Blackgang Chine
What we did
Olivia's Day Four — a rollicking shanty from Blackgang Chine.
We whooshed adown the water slides, then wandered in a maze,
Poor CK last to find the way — we near were lost for days!So roll and ride at Blackgang Chine,
The oldest park where the cliffs meet brine!We flipped upon Extinction's loop, all upside down we spun,
Then stomped the dinosaur trail about beneath the island sun.We sailed aboard the pirate ship, we braved the haunted hall,
Through Cowboy Town we moseyed on and saw the sights and all.So roll and ride at Blackgang Chine,
The oldest park where the cliffs meet brine!We browsed the shop for trinkets fine, we played out in the park,
Then home we rolled as day gave way and skies began to dark.And last of all was mini golf beneath the evening shine —
Lily she carried off the crown, and second place was mine!So roll and ride at Blackgang Chine,
The oldest park where the cliffs meet brine!
Photos
The oldest theme park in Britain — and it's slipping into the sea
Blackgang Chine first opened its gates in 1843, which makes it the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom — older than almost any theme park in the world! It began as pretty landscaped gardens on the cliffs above the sea. But a "chine" is a steep coastal ravine, and this stretch of coast is crumbling: over the years landslides have swallowed parts of the park, so the rides and attractions keep being moved further inland to stay one step ahead of the waves.