In today’s article, we take a look at the UK’s Top 10 oldest roller coasters and surprisingly they’re not all at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!
With such a rich history in the UK with some coasters, in particular, approaching 100 years old there’s a nice group of ten classic coasters for you to ride in the UK who have all aged like a fine wine.
Well, not all.
10. Revolution (1979)
Revolution at Blackpool Pleasure Beach cost £1M and opened in 1979.
At the time it was Europe’s first looping roller coaster and was manufactured by Arrow Development.
It was later painted red and blue until 2011 as part of a sponsorship with soft drink Irn-Bru before being repainted again in 2012 and once again in 2017.
9. Steeplechase (1977)
Steeplechase is a 3-track horse racing coaster.
The ride was opened by Grand National winner Red Rum, the hoofprint of the horse can be found at the ride’s exit.
This model is the only operating Steeplechase coaster in the entire world.
8. Little Dipper (1975)
Located in Cleethorpes the Little Dipper is a small compact kids coaster that is able to operate even when the tide comes in with its supports firmly needed into the coastline.
The ride was built by Mack and is certainly one of the UK’s most unusual coaster credits.
7. Tyrolean Tubtwist (1950)
Located at Joyland Children’s Fun Park in Great Yarmouth the ride consists of various barrel type trains spinning around a course.
It is to this day the only example of a quasi Virginia Reel coaster.
6. Grand National (1935)
The Grand National at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was designed and constructed by Charles Page.
It’s one of only two Mobius loop coasters left in the world.
The ride was designated as a Grade 2 Listed building in 2017.
5. Blue Flyer (1934)
Once known as the Zipper Dipper before Nickolodeon Land came to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
The ride was also designed and constructed by Charles Page and is also a Grade 2 listed building just like The Grand National.
4. Nickolodeon Streak (1933)
Formerly known as just RollerCoaster the Nickolodeon Streak wooden coaster was built by Charles Page.
It’s the second tallest wooden rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and before 2006 had absolutely no restraints!
3. Roller Coaster at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach (1932)
One of only two scenic railway coasters in the UK and one of only 8 left operating in the world today!
A brakeman is used to apply the brakes on the rollercoaster as passengers navigate the track.
2. Big Dipper (1923)
This wooden coaster was first built by John Miller until it was extended in 1936 by Charles Page.
In August 1998 Richard Rodriquez rode the Big Dipper for over 1000 hours until 2 years later when he rode the ride for 2000 hours!
A plaque is located at the ride to commemorate his achievement.
1. Scenic Railway (1920)
Located at Dreamland Amusement Park in Margate the Scenic Railway is the oldest of the two left in the UK.
A brakeman is used to apply the brakes on the rollercoaster just like the other scenic railway at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.
It was touch and go for a moment though as between 2006 and 2015 the park and ride were undergoing restoration after an arson attack.
The wooden structure that was being rebuilt ended up being blown over during a storm but thankfully in 2015, the ride was able to reopen to the public and carry on ageing gracefully like a fine wine with many saying it rides as smooth as ever.
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