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Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Welcome to the "Roller Coaster Capital Of The World", or as they say, but it's definitely the roller coaster capital of the UK! And even maybe, the wooden roller coaster capital of the world. Let me take you there and let you make your own judgement. ENTER THE WORLD OF BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH? Well, to late if you're reading this!
The
Pleasure Beach is just part of Blackpool. Think about what it's
famous for: The park has a lot of history, it was founded in 1896. But before this little stalls had began to set up in this area and small rides like swings and Spinning Cups. There was also a "Bicycle Railway". By the turn of the last century it was described as a "small fair" with it's first 'coaster - the "Switchback". Rides like Maxim's Flying Machines and The River Caves were built until a big new coaster was erected, the "Velvet Coaster" in 1909. This was very profitable. Luckily most of Blackpool survived the First World War and soon after that, by today's main entrance there was built a theatre - it still stands there today. Beautiful rides were built which make Blackpool Pleasure Beach a classic place. In the 1920s Along came the "Virginia Reel" - a roller coaster - type ride, but with circular Spinning Cup like cars. Plus in place of the "Switchback" arrived "The Big Dipper" - their today. In 1927 a flood hit Blackpool Pleasure Beach. But it didn't do much damage (thank goodness). The person who had managed Blackpool Pleasure Beach had been William George Bean, but in 1933, Leonard Thompson took over. By the time of the "Grand National" being built in 1935, the Velvet Coaster had changed it's name too the "Roller Coaster". The legendary Fun House was built (a house with loads of small things like funny mirrors, ball ponds, coconut shies, slides etc.). Sadly it was destroyed by a fire in 1991. The Pleasure Beach still kept on expanding with small rides, like it had done right from the start, but the next big building was in 1939, which was the casino. This stands near the main entrance. The park suffered a bit in the Second World War and didn't expand much. But in 1958 the "Wild Mouse" was built, the last wooden roller coaster to be built at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as yet. In the 1960s to 70s loads of new medium rides were added, from towers to monorails and from log - flumes to twists. In 1967 Geoffrey Thompson became the Managing Director. In 1979 the "Revolution" - Europe's first looping coaster was installed @ Blackpool. The next major event was in 1984, when the "Space Invader" ride was opened, another roller coaster, but inside a dark room. 4 years later and the bob - sleigh type ride the "Avalanche" was Introduced, in 1988. Fatter and Fatter got the bank accounts (and the directors)! Next, in 1994 the biggest one of all was installed, The "BIG ONE"! When it was built it had the world's tallest roller coaster drop! Last, but almost surely not least a new log - flume for 2000 - Valhalla. Exploring the Viking world. Well, that's the history, now the review.... Enter the Pleasure Beach at either North or South, but as I entered from North, that's where we'll begin. Here is the famous Casino and also a load of show arenas and scoff - bars. Get your tickets (I advise a wristband) and enter in. From here there is the famous "Noah's Ark" (a walk - trough model zoo) use it to warm up for the big rides. You may want to ride the "Superbowl Dodgems" or the "Maxim's Flying Machines". If you really want to scare your gob off then I've heard recommendations for "Trauma Towers". For those roller coaster maniacs warm - up with "Wild Mouse", then take a go on the old "Grand National" (the one on the left usually wins). If you prefer a gentle ride take the "River Caves" or walk "1001 Troubles" (a very clever hall mirrors). If you want thrill head back to the Entrance and enjoy the launched freefall that is "Ice Blast" (quite new). Then get soaked on "Valhalla" and "Vikingar" (a roller coaster with a water splash). Thrill seekers now head to the next half of the park. If you don't quite like getting soaked or freefalling, then head up by the wild mouse and turn left to enjoy a ride on the "Derby Racer" (a massive carousel in a tent). Maybe on your way you might want to injure the "Ghost Train". Now head into the other half of the park. here on the overpass you will find.... a "Log - Flume", a "Big Dipper", a "Grand Prix" (car ride) and a "Gold Mine" (mini coaster). Make your way past "Roller Coaster" and down by the children's area - "Beaver Creek". This even includes it's own mini - roller coaster - "Zipper Dipper". Continue to the roller coaster in the dark, "Space Invader" (:-(ly for over 17's only). But, if you turn right you can catch a ride on the bob - sleigh coaster "Avalanche" or take a trip on the "Pleasure Beach Express". Or may you rather continue past the Space invader to meet the "Chinese Puzzle Maze". when (if) you get out walk forwards and straight opposite is the chair - lift. Too boring? Try the vertical looping "Revolution". Tall enough? ride the "Go - Karts", if not, then try the steeplechase (those horse - type cars will give you a rough ride). Got enough in you yet? Yes - then ride the "Big One" (again and again if you like). No - then go to one of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's many places to eat, shops and guest services. There are loads of these dotted around the park and many on "Ocean Boulevard". Don't forget to walk Tom Sawyer Bridge and take a tour on the monorail! It's one cool day out! Well worth the money and has a lot of history! The queing can get quite bad, but it's worth it by far, one of the best theme parks in the UK. I suggest you go.... NOW! |
