Happy National rollercoaster day to my fellow nerds!! I thought it’d be a really fun idea to sit and rank the UK’s oldest rollercoasters that I have experienced! Let me know how you rank them too. This blog will go in order from my least favourite to my favourite not necessarily in order of their ages.
Steeplechase – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1977):
If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll understand I don’t particularly enjoy Steeplechase. It’s not a coaster which is a must-ride at Pleasure Beach and in fact, I haven’t ridden it since 2017/2018 time which kind of says it all. I value it’s a classic of course but it’s just not my preference in ride choices.
Little Dipper – Cleethorpes (1975):
A childhood classic for sure! I haven’t been to Cleethorpes since I was 9. That’s many moons ago now. I used to love riding this coaster on the beach it was such a classic. It’s nice to know it’s actually still operating too.
Tyrolean Tubtwist – Joyland (1950):
A real traditional coaster. Although the older I’ve got the less I can stomach anything that spins quite this much but that’s not to say this isn’t a true icon within the UK coasters. I’m fairly sure it’s the last of its kind or one of the few remaining. But it’s lovely to see Joyland continue to preserve it and keep it operating for all future generations to enjoy. You really do need to experience this at least once.
Blue Flyer – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1934):
Blue Flyer and those of you who remember Zipper Dipper days. Oh, what a little treasure. It’s little & brief but perfect for those real tiny thrill seekers but also a lot of fun for us adults too. I know it looks like it wouldn’t be great for adults but it is. Generally, it’s often quite quiet as well.
Roller Coaster – Yarmouth Pleasure Beach (1932):
The staple at Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. It’s a very hit & miss ride in my opinion. It relies on who you get on the brakes to whether you get a silky smooth ride that’s not entirely exhilarating or you get an airtime-filled machine. It’s fun for what it is but I do adore having an unhinged brakeman making it the best ride you can have!
Revolution – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1979):
Revolution is an odd one for me. I find it absolutely terrifying but it’s also one of the most fierce yet uncomplicated experiences I’ve ever done. The initial drop into the loop is quite the experience really I think it’s the fact it’s so abrupt it really does make you leave your stomach in the station. Going backwards is also equally as terrifying. It doesn’t help the fact the stairs up to the station and down alone are something that makes me uneasy, especially with the gaps in between. You stand in that station when it’s windy and that’s equally as horrifying as the ride itself. It’s a classic it’s so simple but it certainly packs a full punch!
Nickelodeon Streak – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1933):
Of course, the theming of Nick Streak is quite recent still but this coaster itself is this old. Again it’s great for families but so much fun for everyone. I love the airtime hills so much. It’s so much fun and definitely deserves more credit than it gets.
Grand National – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1935)
You’ll see the pattern of the blog so far with lots of wooden rollercoasters included. Grand National is a tremendous ride experience which offers guests the opportunity to race and interact with a second train, the only UK woodie to offer this too. It’s a senior but forever keeps people satisfied (perhaps a tad bruised too) but it’s so much fun for all. The layout is pretty cool too. The double down since the re-track has been a pleasure. It’s one of those coasters that you have to ride during each visit to Pleasure Beach else you are missing out. 
Big Dipper – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (1923)
Another Pleasure Beach woodie is in my top 3. They know how to create a gem. Big Dipper is actually turning 100 this month which is fantastic. I’ve unfortunately not rode it since the recent work that’s been done but Ant has and said how much of a difference it’s made. But last season I had the best time riding Big Dipper I thoroughly embraced it during each trip. It’s always been my favourite out of the BPB woodies.
The Scenic Railway – Dreamland Margate (1920)
This was a sweet surprise to how much I adored it. There’s nothing that’s quite compared to the climb up the lift with all the lights of Dreamland during dark and the layout is fab. It’s very slick but insanely fun as well. I found it to be quite lengthy with the duration and that’s perfect in my opinion nobody wants their ride experience over in a minute. Again, it has the traditional brakeman on board too which works well for this coaster.
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Have you rode these 10 older rollercoasters in the UK? If so, which is your favourite & why?
Thanks for reading!!
