There were already a number of well-established funfairs and pleasure beaches in America when the first ride on what would become Britain’s first pleasure beach opened in Blackpool in 1896. The idea of a pleasure beach in Blackpool, where adults could become children again, originated with Alderman George Bean, and he already had a vision for the complex when the first attraction was built. That first ride was the huge Ferris wheel, which, along with the famous tower, dominated the town’s skyline for many years. Blackpool Tower was only two years old when the big wheel opened, and the town’s sights were set firmly on becoming Britain’s number one holiday destination. By the time the two pictures opposite were taken, the town’s varied attractions were already becoming extremely popular.
Ferris wheels, water chutes, flying machines, helter skelters, roller coasters, and a host of other rides became synonymous with the Edwardian seaside holiday, appearing in resorts up and down the coasts. Some of them looked none too safe – the wooden roller coaster at Folkestone being a particularly rickety looking construction.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach still occupies the same site, and the complex has consistently been voted the most popular tourist attraction in Britain. It now has 145 rides including no fewer than five roller-coasters, and attracts over seven million visitors each year!
Blackpool’s Flying Machine, seen here in 1910, still stands more than a century after it was originally opened, and still carries passengers. With its thin wire supports, the gondolas feel like they are really flying. In 1904 when it was opened, in the days long before passenger flight was a reality, it is hardly surprising these machines were so popular! Today the gondolas carry advertising for Ryanair. In addition to the Southport and Blackpool rides, ‘Flying Machines’ were popular attractions at Earls Court and Crystal Palace in London, and in Philadelphia, Coney Island and elsewhere in America. By fitting one of the Crystal Palace gondolas with wing flaps and controls, Maxim learned much about flight aerodynamics. The Blackpool ride is the only one still operational.
The water chute and Maxim’s Flying Machine at Southport, Lancashire. Both rides opened in time for the 1905 summer season. Sir Hiram Maxim, perhaps best known for his invention of the Maxim machine-gun, was obsessed with the idea of powered flight, and his ‘Captive Flying Machines’ grew out of that interest, and were part of his scheme to raise money to fund his attempts at real flight! Once up to speed, these rides carried passengers in elegantly streamlined gondolas at up to 40mph, a considerable speed in those days.
A group of holidaymakers watch the antics of people on the water chutes at Blackpool, c.1909–10.
The water chute at Westonsuper-Mare was adjacent to the Birnbeck Pier, seen behind it. This postcard was produced to celebrate the chute’s opening in 1905.