Robin Hill

Robin Hill is an 88-acre, or approximately 36-hectare, countryside and adventure park at Downend near Newport on the Isle of Wight. The site combines landscaped woodland and outdoor recreation with family attractions, food and beverage facilities, retail and seasonal events. Its setting is central to the brand: Robin Hill presents itself less as a conventional thrill-ride amusement park and more as an outdoor destination built around countryside, play, exploration and shared family activities. The park occupies land associated with the buried remains of Combley Roman Villa. The archaeological connection is reflected in the Romans at Robin Hill exhibition, which has provided visitors with an interpretive element alongside the park's rides and walks. The location is also known for its wildlife, particularly the Isle of Wight's red squirrels, which have influenced attractions such as Squirrel Tower and the Canopy Skywalk. Robin Hill's attraction mix has historically included a 300-metre alpine-style Toboggan Run, a large wooden maze, woodland walks, play trails, bridges across ponds, water-play installations, hillside slides, adventure courses and elevated treetop routes. Other facilities and activities have included falconry displays, a lake where visitors can feed carp, cafés, ice-cream and snack outlets, a gift shop and visitor parking. Several attractions have been moved, removed or closed over time, reflecting the park's changing operating model and its relationship with the wider Isle of Wight attractions sector. The park was historically owned by the Dabell family, who also operated Blackgang Chine at Ventnor. Robin Hill became a significant event venue as well as a day attraction. It hosted the Bestival music festival from 2004 through 2016, after which the festival moved to the Lulworth Estate on the mainland. Robin Hill subsequently presented its own boutique festival, Eklectica, in 2017 and 2018, and staged other cultural and seasonal activities including Woodland Sessions and the Electric Woods programme. Electric Woods events used changing themes, including a Chinese New Year-inspired Spirit of the Orient, summer carnival concepts and a Festival of Light influenced by Diwali. In October 2023, the Dabell family announced that Robin Hill was being offered for sale. The stated reasons included financial pressure associated with the continuing cost-of-living crisis and an intention to raise funds that could be reinvested in the development of Blackgang Chine. The park's ownership changed in 2024 when Robin Hill Partnership Limited, headed by local businessman Lee Priddle, acquired the site. The new ownership announced a strategic shift toward an adventure-park model rather than a traditional theme-park identity. The redevelopment plan announced for the post-acquisition period included new play and adventure facilities such as mini diggers, climbing boulders, tubing slides, a slide-adventure area, underground adventure tunnels, mini net adventures, water jump pillows, boat-safari experiences and crazy golf. An indoor ice rink and additional play structures were also identified among the proposed additions. The park was expected to reopen fully under the revised approach in 2025. In 2024, the Warrior Festival relocated to Robin Hill and became the first reported event at the venue following its reopening period. The brand's current direction therefore centers on outdoor adventure, family participation and destination experiences, while retaining the woodland, heritage and wildlife characteristics that distinguish it from more ride-led amusement parks.

Robin Hill developed as a countryside amusement and leisure destination on an approximately 36-hectare site at Downend, near Newport on the Isle of Wight. Its identity has been shaped by the landscape as much as by its attractions. Woodland, ponds, walking routes and views across the site support a form of family recreation that differs from a compact, ride-focused fairground or urban theme park. The site has an archaeological dimension because it is built over the buried remains of Combley Roman Villa. Robin Hill has presented this history through the Romans at Robin Hill exhibition, allowing the park to combine entertainment with an interpretation of the island's Roman heritage. The surrounding environment is also associated with wildlife, especially red squirrels, which have been used as a recurring theme in the park's design and attractions. Under the ownership of the Dabell family, Robin Hill operated alongside Blackgang Chine, another Isle of Wight amusement attraction owned by the family. The park's offer generally emphasized countryside-compatible activities rather than the most extreme thrill rides. Its attraction portfolio included the Toboggan Run, a large wooden maze, treetop play, bridges over ponds, play villages, water activities, hillside slides, an adventure course, woodland trails and elevated routes such as the Canopy Skywalk. Facilities included cafés and snack outlets, a gift shop and car parking. Falconry displays added a live-animal and educational component to the visitor experience. Robin Hill also became an important live-events venue. Bestival was held at the park annually from 2004 to 2016 before moving to the Lulworth Estate. After Bestival's departure, Robin Hill hosted Eklectica in 2017 and 2018, along with Woodland Sessions and several Electric Woods events. The latter used seasonal and cultural themes, including Spirit of the Orient during the Chinese New Year period, summer carnival programming and a Festival of Light inspired by Diwali. Some later events changed location: Fiesta of the Dead moved to Blackgang Chine after the park's 2023 closure period, while the Polar event was cancelled. On 2 October 2023, the Dabell family announced that Robin Hill was being placed on the market. The announcement referred to financial challenges caused by the continuing cost-of-living crisis and to the prospect of using sale proceeds to fund further investment at Blackgang Chine. The sale represented a major ownership and strategic transition for the park. On 31 July 2024, Robin Hill Partnership Limited was confirmed as the buyer. The partnership was headed by local businessman Lee Priddle. The new operator stated that Robin Hill would be repositioned as an adventure park rather than a theme park, with a fuller reopening and new attractions planned for 2025. The proposed additions included mini diggers, climbing boulders, tubing slides, a dedicated slide-adventure area, underground adventure tunnels, additional play structures, mini net adventures, water jump pillows and crazy golf. Boat-safari activities and an indoor ice rink were also identified in the announced programme. The ownership transition also affected the attraction inventory. Colossus, formerly a swinging galleon ride, was moved to Blackgang Chine and renamed The Jolly Roger. The Ripple water pillow was likewise moved to Blackgang Chine, while the Cows Express junior train was removed and was expected to move to Blackgang Chine in 2026. Run Rabbit was listed as closed. These changes indicate a gradual reallocation of assets within the wider Isle of Wight attraction portfolio while Robin Hill develops a more adventure-led proposition. Robin Hill's current brand direction is therefore based on active participation, family play and outdoor discovery. Its competitive distinction lies in the combination of adventure facilities, woodland character, local heritage, wildlife references and event potential. The park remains associated with the Robin Hill name while its operating model and attraction mix continue to evolve under the post-2024 ownership.

1. 2024New ownership confirmed

   Robin Hill Partnership Limited, headed by Lee Priddle, was confirmed as the purchaser.

   Source
2. 2024Adventure-park strategy announced

   The new ownership announced a shift from a theme-park model toward an adventure-park format, with new attractions planned for 2025.

   Source
3. 2023Park put up for sale

   The Dabell family announced the sale process, citing cost-of-living-related financial difficulties and potential reinvestment in Blackgang Chine.

   Source
4. 2018Second Eklectica edition

   The park hosted the second reported edition of Eklectica.

   Source
5. 2017Eklectica launches at Robin Hill

   Robin Hill presented the boutique Eklectica festival as a successor-style event following Bestival's departure.

   Source
6. 2016Final Bestival edition at the park

   Bestival was held at Robin Hill for the last time before relocating to the Lulworth Estate.

   Source
7. 2004Bestival begins at Robin Hill

   Robin Hill became the venue for the annual Bestival music festival, beginning a twelve-year association with one of the Isle of Wight's best-known large-scale events.

   Source

A family-oriented Isle of Wight countryside and adventure destination, emphasizing outdoor play, woodland exploration, wildlife, heritage and participatory activities over high-intensity thrill rides.

• Toboggan RunAdventure ride

  A 300-metre alpine-style slide following a twisting route through the park. It has been one of Robin Hill's most recognizable active attractions and fits the site's emphasis on outdoor participation rather than purely passive rides.

• Canopy Skywalk and Squirrel TowerTreetop adventure

  An elevated walking and viewing experience linked to a tower themed around the Isle of Wight's red squirrels. The route reaches approximately 10 metres above ground and connects the park's wildlife theme with treetop exploration.

• Wooden MazeFamily attraction

  A large timber maze with a central area and bridge. It provides a low-intensity, family-oriented activity consistent with Robin Hill's countryside and exploration positioning.

• Woodland WalksNature experience

  Walking routes through the park's wooded landscape form an important part of the destination's non-ride offer. They reinforce Robin Hill's outdoor identity and provide a slower-paced alternative to play areas and slides.

• FalconryWildlife presentation

  Scheduled falconry displays provide visitors with a live-animal presentation and educational experience. The park has reported three displays per day when the activity is operating.

• Romans at Robin HillHeritage exhibition

  An exhibition interpreting the buried Combley Roman Villa beneath or around the park site. It adds a local archaeological and historical dimension to the attraction portfolio.

• Proposed 2025 adventure attractionsAdventure-park expansion2025

  The announced expansion programme included mini diggers, climbing boulders, tubing slides, a slide-adventure area, underground adventure tunnels, new play structures, mini net adventures, water jump pillows, boat-safari activities, crazy golf and an indoor ice rink. The programme was linked to the park's post-acquisition repositioning.

• 2024Warrior Festival

  United Kingdom

  The Warrior Festival relocated to Robin Hill in 2024 and was reported as the first event at the park after its reopening period.

  Outcome. The relocation restored an event role for the park during its ownership transition.

  Source
• 2017Eklectica

  United Kingdom

  Robin Hill operated the boutique Eklectica festival in 2017 and again in 2018 after Bestival left the site.

  Outcome. The event is documented as a two-year Robin Hill programme.

  Source
• 2004Bestival

  United Kingdom

  Robin Hill served as the Isle of Wight venue for the Bestival music festival from 2004 through 2016, bringing a major temporary cultural event to the park.

  Outcome. The festival moved to the Lulworth Estate after its 2016 edition at Robin Hill.

  Source
• Electric Woods

  United Kingdom

  A series of themed events using the woodland setting and seasonal programming. Themes included Spirit of the Orient for Chinese New Year, summer carnival concepts and Festival of Light programming inspired by Diwali.

  Outcome. The events formed part of Robin Hill's programme of seasonal and cultural activities.

  Source

• 2024Acquisition by Robin Hill Partnership LimitedM&A

  Robin Hill was sold following the Dabell family's decision to seek a buyer.

  What changed. Robin Hill Partnership Limited, headed by Lee Priddle, acquired the park.

  Aftermath. The new ownership began repositioning the destination around adventure-park experiences.

  Source
• 2024Shift from theme park to adventure parkStrategy

  After the acquisition, the new operator sought to redefine Robin Hill's offer and announced a fuller reopening programme for 2025.

  What changed. The park announced new active-play and outdoor-adventure attractions, including climbing, tubing, underground exploration, water-play and family activity facilities.

  Aftermath. Robin Hill's stated positioning moved toward participatory adventure and family recreation rather than a conventional theme-park model.

  Source
• 2023Sale process initiated amid financial pressureStrategy

  The Dabell family cited financial difficulties linked to the continuing cost-of-living crisis while announcing that Robin Hill was being offered for sale.

  What changed. The owners placed the park on the market and indicated that sale proceeds could support further development of Blackgang Chine.

  Aftermath. The process led to a change of ownership confirmed in 2024.

  Source

• 2024Robin Hill acquired by Robin Hill Partnership Limited

  The acquisition by Robin Hill Partnership Limited, led by local businessman Lee Priddle, was confirmed. The new ownership said the site would move toward an adventure-park format.

  M&ALeadership change
  Source
• 2024Robin Hill announced an adventure-park repositioning

  Following the ownership change, Robin Hill announced a revised direction centered on adventure activities and a programme of new attractions planned for fuller reopening in 2025.

  OtherProduct launch
  Source
• 2024Warrior Festival relocated to Robin Hill

  The Warrior Festival moved to Robin Hill and was reported as the first event held at the park after its reopening period.

  CampaignOther
  Source
• 2023Robin Hill announced for sale by the Dabell family

  The Dabell family announced that Robin Hill was being offered for sale, citing financial difficulties associated with the cost-of-living crisis and the possibility of reinvesting proceeds in Blackgang Chine.

  M&AOther
  Source

1. Robin Hill Country Park
2. Robin Hill official website