One of the most famous and popular attractions in Blackpool is the Pleasure Beach. It has a vast array of rides, activities, and entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy. Although there are constantly new and modern additions to the attraction, the theme park also features some historic rides, including some that are listed buildingshttps://lizloveslancashire.co.uk/listed-buildings-in-blackpool-a-list-of-the-historic-buildings/. Here is what you need to know about the historic rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Big Dipper: The Most Famous of the Historic Rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the most iconic roller coasters in the world. It opened in 1923 and has been thrilling visitors ever since. Charles Paige designed the ride and named it the Big Dipper, another name for the Ursa Major constellation. Over the years, the Big Dipper has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure it remains a safe and exciting ride for visitors. It has a maximum height of 65 feet and reaches speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The ride lasts approximately two minutes and features several drops and sharp turns that will leave you breathless. In addition to being a popular attraction at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the Big Dipper has also featured in several television shows and movies. It has become a cultural icon and a symbol of the thrill-seeking spirit that defines the amusement park experience. Like all the rides in this list, the Big Dipper is one of the Grade II listed buildings in Blackpool.
Image credit: Franz Heinrich, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Blue Flyer
The Blue Flyer is another iconic roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It opened in 1934 and has been a popular attraction ever since. Frank Wright designed the ride, originally the “Zipper Dipper.” It was later renamed the Blue Flyer due to its blue track and train cars. Like the Big Dipper, the Blue Flyer has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure it is safe for visitors. It has a maximum height of 59 feet and reaches speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. The ride lasts approximately one minute and features several drops and turns that will exhilarate you. Despite not being as well known as the Big Dipper, the Blue Flyer has its own dedicated fanbase and is a beloved part of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun ride, the Blue Flyer is worth checking out during your visit to the park.
Image credit: Stefan Scheer, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Grand National
The Grand National is one of the oldest roller coasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It was first opened in 1935 and has since become a classic attraction at the park. Charles Paige designed the ride, and it features a unique racing layout with two parallel tracks that allow two trains to race side-by-side. Over the years, the Grand National has undergone several renovations. It has a maximum height of 62 feet and reaches speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour. A ride on the Grand National lasts two minutes and features several drops and turns that will leave you breathless. The Grand National is a true classic and a must-ride for any roller coaster enthusiast visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Its history and unique design make it a beloved part of the park’s heritage, and it continues to thrill visitors.
Image credit: Stefan Scheer, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Noah’s Ark
Noah’s Ark is a funhouse attraction at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It opened in 1930 and has since become a classic part of the park. The attraction boasts various interactive exhibits and challenges that require visitors to navigate through a maze-like structure. Noah’s Ark has undergone many renovations to keep it safe and entertaining. It has a maximum height of 45 feet and is a favourite attraction for families with children. The ride lasts for approximately 5 minutes and features several surprises and illusions that will leave you laughing and amazed. Noah’s Ark is a beloved part of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s history and a must-visit attraction for anyone looking for some fun and excitement. Its unique design and interactive elements make it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
Image credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flickr.com https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Sir Maxim’s Captive Flying Machine: The Oldest of the Historic Rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Sir Maxim’s Captive Flying Machine is another of the historic rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Not only is it the oldest ride at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, but it is also the oldest static amusement ride in Britain and Europe’s oldest fairground ride in continuous use. Sir Hiram Maxim designed the Captive Flying Machine in 1904, and Joseph Wmberton altered it in 1934. A central shaft holds ten cars that rotate and lift by centrifugal force
Image credit: John phillips235 at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
[…] Blue Flyer is another iconic roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Frank Wright was the designer of the ride, which opened in 1934. The […]