Imagine an Imaginarium near you. . . .
Our current Imaginarium is sadly now closing. It is not a decision we have taken lightly or ever wanted to do. The reality of running a business like ours, especially on the Isle of Wight, with all of it's location constraints, declining tourism issues, extortionate ferry costs and many other business struggles outside of our control means that we have no choice. If you would like to find out more of the details behind this, visit the History of our future page.
So where do we go from here?
We are currently working on starting discussions with possible investors to fund the creation of a new Imaginarium! And it could be coming to a place near you - but we need your help to determine where that will be.
In addition to a new Imaginarium we are also looking to start a Kickstarter Campaign to fund the creation of Imaginarium Creative Kits. Imagine being able to make some of our very popular creativities at home - things like our mini worlds - and you can help us with this too. To find out what you can do simply visit our Kickstarter page.
We have a question - where would you like an Imaginarium?
Below is a map where you can drop a pin.. Just click the blue plus button on the right hand side of the map, search where you would like to see an Imaginarium and watch the little dodat drop on your location.
Make sure you hit the submit button at the bottom.
Use this form let us know your details so we can keep in touch with our progress. Any information and comments you can give us too will help us to build the future of the new Imaginarium for everyone.
Why would you fund an Imaginarium?
The popularity of what we have created over the past three years or so has gone beyond what we first imagined. The comments, the love, the support, feedback from everyone who has visited us that has said "they wish there was an Imaginarium near us", and very importantly "that there is nothing like this anywhere else" - not even in Europe from what we have been told, proves to us that this unique creative idea cannot simply close or stay on the Isle of Wight - it has to live on....
Where will it be?
Honestly we cannot decide yet, that's the reason for the map here. We are asking you, yes you, and your friends and family to drop a pin in the location of your/their choice.
When will the new Imaginarium happen?
We would like to think we will be ready to get started in 2027 - so not that far away.
How much will you be looking for in terms of funding?
Honestly that is one of the things we are still looking at, because of the way The Imaginarium works, there is no finish line. Unlike a restaurant or shop, they have a finite plan of what they need to get started and if they succeed they can look at expanding later. We on the other hand could spend the next ten years planning and adding new ideas and more aspects to what we can do. We need to pick our initial cut-off for what we want to have in place on opening day.
It will also depend on the location and facilities at the new location. We are spoilt on the IoW at our current location, not only do we have a country park, woodlands and beaches, but we also have a free council-run carpark (at the moment!) and a lot of options to choose from. Ideally we would be looking for a similar relaxed natural, creative, calm enhancing location.
What will I get for supporting you?
Our eternal thanks and a smaller bank balance 🙂
Seriously, we are offering a percentage stake in the new Imaginarium. The details will be available in our full pitch deck (that's a document where we beg for money - and then you give it to us! -hopefully).
What can we do now?
If you used the form above to drop a pin on our map, you will also have the option to sign-up for more details as we progress, and we will keep you posted as we move forward.
Some of the questions we have asked and the answers we found . . . .
Can you build and Imaginarium?
Turns out you, or rather we, could build an Imaginarium, but it is a lot harder than you think. Doing something for the first time is always difficult, but doing something that has never been done before is even harder.
If you build it, will anybody come?
Apparently yes they will. After that first weekend of us saying to each other "this could be a complete disaster", we heard somewhere that "if you build it, they will come" (thanks Kev). And you did come, and you came back again, and again.
Can we sustain the creativity?
Turns out that is the easy bit for us, so much so that we have more ideas and developments than we can possibly fit in our current location. This is one of the main reasons for the hunt for investors.
Here are some of the things we have learnt that you love . . . .
Never rush
Creativity should never be rushed, take your time, there is no time limit on how long you stay at your workstation, and no limit on the number of things you create either. We stay until you are finished!
Need help
Our general activities are self-led, but help is just an ask away, so if you have any questions or need help all you have to do is reach out to one of our members of staff.
Need more help
Our general activities are not led, but if you feel you need more help and a more tutored experience then ask to book a workshop or private creative lesson.
Short of time
Don't worry, we can store your creation for you until you have time to return and complete it. There is no charge for storage, or the time you need to complete your creation.
mess stays here
What we, and you do can be messy, sticky and a bit chaotic. But you get to leave that behind and we take care of it.
inclusive bits
For all of our creativities we invite you to help yourself to our inclusive buffet of items, this has lead to some amazing creations.
never ending
We are always adding new ideas and and new ways to create. And it is only the beginning.
Just relax
If there is something that does not sit with creativity - that is stress, you are here to relax and create.
Some of the lovely things people have said about us
What an amazing place this is. It's my kid's absolute heaven!
If I had a pound for every time my kids have nagged me to come back here....
I can't wait for the next season when we can come back and do something else!
Can I move in? I could spend the rest of my life here.
Please open an Imaginarium (insert here anyone of the hundreds of places we have been asked)
Every time I come here it is different! How do you manage that?!
You are the ONLY reason we come back to the island every year.
There is literally no other place like it - anywhere - and we're from Germany!
We litraly just arrived and my daughters insisted we come here, they have been talking about you since last year.
I have to come back without the kids so I can do my own thing.
The best priced thing to do on the IoW - amazing value, and we can stay all day too.
I've found the best place ever, I can't believe its my last day on the island, We will be back.
Yes - these are genuine visitor reviews and comments.
Visit us
The Imaginarium, Fort Victoria Country Park, Westhill Lane, Yarmouth, PO41 0RR
Contact us
www.theimaginarium.one imagine@theimaginarium.one
01983 760 500
Opening hours
The Imaginarium is open until the 1st of November 2026. After which we will be closed to the public.