A SEASIDE theme park in the UK has scooped a prestigious award for two of its most iconic rollercoasters.
British seaside fairs are something of a tradition, but one that first opened in 1896 has become the first theme park in the country to win a distinguished award.
The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) has awarded two rides at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach with Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques – a special recognition reserved for rides of historical significance.
Both the Big Dipper and the Grand National were awarded Rollercoaster Landmark Plaques earlier this year.
They are the 49th and 50th rollercoasters in the world to be presented with the award, making Blackpool Pleasure Beach the second theme park in the world to receive two plaques at the same time.
After Rutschebanen in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Pleasure Beach is the second theme park in Europe to be given a plaque.
It is hoped that the plaques will be a permanent reminder of the extensive history of the rides.
Last year, the Big Dipper celebrated its centenary, making it one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the world.
Meanwhile, the Grand National opened in 1935 and is one of only two single-track wooden racing coasters still operating today.
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.
“The blend of our modern, industry-leading rides like ICON and Valhalla, with these older, one-of-a-kind rides is an integral part of Pleasure Beach Resort’s identity and something that we believe truly sets us apart.”
Meanwhile, ACE Communications Director Derek Perry said: “ACE members are extremely excited that the Big Dipper and Grand National are now ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks.
“I can’t think of two more deserving wooden coasters which reside in the same park.
“This unique duo has the perfect mix of exhilarating drops, thrills and classic charm.
“With two ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks and all the other fantastic attractions at the park, Pleasure Beach Resort is a must-visit destination for enthusiasts from around the world!”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to plenty of record-breaking rollercoasters, including the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, The Big One, the UK’s first looping coaster, Revolution, the UK’s first suspended looping coaster completely over water, Infusion, and the UK’s first double launch coaster, Icon.
Meanwhile, younger guests are also very well catered for, with Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-o-matic, the Alice in Wonderland dark ride and Nickleodeon Land all on offer among many others.
I can’t think of two more deserving wooden coasters
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4 star rating from more than 4,000 reviews.
One person wrote: “By far one of the best days out this year, the staff are fantastic and the rides are out of this world.”
Someone else added: “A great time with all the family, kids absolutely loved Nickelodeon Land.”
A third review read: “I had a really good time at Pleasure Beach with my family, had a lovely day on the rides.”
TRAVEL writer Catherine Lofthouse visited Blackpool last year with her family, here's what she thought...
Bumbling along the beach in Blackpool, with the iconic tower as a backdrop, it feels like we’ve stepped inside a postcard, capturing the very essence of the great British seaside.
Whether you love a back-to-basics bucket-and-spade beach break, want a thrill a minute at one of the UK’s oldest theme parks or fancy a night on the tiles, there’s everything you need at Blackpool.
As a Strictly fan, I’d wanted to pay homage to the home of ballroom, but didn’t find much else to make me break out in song and dance.
But this summer, it feels like Blackpool is on the up.
Everywhere I look, there’s building taking place and existing attractions being spruced up.
There’s been investment along the seafront, with Merlin, the company behind Alton Towers and Legoland, recently opening its eighth attraction in the town with the arrival of the Gruffalo Clubhouse for little ones.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is redeveloping some of its big name rides too, like Valhalla, which draws in theme park enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
Away from the beach, work is taking place to restore the historic Winter Gardens and their surrounds to their former glory.
Universal has revealed its own plans for a huge new theme park in the UK.
Set to open in Bedford, the 500-acre attraction would have hotels as well as its own train station.
