Exciting New Ride Planned For Popular Coastal Theme Park

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of Britain’s best loved theme parks, is set to get an exciting new ride. According to The Sun, the Gyro Swing Ride will swing passengers from side to side while they are rotated on a circular gondola. The ride is set to be in place by next season, possibly replacing the Grand Prix ride.

A new hotel is also in the pipeline for the theme park, which would make it the third hotel at the resort, alongside The Boulevard and the Big Blue Hotel. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a favourite family destination, and is also ideal for group days out. If you are planning a large group visit, hiring a coach will ensure a comfortable and stress free journey.

The resort is regularly voted one of the UK’s best loved theme parks, and this year it received two special awards to acknowledge two of its unique and historic awards. The Sun reports that The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) have given Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques to two rides at the park, the Big Dipper and the Grand National.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “It’s an honour to receive the ACE Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques for both Big Dipper and Grand National. These rides hold a special place in the hearts of our guests and we’re proud that the importance of their heritage has been recognised.”

Two classic roller coasters

Both the Big Dipper and the Grand National are rare examples of wooden roller coasters that are still operating today. The Big Dipper is over a century old, having been constructed in 1923 and reconstructed in 1934. It was designed by John A Miller and constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.

It provides the classic roller coaster experience, with five thrilling drops and stomach churning twists and turns. The 3,295 ft track has a maximum speed of about 40 mph and the ride lasts for three minutes. The iconic structure even has Grade II listed status, and it has been lovingly restored and maintained over the years.

The Grand National is another historic wooden roller coaster, designed by Charles Paige in 1935. It’s Europe’s only twin-track racing coaster with a maximum height of 62 ft and a top speed of 45 mph. 

The stylish Art Deco ride station was designed by Joseph Emberton. Each ‘train’ carries six riders, and the track is designed to give the illusion that one train is racing ahead of the other at different points. 

The history of Blackpool Pleasure Beach

These two classic rides are at the heart of the resort’s history, but in fact it opened way back in 1896. It was founded as a fairground attraction in the heyday of Blackpool’s popularity as a fashionable seaside resort by AWG Bean, who was inspired by the amusement parks he had encountered on a visit to North America.

Over the years, the Pleasure Beach continued to expand with more rides and attractions, and it now has a record breaking number of roller coasters. As well as the historic wooden rides, there’s the flagship Big One, which was the world’s tallest and fastest steel roller coaster when it was constructed in 1994.

With a max speed of 85 mph and a track length of 5,497 ft, it’s sure to satisfy even the most hardened of adrenaline junkies! However, the resort isn’t all about hair raising drops and twists and turns: there are plenty of family-friendly rides and attractions such as Nickelodeon Land, where little ones can meet their favourite cartoon characters.

Beyond the rides

If being hurtled violently around a track in a small car is really not your thing, don’t worry, there is plenty more to enjoy at the resort and also in the town of Blackpool itself. For example, the Hot Ice Show is an internationally famous ice dancing production with world-class performers and dazzling costumes. 

Look out for seasonal performances, such as Halloween magic shows and the Rocky Horror Variety Show, and all manner of Christmas fun and festivities, such as pantomimes and Santa’s Grotto. There’s also Adventure Golf, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, a collection of strange and unusual exhibits that will stay in your memory long after your visit.