I love this old, end of victorian period engineering... its as beautiful as it is sturdy... built by true craftsmen, who clearly took a lot pride in their work... they didn't have to build the wheels and the cogs like that, or paint up the lever beams with such detail... nobody even really sees them, but it's all part of what makes these rides so special
My Grandad was an electrician on BPB from 1923 until his retirement. He took me on Noahs ark and I was terrified! Mum took me regularly to BPB, but I remember early spring when it opened and they test ran the big dipper and us local kids could get free rides (it had a sphere instead of an onion those days) My school Thames road primary, is overshadowed by the Grand National. and now my son enjoys the rides and maybe one day his children and who knows from there? I feel a deep connection and would have loved to have worked there. Thank you for a wonderful series, behind the scenes and bringing back lots of memories for me
Absolutely loved this series of videos, brought back memories of being a youngster in the 70’s and holidaying at Blackpool, 2 weeks in July and a week in September for the lights. Thank you for bringing the memories back to life. Fabulous 😁
Your videos are always a fascinating treat, but here you've surpassed yourself. The contrasting of the vintage footage with the present day was incredible. I love that you meet people who are so wonderfully proud of the places that they work and care for. AND you shared your windy muff with us, which was an added bonus. Can't wait to see where you go next.
Thanks for such an interesting series pal. I'll have to make a point of going next year just to try out the older rides again. The Big one, you can keep that for the younger folks :D
This vlog is the reason I subscribe, you show us the things that can’t be seen easily, explain how things work/worked and take us back to how it was. Thank you, a really good finale to this mini series! Can’t wait for your next release……
Great series Darren, well presented. I remember going around Noah's Ark, trying to climb dark stairs inside while it was rocking. There was a handrail which gave you an electric shock if you touched it. Not sure H&S would allow any of this now.
There is one original Noah's Ark still operating in the US near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at Kennywood Park. It's very similar and quite fun to walk through with the boat rocking back and forth.
I’ve lived in Blackpool my whole life. I haven’t been to the Pleasure Beach for nearly 20 years. I once worked at the Pasaje De Terror. These videos have made me want to go back.
That was fantastic. They sure knew what they were doing back then, that fantastic engineering. I used to love the Big Dipper and often wondered what it would be like to walk up one. Thanks to you I not longer need wonder. I have so enjoyed this series. Thank you so so much. Please stay safe and take care
That music puts a lump in my throat..fantastic series and darren your body brave climbing that ride...im terrified of heights and wouldnt even get half way lol...thankyou so much for the history...loved every minute of it ❤
Really interesting and informative. Old and current photos so good. Thoroughly enjoyed this Darren. Your wee friend was very quiet. Thank you again for all your hard work
Fascinating look behind the scenes, I have lived here for over 70 years, been to the Pleasure Beach many times before they started to charge to enter the park but never seen what you have. Ready enjoyed all 3 videos.
Yet again Darren another great vlog on Blackpool. Nice to see parts of the park the public don't get access to always look forward to whats coming next. Cheers.
All three posts beautifully done and researched. Loved the old rides showing not only the ride but the fashions of the day Bought back memories of my late mums cousin who was musical director of the ice show when it had live music. I now live in Australia but Blackpool was part of my happy childhood Keep up the good work Kind Regards. David and Rosie
Fantastic series and how brilliant of Blackpool Pleasure Beach to give such access for us all to enjoy in this video. I just echo your big thanks to the staff and management of this wonderful place.
04:10 I love the old big one first drop track... I have one of the supports in my garden as a planter. (Legitimately, they were selling car boot sized sections on one of the many coster club visits I made) It weighs an absolute ton!
i love the flying rockets. they arent so thrilling as other rides but i love how relaxing it is, although when i went it was a chilly day so i was shivering from the wind lol. i love seeing the behind the scenes!
Loved the pic of you and the family at the end. We are the same age and I was going to Blackpool like you in the late 80’s and through the 90’s. Brings back a lot of happy memories 🙂
Well done to you mate. My memories of blackpool was travelling down at whaat u called the glasgow fair in a ford anglia. My highlight was allways the pleasure beach.. I rember the day we were struggling for a tram to get to our b.n.b. The queses were amazing. Thanks darren. Another sleepless nite.👍🙋♂️
Thoroughly enjoyed these three episodes, thank you 🙏 I have the beautiful Centenary book and souvenir guide, I even have an old book of tokens that you used to buy to ride. I would love to see more, especially behind the scenes.
Ooooo man verrückt 🫣. Ich bewundere diese Menschen. Eine sehr gefährliche Arbeit. Hut ab, meine Bewunderung und Größten Respekt. Ein wunderbares Video Danke. Darren 👍👋👋 Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland
I loved this 3 part series on the Pleasure Beach. I grew up with trips to Blackpool and even now I go every year to Pleasure Beach. I really enjoyed seeing inside the flying machines. You come accross as a real genuine guy which make the videos even better. Cheers......👍👍
Fantastic video mate well done. Loved Blackpool and the pleasure beach all my life enjoyable times great memories. Seeing the rides from ground up all the work that's gone into them is amazing ,god bless the thompson family keeping the place going and making it look as it today.mark the psychic .
Brilliant work, loved this series especially as I have never been!! Your effort in researching this is hugely appreciated and once again a brilliant job. Looking forward to see what your up to next!!
Such a fantastic watch, thank you. What fun it must be to go to a amusment park that has has history going back OVER a hundred and twenty years, you are so lucky. Being that close to the "sea air" there must be tons of maintenance, also must say that is one LONG lift chain. Darren I know you have been to Knott's Berry Farm but how about the CYCLONE RACER at Coney Island N.Y.??? It is small but a great ride. Thanks for your hours of work.... Stay safe and stay strong
I LOVED this episode man! You've fulfilled a dream of mine! To get close up with the Big Dipper. What's great, is what you said at the end! That we can book tours to walk the woodies!?! 🤯🤯🤯 OMG I'm so gonna do it! AND FINALLY, its clearly #TeamICECREAM 😉 THAT'S what I always saw it as in the 80s! Haha It ALWAYS reminded me of Mr Whippy! Haha O.O.K 👌🏼💙
Enjoyed these three videos. Thanks for making them. I'm sure I remember that there used to be a window onto the engine room for Hiram Maxim's Flying Machines, so you could watch it running.
Absolutely fascinating series I really enjoy watching these videos it's interesting to hear and see the history of the Blackpool pleasure beach and rides.
Absolutely brilliant. I love these behind the scene features. I have some photos when I went on a tour years ago. Wish I'd videoed it so I could post on RUclips and reach a wider audience. It wouldn't be as good as video is nowadays though. Do you use a GoPro?
Great video buddy I’m from Blackpool myself and am amazed at the state of the rides and how they are aloud to remain open the big one is so tatty and looking at the Big Dipper on your video is scary how rotten that looks who insures these 🤣
just watched and really enjoyed this mini series of Blackpool pleasure beach very interesting but made my toes curl when you stood at the top of the roller coaster ,wish you had covered Valhalla was my favourite dark ride but these days unable to ride any coasters or fast rides just glad i did them all in 2011,once again thanks for the memories.
That was lovely. I should've been commenting earlier, but was so gutted to find out the Fun House burned down in 1991! So long since I've been inside, still a regular visitor to Blackpool though. I've discovered pubs since then. One question about a ride you didn't mention: The Haunted Swing. When did that go ? Subscribed after the Winter Garden video now reviewing your stuff to actually find Part 1 of it.
It's a Christmas glass bulb that used to hang a my nans Christmas tree in the 70s, the same shape, and the wild mouse is my favourite ride of all time, you literally had to hang on
Another great video. I was surprised of no mention of the goldmine train that I remember from the 80s going through the restaurant. Just found a couple of videos on RUclips showing it. Great memories. Came back to Blackpool 2016 an wasn't the same but appears I was lucky to ride the wild mouse one last time. 👍
As a kid my parents took me to New Brighton indoor funfair on the Wirral. I was more interested in the electrical systems that drove the rides than the rides themselves. Great videos, thanks!
I love this old, end of victorian period engineering... its as beautiful as it is sturdy... built by true craftsmen, who clearly took a lot pride in their work... they didn't have to build the wheels and the cogs like that, or paint up the lever beams with such detail... nobody even really sees them, but it's all part of what makes these rides so special
They did Oli. So much effort back then.
The chainwork on the Big Dipper is impressive stuff.
My Grandad was an electrician on BPB from 1923 until his retirement. He took me on Noahs ark and I was terrified! Mum took me regularly to BPB, but I remember early spring when it opened and they test ran the big dipper and us local kids could get free rides (it had a sphere instead of an onion those days) My school Thames road primary, is overshadowed by the Grand National. and now my son enjoys the rides and maybe one day his children and who knows from there? I feel a deep connection and would have loved to have worked there. Thank you for a wonderful series, behind the scenes and bringing back lots of memories for me
Thanks mate. Thanks for watching
Absolutely loved that vlog,as a mechanical engineer myself it's good to see the workings of the rides.
Thanks Martin
Brilliant mate, great to get access to see behind the scenes, fascinating vlog.
Many thanks. x
No words apart from this is amazing
Absolutely loved this series of videos, brought back memories of being a youngster in the 70’s and holidaying at Blackpool, 2 weeks in July and a week in September for the lights. Thank you for bringing the memories back to life. Fabulous 😁
Thanks carol
What a brilliant trilogy of programs about Blackpool pleasure beach all the memory’s came back. Thank you so much. …..
Thanks Karen
Your videos are always a fascinating treat, but here you've surpassed yourself. The contrasting of the vintage footage with the present day was incredible. I love that you meet people who are so wonderfully proud of the places that they work and care for. AND you shared your windy muff with us, which was an added bonus. Can't wait to see where you go next.
This has been a wonderful series, mate. Can't wait for the next one.
Thanks mate.
Thanks for such an interesting series pal. I'll have to make a point of going next year just to try out the older rides again. The Big one, you can keep that for the younger folks :D
Thanks Tony
Thanks for that series, bring back many memories from my visit’s in the 70’s and 80’s.
Loving all 3 videos of Blackpool Pleasure beach
This vlog is the reason I subscribe, you show us the things that can’t be seen easily, explain how things work/worked and take us back to how it was. Thank you, a really good finale to this mini series! Can’t wait for your next release……
Thanks Sara.
Great video Darren, enjoyed this series, so interesting, tfs 👍😊
Thanks 👍
really intrigued to see what project comes next, great Sunday viewing.
Thanks mate. Hopefully you like the next one.
All 3 videos are great and could easily be a tv programme. Thank you.
Thanks mate
A fantastic and well researched documentary that would put the BBC to shame. Thank you for your hard work.
Thanks Alan.
Thank you so much for posting this series. Absolutely superb!
Thanks Stuart. More to come.
Thank you for the great trilogy on Blackpool Pleasure Beach, really enjoy the professional way you bring to life each project you cover.
Thanks mate. Much appreciated
Great series Darren, well presented. I remember going around Noah's Ark, trying to climb dark stairs inside while it was rocking. There was a handrail which gave you an electric shock if you touched it. Not sure H&S would allow any of this now.
Yes I'd heard about the electric handrail.
There is one original Noah's Ark still operating in the US near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at Kennywood Park. It's very similar and quite fun to walk through with the boat rocking back and forth.
Thank you much for the Blackpool history video me and my son who's 6 have loved watching these.
Thanks mate, more to come very soon.
Thank you for sharing video 3.
Was very injoyable to watch.
With Meny Thanks Tom 😊
I’ve lived in Blackpool my whole life. I haven’t been to the Pleasure Beach for nearly 20 years. I once worked at the Pasaje De Terror. These videos have made me want to go back.
You should have a nostalgia trip.
I have really enjoyed this series. Learnt a few things and brought back many memories.
Thanks mate
That was fantastic. They sure knew what they were doing back then, that fantastic engineering. I used to love the Big Dipper and often wondered what it would be like to walk up one. Thanks to you I not longer need wonder. I have so enjoyed this series. Thank you so so much. Please stay safe and take care
Thanks Linda
Fantastic series! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Brought back great memories. Team Flame for me.
Thanks for watching
Brilliant 3 part series. Keep up the good work! Love your vlogs X
Thanks so much! 😊
That music puts a lump in my throat..fantastic series and darren your body brave climbing that ride...im terrified of heights and wouldnt even get half way lol...thankyou so much for the history...loved every minute of it ❤
Thanks Robert
Wow that merry go round on big dipper looked amazing
It did. I never even knew.
Really interesting and informative. Old and current photos so good. Thoroughly enjoyed this Darren. Your wee friend was very quiet. Thank you again for all your hard work
Thanks Shirley. He's not quiet in person.
So much to look out for on my next visit I remember going on Noah's Ark thanks again and a thumbs put to Andy 👍
Have fun
Fascinating look behind the scenes, I have lived here for over 70 years, been to the Pleasure Beach many times before they started to charge to enter the park but never seen what you have. Ready enjoyed all 3 videos.
Thanks Bernard
I really enjoyed this series Darren. Was interesting to see just how things work. Can't wait for what's next! 🤔
Thanks mate
Brillient series of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Fanatic presentation and so much historical insight. Well done as with all your themes.
Thanks Martyn. More to come.
This little series on a brilliant pleasure park as been fantastic to watch. A big thanks to the staff of the pleasure park as well. We'll done.
Thanks mate. Thanks for watching.
Amazing series. Really enjoyed watching each video, leant a lot! Thank you.
Thanks for watching
Yet again Darren another great vlog on Blackpool. Nice to see parts of the park the public don't get access to always look forward to whats coming next. Cheers.
Thanks Scott
This was Brilliant Darren, great work! It’s a tear drop though for sure. Cheers Darren.
Thanks mate. #teamflame
All three posts beautifully done and researched. Loved the old rides showing not only the ride but the fashions of the day
Bought back memories of my late mums cousin who was musical director of the ice show when it had live music.
I now live in Australia but Blackpool was part of my happy childhood
Keep up the good work
Kind Regards. David and Rosie
Thanks Rosie
Brilliant video! the difference in you walking the Big Dipper to me on roller coaster and health and safety! lol
Yes. I did think that when I watched yours. Although, the GY one is more enclosed. I have no idea.
Fantastic series and how brilliant of Blackpool Pleasure Beach to give such access for us all to enjoy in this video. I just echo your big thanks to the staff and management of this wonderful place.
Thanks John
I love these kinds of videos so happy I came across your channel I look forward to seeing more of them in the future :)
Thanks Matty. More to come
04:10 I love the old big one first drop track... I have one of the supports in my garden as a planter. (Legitimately, they were selling car boot sized sections on one of the many coster club visits I made) It weighs an absolute ton!
Glad you managed to get one George.
Fascinating video. I've always loved the Flying Machines, I wonder what the huge central column is resting on?
Probably a bed of oil and steel
Fantastic again ! Look forward to more of your videos.
Thanks John
Brilliant Darren to see all that after all these years visiting -thank you
Thanks John
Fascinating look at the wonderful BPB. Thanks for making the videos, brilliantly made, as ever.
Thanks mate
So interesting, great filming, very entertaining, many thanks. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it
Very interesting tour, I can imagine the dampness down there, thanks Darren
Not much dampness. It's all air filtrated to keep the moisture down.
Thank you for the unavailable tours of the machine room, and the elevated line. Very impressive, Darren. Cheers mate! 🏴😊👍🇺🇸
Thanks Martin
Extraordinary and very enjoyable tour! Thank you.
Thanks Malcolm
i love the flying rockets. they arent so thrilling as other rides but i love how relaxing it is, although when i went it was a chilly day so i was shivering from the wind lol. i love seeing the behind the scenes!
Yes they can be quite cold
Brings back happy memories
It sure does. And you nearly share a name with the famous owner of the pleasure beach Geoffrey Thompson.
Loved the pic of you and the family at the end. We are the same age and I was going to Blackpool like you in the late 80’s and through the 90’s. Brings back a lot of happy memories 🙂
Thanks Rory. Yes fond memories back then. You're in the almost 40 club too then?
@@AdventureMe aye. 2024 is looming 😦
Well done to you mate.
My memories of blackpool was travelling down at whaat u called the glasgow fair in a ford anglia.
My highlight was allways the pleasure beach..
I rember the day we were struggling for a tram to get to our b.n.b.
The queses were amazing.
Thanks darren.
Another sleepless nite.👍🙋♂️
Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more to come from here.
Thoroughly enjoyed these three episodes, thank you 🙏 I have the beautiful Centenary book and souvenir guide, I even have an old book of tokens that you used to buy to ride.
I would love to see more, especially behind the scenes.
Thanks David. I remember the token books
Ooooo man verrückt 🫣.
Ich bewundere diese Menschen.
Eine sehr gefährliche Arbeit.
Hut ab, meine Bewunderung und Größten Respekt.
Ein wunderbares Video
Danke. Darren 👍👋👋
Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland
My inner child is laughing at excuse my windy muff 😂🤣
I did have a windy muff though lol
Excellent series, thanks for taking the time to do these. Great to see behind the scenes and history of the park. Keep up the great work!
Thanks mate. More coming soon
Love the Trigger's broom reference! Well done for another absolutely brilliant video! So glad I found this channel 🙌
Thank you. Welcome aboard
I loved this 3 part series on the Pleasure Beach. I grew up with trips to Blackpool and even now I go every year to Pleasure Beach. I really enjoyed seeing inside the flying machines. You come accross as a real genuine guy which make the videos even better. Cheers......👍👍
Thanks Gary. I am a nice guy. Lol
Great to see behind the scenes. And on my Bucket List to go to👍
Thanks mate. Thanks for watching.
Fantastic video mate well done. Loved Blackpool and the pleasure beach all my life enjoyable times great memories. Seeing the rides from ground up all the work that's gone into them is amazing ,god bless the thompson family keeping the place going and making it look as it today.mark the psychic .
Thanks Mark
@@AdventureMe No probs mate .
Brilliant collection of videos first class.
Thanks mate. Thanks for watching.
Brilliant work, loved this series especially as I have never been!! Your effort in researching this is hugely appreciated and once again a brilliant job. Looking forward to see what your up to next!!
Thanks Jeff.
@@AdventureMe No worries.
Such a fantastic watch, thank you. What fun it must be to go to a amusment park that has has history going back OVER a hundred and twenty years, you are so lucky. Being that close to the "sea air" there must be tons of maintenance, also must say that is one LONG lift chain. Darren I know you have been to Knott's Berry Farm but how about the CYCLONE RACER at Coney Island N.Y.??? It is small but a great ride. Thanks for your hours of work.... Stay safe and stay strong
Thanks Mike. Maybe when I get over again.
Cheers Darren. Absolutely phenomenal as usual.
Thanks mate
A really great series, With fantastic camera work, It brought it brought back memories to me as an old chap, I really enjoyed it thank you
Thanks Peter
I LOVED this episode man! You've fulfilled a dream of mine! To get close up with the Big Dipper.
What's great, is what you said at the end! That we can book tours to walk the woodies!?! 🤯🤯🤯 OMG I'm so gonna do it!
AND FINALLY, its clearly #TeamICECREAM 😉
THAT'S what I always saw it as in the 80s! Haha It ALWAYS reminded me of Mr Whippy! Haha
O.O.K 👌🏼💙
Glad you enjoyed it! You aren't the first to think it's an ice cream lol
Enjoyed these three videos. Thanks for making them.
I'm sure I remember that there used to be a window onto the engine room for Hiram Maxim's Flying Machines, so you could watch it running.
Thanks Andrew. Yes the window is still there. You can see it in the video behind me.
Brilliant series of videos. Great presentation too.
Thanks Babs. More to come.
Absolutely fascinating series I really enjoy watching these videos it's interesting to hear and see the history of the Blackpool pleasure beach and rides.
Thanks for watching, More to come from here soon.
Really enjoyed this series, even though I've never been there! :-)
Thanks Ruth. You should pay a visit.
This series was great, I'm such a geek. It's made me wanna go visit the pleasure beach again.
Thanks Gemma.
Great video Loved the old pictures and vids keep up the great work 😊
Thanks Lee
Absolutely brilliant. I love these behind the scene features. I have some photos when I went on a tour years ago. Wish I'd videoed it so I could post on RUclips and reach a wider audience. It wouldn't be as good as video is nowadays though. Do you use a GoPro?
Yes Allan. It's a shame what we didn't film many years ago. Yes I use the GoPro 9.
Great video buddy I’m from Blackpool myself and am amazed at the state of the rides and how they are aloud to remain open the big one is so tatty and looking at the Big Dipper on your video is scary how rotten that looks who insures these 🤣
Looks can be deceiving, as long as it's structurally sound, you are fine. They have strict safety tests.
Brilliant video thanks ❤
Good video, thank you for sharing
Your videos just get better absolutely brilliant more please. Cheers mate 👍😊
Thanks Steve
just watched and really enjoyed this mini series of Blackpool pleasure beach very interesting but made my toes curl when you stood at the top of the roller coaster ,wish you had covered Valhalla was my favourite dark ride but these days unable to ride any coasters or fast rides just glad i did them all in 2011,once again thanks for the memories.
Thanks Dawn. Valhalla has been closed since 2020 for a refurbishment or i would have. Maybe on a future one, i will be back soon.
That was lovely. I should've been commenting earlier, but was so gutted to find out the Fun House burned down in 1991! So long since I've been inside, still a regular visitor to Blackpool though. I've discovered pubs since then. One question about a ride you didn't mention: The Haunted Swing. When did that go ?
Subscribed after the Winter Garden video now reviewing your stuff to actually find Part 1 of it.
The Haunted Swing is still there. Its just part of another ride called Impossible.
Brilliant series mate and kudos to the pleasure beach for allowing such access👍
Thanks for watching John
Love your channel. The sound and picture quality is great!
Thanks Dale
Thank you very much Darren, love your videos
Thanks Tony
What a brilliant series buddy well done
Thanks Ade.
It's a Christmas glass bulb that used to hang a my nans Christmas tree in the 70s, the same shape, and the wild mouse is my favourite ride of all time, you literally had to hang on
Thanks mate.
Brilliant I love this video from behind the scenes
Thanks Jonathan
Great videos! Learned some stuff as a sandgrown I didn't know!
Glad you enjoyed it. Lots more to come from here.
Another fantastic video Darren. What a really fascinating insight these videos have been. Keep up the good work.
Thanks mate
Another great video.
I was surprised of no mention of the goldmine train that I remember from the 80s going through the restaurant.
Just found a couple of videos on RUclips showing it. Great memories.
Came back to Blackpool 2016 an wasn't the same but appears I was lucky to ride the wild mouse one last time. 👍
The gold mine wasn't old enough for me lol
What a great series, brilliant work…. Really enjoyed that.
Thanks Simon
Thanks Darren,another interesting video.Looki
no forward to your next topic.
Thanks ste
absolutely love your videos especially the theme park ones . oh and by the way it is defiantly #team iced gem. haha.
Thanks mate, more to come very soon.
I’m team “iced gem” 😆xxx
Absolutely brilliant. Thanks for these documentaries. Thoroughly enjoyed them.
Seem to recall the ball at the top of the Big Dipper burnt down?
Hmm possibly. It did have a fire in 1975.
As a kid my parents took me to New Brighton indoor funfair on the Wirral. I was more interested in the electrical systems that drove the rides than the rides themselves. Great videos, thanks!
Thanks Peter, I will be covering New Brighton soon.
@@AdventureMe I will look forward to that! Thanks again, Cheers!
Excellent series of videos! The Guide on the Walk the Woodie is great, he took me round the track in June, nice chap!
Yes Andy is fab
Wonderful video, I must go on those rides some time, I've been to Blackpool, but only to ride on the trams!
Yes you need to pay a visit
Hi, that was great, really like the old school ride mechanisms and to see behind the scenes.
Thanks John.