a play area including 'bronco bikes, grass sledges, BMX bikes and Octopod rides' A map from 1983 shows attractions including:
as well as animal attractions including
The brochure also shows off some of the other resident animals at Robin Hill including coyotes and dingos, deer, llamas, otters, fruit bats, iguana, red legged tarantula, a 33 foot long python, owls, highland cattle, goats, porcupine, ostrich, armadillo, raccoons, peacocks, eagles, arctic foxes, cobras. Events throughout the year include whippet racing on Sundays, showjumping, dog shows, MG car clubs and a traction engine steam up. Adverts refer to the park as Robin Hill Zoological and Adventure Park. The owners of Robin Hill buy the lease for the Hare and Hounds pub from Berts Brewery of Ventnor. The pub had been bought from the same family in 1927, so they were really just buying it back. A news report from October says that 'Mrs. Barbara Roberts, wife of co-director Mr. John Roberts, said they liked to introduce new attractions to the park every year and for the coming season were working on a boating lake and extending the Freeriderland where children can ride BMX bicycles and grass sledges'. I'm not 100% sure that the boating lake arrived in 1983, but it seems likely.  Credit: Mike Airey 1984A goat called Billy makes the front page of the County Press, because he wears plaster casts to correct a problem with his knees. Big news, eh? 1985We've got a map we can share from this era. Thanks to Joanne for letting us have this photo of her map of Robin Hill from the mid 1980s. We think it's 1984 or 1985. We know that it's after 1983, as that's when Freeriderland was added. We also know that by 1986, they had added the Hillbilly Slide, which doesn't seem to be on this map. There are a couple of things that aren't mentioned elsewhere including baboons and 'Bennet's Bluff' featuring a 'treasure stone'. The BMX track seems to be a big feature and is being used for competitions by the Isle of Wight BMX club (as well as there being a BMX section at the bottom of the park).  Robin Hill as it looked in the mid 1980s Also in 1985, Treasure Hunt films an Isle of Wight episode where Annika Rice lands at Robin Hill. Skip forwards to about 22 minutes (although the whole thing is good for Isle of Wight fans). She runs to the assault course via the zip wires where excited children show her how to climb across. A key moment is at 23:51 when she falls over. 1986The Willis-Fleming family sell off Robin Hill and Combley Farm. As a reminder, the family had portioned off a section of their estate to create Robin Hill in the late 1960s. Reports say one brother plans to move to Cornwall whilst another plans to stay on the Island. The park is sold to a 'consortium of local businessmen' (according to an Isle of Wight County Press article from 1993) for about £450,000 in September. The farm is sold to a different buyer for £350,000. Another article says the group is called Wight Sight. The 'Giant 80 foot hillbilly slide' opens. At the time, it was one wide slide rather than four lanes. The same slide was still in use when we last visited. An advert refers to the park as Robin Hill Zoological and Adventure Park and mentions a number of attractions with a 'little extra charge'. The new ones (i.e. those not mentioned in 1983) include the 'simulated 12 bore rifle range', 'bucking bronco' archery and 'Santa Fe railway'. Some attractions are advertised as being high season only, including the Hillbilly Slide. I'm not really sure how this worked though - did they fence it off? 'Paddle canoes' are also mentioned for the first time and the assault course has changed its name to the Young Commando Assault Course. There's also an 'infant play area' but I'm not entirely sure what that involves (presumably just a set of swings and a see-saw). The park claims to be the 'Island's largest tourist attraction' whilst the Jungle House and Chelonian Gardens claims to have 'one of the finest collections of the world's endangered tortoises and turtles'. Snake handling is also offered. The Midsummer Country Fair is held in June with the Isle of Wight County Press speculating that it may have been a record crowd for the event. The park has about 230,000 visitors in 1986.  The Hillbilly slide first appeared in 1986, although it didn't have lanes. This photo is from 2023. 1987Some 'veteran cars' are added, or perhaps they just parked in the car park. In January, a news report says that a macaque called Timothy was abandoned by his mother and had to be hand reared at home by an animal keeper at Robin Hill called Alison. In July, evening barbecues return to Robin Hill with live music and entry from £2.50. In the same year, a news report (from BBC South Today I think) shows the parrots at Robin Hill being trained how to ride a bicycle and pretend they've been shot. This is referred to as the Parrot Playschool in official guides. In 1987, some of the large pine trees fell down in a severe storm. I believe these were the ones planted in 1906 (which would explain why it is mostly native trees there now). 1988Robin Hill proposes adding three floodlit dry ski slopes and a ski lodge, measuring 40m, 75m and 120m. The issue causes much controversy with split opinions in the local council. A letter appears in the County Press to defend the plans, written by L.A. Barber, Managing Director of Robin Hill. He was replying to a letter from (wait for it) David Icke, who wasn't keen on the plans. Another letter from a concerned resident of Rookley suggests that the hospital would be overrun by all the injured skiers. Robin Hill replies by saying that last year 'only four people were taken to hospital, none of whom was detained overnight'. The Mid-summer Country Fair at Robin Hill features a donkey derby, which the Isle of Wight County Press reckons is 'an event not seen on the Island for a number of years'. In July, 1200 people visit Robin Hill as part of a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Spanish Armada. A beacon is lit at the site, as part of the Fire Over England event. A report about a new llama says that the park attracts 200,000 people a year. 1989An advert for Robin Hill from 1989 now refers to it as Robin Hill Adventure Park, although I'm not really sure why as the animals were still a huge part of the park. A family season ticket is offered for £12, meaning four people can visit on Saturdays and Sundays all year. 1990Robin Hill's plan for ski slopes rumbles on, with an alternative plan for a toboggan run instead. A local news report suggests that the owners considered adding both, but the local council said there was only really space for one or the other. By the summer, the decision has been made and the toboggan run is built instead of the ski slope. An advert appears in June 1990, for the 'Grand opening of our exhilarating toboggan run' which was known as The Hurricane Run. We reckon this is Robin Hill's best ride by a long way. The Midsummer Fair includes a stuntman called Johnny Carr, who sets fire to himself. It is opened by Lenny Henry's sidekick Winston. It is attended by about 3000 people. Environmental health officers are called in after a woman in her 20s 'suffered a multiple fracture of his knee after landing on matting off the Hillbilly slide and spent much of this week recovering at the Royal IW County Hospital'. The manager of Robin Hill - Mona Wasfy - says 'my own son is up and down that slide like a yo-yo. It's not dangerous'. Robin Hill attracts 180,000 visitors during year, according to the Isle of Wight County Press.  My feet heading up to Robin Hill's toboggan run in 2023 1991In January, a front page County Press story says that 'Zoocheck - a national voluntary network headed by actress Virginia McKenna - has stated that Robin Hill is one of the worst animal establishments it has ever investigated'. It sends a video to Medina Borough Council. Allegations include:
In its defence, the Robin Hill head keeper at the time, Jon Buck, 'strongly denied allegations' and says that 'the park had committed only minor infringements and that these had been swiftly dealt with'. Each of the allegations are responded to in the article, such as saying they are improving security. There is also an argument about which way round the exposed nails were (i.e. the flat end or the pointy end). Meanwhile, a new '15 course American trim course' is added, made from 'storm damaged timber'. It includes 'swings, slides and sit-up benches' and the park manager reckons it takes 12 minutes to complete (or about an hour for me). Robin Hill hosts its 12th summer fair on July 21st 1991 to raise money for the NSPCC. It had previously been held in June to coincide with midsummer's day. I believe this was the last summer fair, which started back in 1980. The event continues into the evening for the first time to 'take advantage of the new illuminations' (Isle of Wight County Press). Paul Seed and Maria Ferguson host their Isle of Wight Radio show from the show whilst giant inflatable sumo wrestlers fight it out and the 'world's first female escapologist' - Gale Gordon - is hung upside down from a tower by a burning rope. It was expected that 12,000 - 14,000 people would attend, although we don't have the actual number that turned up. New animal arrivals bred at the park include 'baby Tamarind monkeys, llamas, fruit bats, prairie marmots and white wallabies'. The Isle of Wight County Press speaks to head keeper Jon Buck and concludes that the breeding programme is a 'sure sign the animals were happy and well cared for' - despite the concerns of Zoocheck earlier in the year. Simon Lloyd-Edwards took over as park manager in this year. 1992A dramatic year for Robin Hill, with a major twist in November that will determine its direction for the next 30 years (Ed: great teaser). In March, the manager of Robin Hill asked the Isle of Wight hunt to keep off the site after hounds ended up running around the BMX track whilst children rode their bikes. In the summer, about 1000 people attend a children's fair at Robin Hill. About six similar fun days are held per year. Crackers the Clown makes an appearance. There is also an 'adopt an animal' scheme at the park. A Clowns Convention and Fancy Dress is held in August featuring 'Save Pickles with That Duck' and magic from Randini (who I saw thirty one years later at The Needles). Children dressed as clowns got in free. Later that month, Robin Hill hosted the Funerama Weekend (still haven't figured out what that is). Attractions listed on an advert from 1992 include:
The entry price is £3.90 for adults or £2.90 for children. Meanwhile, the skeletal remains of a 'wallaby or kangaroo' are found in Whippingham, according to the Isle of Wight County Press. There is speculation it had escaped from Robin Hill but the park says that is impossible as its wallabies are much smaller and none are missing. And then the dramatic news... In November, Robin Hill is given a 'damning report by vets' approved by the Department of Environment which could see it lose its licence to keep animals. Inspectors found - 'a muscovy duck that had been dead for at least a day, parrots in poor condition and thin iguanas...many filthy cages, some infested with mice and cockroaches and others having faulty electrical wiring...unhygienic hospital areas...chickens, cat and caged parakeet in the kitchen, in which there were no hand towels, soap or handbrush...Marmots and coatis..able to get out of their enclosures and several snake vivaria containing faecal material' The report carries on with concerns about a wet ferrets' cage (i.e. a wet cage rather than a wet ferret), not enough shelter in the paddocks and too much food on the floor. Visitors were also 'being put at risk' by a lack of warning signs, slippery steps and so on. In all, 33 faults are found and inspectors say the licence should be revoked. In December, council leaders decide to give Robin Hill until March to fix the problems raised in the inspection. 1993On May 7th 1993, the Isle of Wight County Press reports that the owners of Blackgang Chine have 'clinched' a deal to buy Robin Hill. Reports in the Isle of Wight County Press say that the park is owned by Downend Enterprises Limited and managed by Rachid Bennis, but this doesn't add up as Downend Enterprises Limited sold it in 1986 to the consortium of local business people. Anyway, the handover is planned for October 31st 1993. Rachid Bennis - who is apparently a commodity trader - claims in the report that £80,000 was spent at the park over winter 'to meet council requirements' and 'introduce new features which included a Spaceball and professional style go-karts'. The County Press speculates that he might have been forced out by environmentalists, but he just replies 'It's too late now'. A week earlier, a news report said £40,000 - £60,000 had been spent on improvements over winter, so it's not very clear! Blackgang's owners also plan to purchase the lease for the Hare and Hounds pub, which had been owned by the same people as Robin Hill (the freehold was owned by a Brewery). Simon Dabell confirms that they won't be closing Robin Hill and have been looking for a new site for some time. In mid-May, two Turkmenian eagle owls and eggs are stolen from Robin Hill. One was found 'shocked and badly beaten' in woodland nearby whilst another was found dead in Ryde. The eggs weren't found. Thieves cut through a padlock. Tim Butcher, who is expected to take over as the park manager, confirms in early September that the animals weren't part of the sale so the current owners need to find a home for them. Simon Dabell says they have plans for a small farm corner but it is the end of an era for Robin Hill as it begins its shift from a zoological park to a country park and gardens with rides. The County Press also reports that some of the park's animals, birds and reptiles are being sold by Rachid Bennis. It says that a pet shop manager says the prices were too high, with a macaw apparently being sold for £1500 compared to 'the normal trade price of £500 to £600'. A few weeks later, there is front-page controversy which the Isle of Wight County Press has created uncertainty over whether the deal will go through. There are claims that two tamarins were loaned from 'the Institute of Zoology and Bristol University in about 1985' and says they shouldn't be sold on. A later report says that the police got involved because of allegations that endangered species were being sold illegally. There is another update in the saga a week later, (late September 1993) when Rachid Bennis says that he has 'donated' all of the remaining animals to a zoo in Morocco. It includes more than 200 animals, including 70 birds as well as 'baboons, wallabies, meer cats, lemurs, macaques, servil cats and the endangered cotton top tamarins'. Other minor updates from 1993:
1994Robin Hill has its first season under the ownership of Vectis Ventures Limited. The park manager is Tim Butcher. It launches joint season tickets with Blackgang Chine called the Vectis Ventures Membership Scheme. Adult tickets are £12.50, children are £10.50 (including one free ride on the toboggan run each time you visit and free entry to a fireworks display!). It had been due to open on March 21st but the site became waterlogged and the opening date was put back until early May. A newspaper report also says that 'clearing up and sorting out of the points that failed to meet health and safety regulations was in itself a huge task'. Two newspaper reports from that year include a number of interesting nuggets (well, interesting to me having spent hours sifting through this stuff):
In June an application is approved for 'an unlimited number of gaming machines' at Robin Hill. One councillor seems concerned that Robin Hill will be turned into a casino. Needless to say, Robin Hill didn't become a casino although if it had I would have called it Viva Las Vectis. More than 2500 people attend the succinctly titled Robin Hill Country Park Steam and Traction Engine Extravaganza. I assume it was known as RHCPSATEE by staff. Meanwhile, charity bungee jumping is held over two days in August. Park entry price is dropped by 30% to £2.50 for adults or £1.80 for children. The first ride on the toboggan run is free. In October, there is a bizarre story about a conker championship at the Hare and Hounds, refereed by Simon Dabell. The story goes that two contestants were so drunk that they kept missing each other's conkers. National newspapers picked up on the story (presumably during a slow week). The men later confessed that it was a joke and they weren't really drunk.  Robin Hill's observation tower arrived from Blackgang Chine in 1994  The view from the Observation Tower, taken in 2016 1995There is relief in January when a planning application for £400,000 of 'leisure activities' is approved. Vectis Ventures decided to start work on the project before it was approved because they wanted it to be ready for the new season. Another report says the amount spent was £500,000. The attractions added in 1995, according to a County Press article include:
Vectis Ventures puts the Hare and Hounds up for sale for £550,000 in November. They had refurbished it but decided to invest in the parks instead, according to the County Press. Admission to Robin Hill is £2.99 for adults or £1.99 for children. The toboggan run is 50p, whereas previously the first ride was free. Charging for the toboggan run was hot topic of debate when I used to run it. An MG classic cars event is held and other events include a traction engine event. 19961000 Cadbury's Creme Eggs are hidden round Robin Hill for an an Easter Egg hunt. I would imagine one or two still haven't been found. In May, the park's catering manager, Paul Clark leaps into the lake at Robin Hill to find a woman's wallet. She had been walking across the new Troll Island attraction when she dropped cash, credit cards and tickets for a holiday to France. The report says she was leaving for France that evening, but I can't figure out why she wasn't at home packing. Anyway, Paul went home and got his diving gear and found the wallet in half an hour. The Hare and Hounds is sold to a couple from Bembridge called Dave and Janet Hill. 1997A report from the same year says that £120,000 is invested in the park over the winter of 1996/1997 whilst another report reveals another £150,000 being invested during 1997. Plans include: 'Squirrel Town - a set of connecting walkways leading to the treetops. Also planned were a gypsy encampment, large-scale wooden play animals, including 18ft snails, a rabbit run - an underground network of tunnels for children to play in - and the Woodland Temple, a re-creation of Stonehenge created out of large tree trunks'. I assume that Squirrel Town became the Squirrel Tower and linked up with the treetop walkway that had been built a couple of years earlier. A medieval themed strongman competition is held, with the prize being the hand of Maid Marian. Four power lifters from the Fitness Factory in Newport take part. About 3000 people turn up to see it. Other events include a Supercharged Spectacular with supertrucks, parachute displays and fireworks. During the year, 700 joint season tickets are sold, with each person visiting an average of six times. A three and a half tonne rock arrives at Robin Hill as part of a 'recreation of an ancient woodland temple'. Planning permission goes in for a 'cinema attraction', with a budget of £500,000. Admission to the park is £3.50 for adults or £2.50 for children. The toboggan run doubles in price and now costs £1 per ride.  The treetop walkway was later extended to join up with the bouncy nets. Photo taken in 2022 1998New swings and an 'aerial ropeway' are added near to the toboggan run. I think this must be the assault course that was still there in 2023. Eight young people are recruited as 'advisers' to Vectis Ventures. About 50 applicants were asked to write 100 words on why they should be selected to give tips on improving Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine, in exchange for free season tickets. The ideas in the County Press article include 'Star Wars' characters whilst a 10 year old called Sarah said she was 'particularly interested in safety issues'. A 'country skills' day attracts a crowd of 2500 people, which includes the carving of an Owl and the Pussycat artwork. Other events include an MG car meeting and a country and western weekend. A 1998 advert uses the slogan 'If you've got a day to fill, then come to Robin Hill', and lists the following attractions:
Helicopter flights are offered for £15 per person over the Easter weekend. Admission is £3.95 for adults or £2.95 whilst the toboggan is £1.  Pine Cone Construction, as seen in 2016 1999In April, the Time Machine opens at Robin Hill, near to the main entrance. It is a 4D motion cinema with 28 seats that move in time with the video. From what I recall (having run it a few hundred times), staff wore white coats and introduced themselves as Professor Tempus. There were three or four different versions of the ride but we mostly ran an Egyptian one and a volcano mine run. There was also a dated-looking fighter pilot video which I once discovered by pressing a few buttons. I can still remember most of the recorded voiceover for the volcano ride which began "Good! Everyone's onboard! I've switched on the time distortion unit...". It ended with "this could be a bumpy ride". According to news reports, the Time Machine costs either £350,000 or £400,000. It has more than 140,000 time travellers in its first year, according to an Isle of Wight County Press article, which quotes park manager Tim Butcher. The Isle of Wight County Press report that the Dabells want to spend £300,000 on a Terrorsaur, which would have been a swinging dinosaur. There are concerns from planners that it would 'thrust its dinosaur's head above the treeline'. 2000Plans for the swinging dinosaur are abandoned. Instead, the Colossus swinging ship arrives at Robin Hill from Italy in March, according to the Isle of Wight County Press. It has 42 seats. A Robin Hill related April Fool's joke appears in the Isle of Wight County Press (dated March 31st 2000). It says that an archaeologist with the appropriate name of Dr Robert Digsby suggested that the 'quarry at the top of the park may have been part of a small amphitheatre' from 300AD that was used for re-enactments of sea battles. This is given as the reason for the change of theme from a dinosaur to a galley. The report ends by calling the archaeologist a 'crackpot'. 2001A Sensation Zone is added to the Countryside Centre, thanks to designs by Carisbrooke High School students. It features a 'two way mirror that blends visitors' faces with a human and foxes face' and an illusion featuring a fox. Last time I visited, the Countryside Centre was closed, but in around 2005 I remember it being a collection of stuffed animals with some arcade machines at the end. I can't say I remember seeing the Sensation Zone. A new beech hedge maze appears in the lower valley, whilst at the top of the park there is a half ton lever that you can lift with a series of pulleys. The park also opens a new 'countryside gift shop'. A joint season ticket for Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill costs £23 for an adult or £17 for a child. Standard ticket prices are £5.50 for anyone aged 1.1m or taller, or £3.50 for smaller children. A return visit or a ride on the toboggan run is £1. 2002A children's ride called Neptune arrives for the 2002 season. There were two children's rides next to Colossus, called Jumping Jets and Neptune. I'm not exactly sure when Jumping Jets arrived, but it was around this time. These were my least favourite rides to operate as the children were too young to have any hilarious banter with. The only highlight I remember was when rower James Cracknell and Beverley Turner turned up with their family. James squeezed into the ride with his child, but the ride wouldn't lift up and down as it was meant to because he was built like an oak tree. At the time, the website boasted that you will only find 'the three biggest rides on the Island at Robin Hill'. Pulse, the Pink Floyd Experience appear at Robin Hill in June as part of the Isle of Wight Music Festival (Rock Island was the main event, which morphed into the Isle of Wight Festival). A stage was built for the event and was later used as a viewing platform for Bestival. Ticket prices are £5.50 for 1.1m+ or £4 for anyone under 1.1m. 2003Darren Cool is appointed as Robin Hill's new manager, after working at Coleman's Animal Farm Park. He tells the County Press that he would like the park to become 'more of a traditional country park'. A news article refers to Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park, presumably because it is a bit more adventurous than your average country park. Two tribute acts are lined up for Rock on the Hill, including a tribute to Genesis called G2 and a Pink Floyd Tribute. Vectis Ventures Managing Director Simon Dabell wins an award for Business Person of the Year from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. Ticket prices rise to £6.50 for 4-60 year olds. 2004Radio 1 Dj Rob da Bank scouts the Isle of Wight for a location for a new music festival and settles on Robin Hill. It takes place in early September, with headliners including The Bees, Basement Jaxx, Zero 7 and Fatboy Slim. The Isle of Wight County Press puts the attendance at 8000. I remember Saturday night with Fatboy Slim being busy and the other nights being quieter. In October, Robin Hill announces a £300,000 project to create woodland gardens. Ten different gardens are planned, 'intertwining the Island's rich history, culture and creativity'. The Isle of Wight County Press reports that this is similar to when the woodland was designed as 'a gentleman's playground' more than 100 years earlier.  Bestival brought some of the world's biggest musicians to a mid-sized country park on a small Island 2005Bestival returns, with a lineup including Royksopp, The Magic Numbers and Super Furry Animals. I spent quite a lot of time cleaning up after this. It was a big job. Wikipedia puts the attendance at 15,000, which is the same figure used in the Isle of Wight County Press. The 'woodland interpretation centre' opens, with 'a dynamic exhibition, a knowledge tree and interactive displays of wildlife'. This is the circular building part way down the winding path from the top of the park.  I can do an excellent impression of this peacock. This photo is from 2005 2006Robin Hill hosts its first Spring Garden show, which goes on to be one of its bigger events in recent years. The first event is held in May and its co-organiser is Yvonne Mathews, who also works on the woodland gardens. The Garden Show features 'five RHS gold award winners'. One of the highlights reported in the local paper is 'the launch of the air ambulance' although I believe this was planned, rather than a result of a fight over fuchsias. Other highlights include a demonstration of woodland machinery by Geoff Hughes who played Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances. Pet Shop Boys, Scissor Sisters and the Fall are amongst bands at the third Bestival at Robin Hill. Wikipedia suggests an attendance of 17,000 although the County Press says 'around 20,000'. Robin Hill runs a special offer where everyone pays the same price (£4.95) as part of 'research' into an 'all age admission policy'. The park had already introduced the same price for 4-59 year olds in 2003, so I'm not sure what was planned here. Perhaps they considered scrapping a discount for the over 60s? Falconry shows begin at Robin Hill, showing a tentative return to it being an attraction with animals. Ticket prices are £7.50 for 4-60 year olds with free returns within four days. 2007Robin Hill hosts its second garden show over three days in May. A county press report quotes a dog agility enthusiast who has nine dogs and is appearing at the show. She says 'I've been bitten badly' before adding that she is referring to the 'agility bug' rather than her nine dogs. A 'bio-dome' opens at the bottom of the park called Driftwood Dome (near to where the African Adventure playground was later added). It is 13 metres by four and the idea is that driftwood and 'fragrant plants' will make it a 'sensory experience' (I'm quoting Darren Cool). A revamp of the woodland gardens continues, with 'phase three being completed'. Work had been taking place over the last two years, including the addition of what the County Press called a 'woodland appreciation centre' as well as sculptures, 'waterfalls and arched bridges'. Bestival acts at Robin Hill for that year include the Chemical Brothers, Primal Scream, Beastie Boys, Kate Nash and Calvin Harris. Attendance at Bestival increases significantly to 29,000 according to Wikipedia. I remember the Beastie Boys being a highlight that year. Ticket prices are £7.95 for 4-60 year olds.  £300,000 was spent on the woodland gardens at Robin Hill (photo from 2022) 2008The African Adventure playground opens, at a cost of £180,000. It features 'aerial walkways, scramble nets and slides' according to the Isle of Wight County Press, as well as several carbon fibre animals, which once lived at Blackgang Chine. The third Robin Hill Garden Show takes place, with one of the headliners being a man called Keith Brewer who is described by the Isle of Wight County Press as 'one of the UK's leading sweet pea growers'. Alan Titchmarsh also appears. A highlight of the garden show is the Isle of Wight Chainsaw Carve Off, where artists make models which are sold off. Other events includes a Robin Hood weekend and the Mad Easter Egg Dash. Bestival suffers a very wet year! Acts include My Bloody Valentine, Amy Winehouse, Underworld, Hot Chip, Will Young, Gary Numan, The Human League and Grace Jones. The attendance is about 30,000 according to Wikipedia, although organisers said that only 20,000 made it to the end because of the bad weather (to clarify, they went home early rather than drowning in the mud). Ticket prices are £8.50, but the free return now lasts for a week. The toboggan run increases to £1.50 per ride, which is the first price increase since 1997. 2009The Cows Express is added near to Colossus. It features a 200m track and a series of comedy cows. There is also a new 'Interpretation Centre' for the Roman Villa and a butterfly garden next to the Sensory Dome. A new display turns up called 'Romans at Robin Hill, described on the website as "An exciting mix of history and interaction....the story of our buried Roman villa brought to life, with interactive mosaic, Villa Virtual Viewer, displays and archaeological models." Much of the lower valley is re-turfed at the start of the year after the wet Bestival of the year before. The repairs cost £70,000-£80,000 with the costs being paid by Bestival. In all, 15,000 rolls of turf are used as well as 250 tons of topsoil. The Spring Garden Show is cancelled because of the damage caused by the rain during Bestival. Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine joint season ticket prices rise from £44.95 to £49.95. There's another great lineup at Bestival in September, including Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, Elbow, MGMT, Florence and the Machine, Lily Allen and Fleet Foxes. It was around this time that the capacity increased significantly and I believe they started using adjacent farmland. Attendance was about 43,000 according to Wikipedia. The entry price is £8.50. 2010The Robin Hill Garden Show is held in April (including another round of the Isle of Wight chainsaw carve off), whilst five outdoor cinema nights are held in August and Really Wild Fridays teach bushcraft skills. Bestival's line-up that year includes the Prodigy, The Flaming Lips, Dizzee Rascal, Echo and the Bunnymen, Marc Almond and er, Rolf Harris. By this point, Bestival's attendance is more like 50,000 people and it has become a pretty large festival rather than a boutique event. 2011The Big Green Tractor Train appears for the first time. 10,000 people attend the annual Spring Garden Show over the Easter weekend. The chainsaw carving competition also returns, for a third time. Other events include National Bike Week and the first Island Highland Gathering. It's another big year for Bestival with an attendance of about 45,000 people according to Wikipedia. Pendulum, The Cure, Bjork, Brian Wilson, Fatboy Slim, Public Enemy, DJ Shadow and Grandmaster Flash are amongst acts on a pretty big line-up. The standard ticket price increases to £9.95. 2012There is controversy over plans to increase joint season ticket prices for Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine to £69.95 from the previous price of £49.95. An early bird discount of £10 is added shortly after to make the price £59.95. Bad weather scuppers the annual Garden Festival. Other events include summertime outdoor cinema, fright night cinema, the Island Highland Gathering and something called Just About Owls, which seems like a rather limiting title. It is also the first year of the Electric Woods, which launches in June with two other events held later in the year. They involve the woodland being illuminated at night as well as live music. Adverts refer to Robin Hill Adventure Park and Gardens as it Vectis Ventures to make more of the money it has spent on its woodland gardens. Simon Dabell, steps down from his role as the Managing Director of Vectis Ventures. His cousin, Alec Dabell takes over. Alec's father is Dick Dabell, who retired as company chairman at the age of 87 in 2011. Stevie Wonder appears at Robin Hill for Bestival - arguably the biggest act that Bestival had bagged up to that point. Other acts include Florence and the Machine and New Order. Robin Hill opens in late December for the first time. Visitors roast marshmallows at the woodland ponds and most of the rides are open (I assume the toboggan run didn't open as it would be rather perilous on an icy day). Standard ticket prices stay at £9.95. 2013A news reports says that Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine received 1000 job applications, including 620 for jobs at Robin Hill after placing an advert in the County Press for seasonal staff. The sixth Spring Garden Show takes place, although it's now known as the Isle of Wight Spring Garden Show. Highlights include a 'pimp a gnome' competition, judged by Rob and Josie da Bank. Other events include Midsummer Dreams and Lost Before Time events as part of Electric Woods and a February event to celebrate Chinese New Year. Also in May, Robin Hill is burgled, with a safe stolen. Bestival tickets and a 'limited amount of cash' is stolen. In September, Bestival returns with perhaps its biggest ever trio of headliners - Fatboy Slim, Snoop Dogg and Elton John. The line-up this year also includes Flaming Lips, Franz Ferdinand, Wu-Tang Clan and MIA. Robin Hill opens again between Christmas and New Year, with a Santa Sleigh Ride movie on the 4D Cinema, an owl show and woodland lighting. Ticket prices leap up significantly to £12.50 - £14.95 depending on when you visit. For summer time visits, that is an increase of 50% on the previous year. 2014The Time Machine is revamped and rebranded as the 4D Motion Cinema. The website description says: "So get ready to don your glasses and get set for the ride of your life with this year’s newest release The Chase. It’s an exciting edge-of-your-seat sci-fi movie set in the future where our lonesome hero fights off deadly flying machines on his motorbike...but will he out smart his pursuers?" Bestival's headliners include Outkast, Foals, Beck and Nile Rodgers. The world's largest disco ball was created for the event (just over 10 metres, since you asked). Electric Woods is held at October half term, inspired by Diwali. Other events include Days of Adventure, with archery, mountain boarding and bushcraft. The County Press reports a 'new pitch and putt course' and a 'clay pigeon shooting arena'. Ticket prices for peak time visits increase to £16.95, whilst off peak prices stay at £12.50. That means summer prices have increased by 70% over two years. 2015The penultimate Bestival at Robin Hill features Duran Duran, The Chemical Brothers and Missy Elliott as well as Mark Ronson, Jurassic 5, the Chuckle Brothers and Tame Impala. I would call that an eclectic line-up. Vectis Ventures submit a planning application 'to develop an almost Centre (sic) Parcs-like environment on land surrounding the existing Robin Hill attraction, however, the scheme was deemed too big and Council planning officers advised reducing the overall size and impact of the plans.' (Island Echo). It is called Nesting and includes 40 lodges, 20 treehouses and space for 40 glamping tents. They aim to complete it by 2018. However, in June the Isle of Wight County Press reports that plans for 'treehouse-style holiday accommodation' are in jeopardy because of Lynn Pit landfill site ruining the view. The woodland walk is expanded and is now called the Canopy Skywalk. Off peak prices increase slightly to £13.50 whilst peak time prices stay the same. Season ticket prices are £27.50. 2016There is a war of words between the owners of Robin Hill and the owners of a waste management site after a landslip pours onto a path between the two sites. The Parting arrives, meaning you can pretend you are walking through the middle of what was previously called Carp Quay. I wrote a blog in 2016 about my first visit to the park with child one. Evening processions are held with Squawk bird and the Squawkettes as well as Squawk Games, Squawks Olympics, Squawks Splash Attack and Squawks Space Hopper Challenge. As you can tell, they went big on the Squawk theme this year. The final Bestival at Robin Hill has the appropriate theme of The Future. Jamie T, The XX, A Tribe Called Quest and Pet Shop Bots headline. Bestival announces it is leaving Robin Hill and moving to Dorset. A spokesperson for Bestival says "the costs of running a festival have increased across the board and moving is something we have been considering for a number of years". They also say that "moving the show to Dorset will ensure we continue to evolve, innovate and deliver the best possible experience for our fans." Season tickets cost £29.50.  2016 saw The Parting arrive, whilst Bestival parted ways with Robin Hill 2017A 'squirrel run' is added - this is described as 'a spiralling mesh tube suspended around our Canopy Skywalk' Vectis Ventures submits another planning application, this time for 'tree houses, lodges, glamping tents and even a bakery' at Robin Hill (according to the Island Echo). Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine share a pop up Christmas shop in Newport where you can buy season tickets and gifts. Eklectica comes to Robin Hill. It is a much smaller festival than Bestival but still an ambitious event, which is headlined by The Fratellis, Pixie Lott and Scouting for Girls. It takes place over two days. I wrote a blog about it at the time. Ticket prices increase £18.50 on peak and £14.75 off peak. 2018Jungle Heights opens to the public, including 'suspended net mazes, tunnels and a huge net trampoline' (Island Echo). Personally, I think this is one of the best additions in recent years as it uses the woodland really well. The pitch and putt course becomes a disc golf course and hosts the disc golf championships. The summer slide sees people whooshing down the steep hill where falconry is held. Plans are revealed for a 'multi-million pound indoor waterpark, ‘The Springs’ at Robin Hill Country Park' (Isle of Wight County Press). It is planned as a separate attraction to Robin Hill and will have water flumes and a wave machine. Reports say that work is due to start in 2020 with construction taking 18 months but that's the last update we heard about it. Alexander Dabell also reveals that 90,000 people attended Electric Woods over the previous four years. Online ticket prices increase slightly to £19 on peak and £15.50 off peak, although gate prices are higher.  I had a rather difficult journey through this Jungle Heights tunnel with child two 2019Spirit of the Orient celebrates the year of the earth pig at Robin Hill in February. Farm Fest is held in April, with the help of Shaun the Sheep. New hot air balloon events called Sky High and Night Glow are held in May. Christmas event Polar takes place for the first time. It features 'rides, Santa, a larger-than-life moving Polar Bear, festive entertainment and beautiful Christmas décor throughout the park'. Online ticket prices increase to £23 at peak times or £17.50 off peak, with different prices on the gate. 2020Robin Hill closes in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent visitor pass holders are told their ticket will be valid until the end of 2021. 2021A white tailed sea eagle arrives at Robin Hill for the falconry shows. This is a big deal for eagle fans, as the birds disappeared from the south coast for more than 200 years, until a breeding programme started in 2019. The expansion of the falconry requires the park to get a zoo licence. A hot air balloon event called Sky High Night Glow is held in May. A grenade shaped hot air balloon on its way to Robin Hill causes some hoohaa (i.e. a few people talked about it on Facebook). Woodland Sessions are headlined by Katie Melua and Tom Allen. 2022 Robin Hill was full of hot air at its balloon festivals The hot air balloon events are rebranded as the Isle of Wight balloon festival. Organisers make the bold claim that 'This is the most spectacular event you will ever see on the Isle of Wight.' Read our blog. News reports say that Robin Hill switched to new partners 'following a raft of bad publicity for the contractor behind the Sky High events'. Woodland Sessions are held in the lower valley, headlined by Russell Kane, Sigma and Russell Watson. Spirit of the Orient celebrates the year of the tiger. A bird of prey centre opens called the Falconry Experience Centre. It is home to 28 birds and 16 species. The Festival of the Dead is held at Robin Hill. Read our blog. Standard on-the-gate ticket prices are £35, although discounts can be obtained with various tips and tricks. That is an increase of 251% compared to the 2012 price, 10 years earlier.  The Festival of the Dead brought mariachi to Robin Hill before moving to Blackgang Chine 2023Vectis Ventures announces it is selling Robin Hill due to financial turbulence (see our blog about this). The asking price is £2.25m. Robin Hill's new Ripple water pillow is punctured by some oaf. Staff say they think it was deliberate. Comparisons are made to Los Angeles crime.  The Ripple appeared at Robin Hill in 2023 - and was swiftly punctured 2024Robin Hill's hot air balloon festival features on Channel 5's Jewel of the South. A tear rolls down my cheek.
Colossus moves to Blackgang Chine to begin its new life as the Jolly Robin whilst The Ripple is transformed into an attraction called Blackgang Beach. In July, the Warrior Festival announces it is being held at Robin Hill - suggesting that the sale of the park is confirmed. In August, Robin Hill is sold to Robin Hill Partnership Limited, which was set up by an Islander called Lee Priddle who hires out toilets via AMP Hire. The new company also has links to C&O Tractors in Newport. Early news reports say that Robin Hill will be free, but the new owners clarify that they haven't decided on an entry price. They are going to 'look at adding accommodation to the park and plans to keep the much-loved toboggan'. He also says that 'the 4D cinema has already gone' and that a car boot sale will start at the park in mid-August.
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