The Fylde's Forgotten Roller Coasters

Aside from the Pleasure Beach, there were two more roller coasters, one in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens called the Les Montagnes Russes, and the other in Cleveleys called the Big Dipper. Records show that the Winter Gardens Company was registered on 7th August 1875. And by the end of 1876, many of the foundations and basements of the main buildings had been built along with an outdoor and indoor skating rink. The circular switchback railway, Les Montagnes Russes, was installed in 1902.

The Cleveleys Big Dipper

The Cleveleys roller coaster ride occupied the stretch of land between Beach Road and Jubilee Gardens. For many years following the roller coaster’s demolition, the field lay dormant, used primarily as a venue for galas, circuses, Jubilee Days and gypsies as it was ideal for parking caravans. The same site is now occupied by the Leisure and Cinema Complex. Here’s an image of the attraction taken from ground level, looking towards the Traveller’s Rest. It’s not exactly the clearest photograph ever produced, but it is an historically fascinating. Back in the early 1940s this must have been an impressive sight towering over the relatively subdued streets of Cleveleys.

Les Montagnes Russes – Winter Gardens

The roller coaster at the Winter Gardens is where the Opera House currently stands. The Winter Gardens Company was registered on 7th August 1875, and by the end of 1876, many of the foundations and basements of the main buildings had been built, including an outdoor and indoor skating rink. The circular switchback railway (roller coaster) was erected in 1902 and demolished in 1920. The Great Wheel (commonly referred to as the ‘Jolly Wheel’) was built at around the same time, see more about it here. The image below shows the roller coaster in back of the Winter gardens before demolition.