Funfair History FAQs

Funfairs and fairgrounds have been taking place since time immemorial, but the fairs of the past didn't have rollercoasters, Ferris wheels and all of the other exciting attractions we know and love today.

We Are Tricycle are interested in every aspect of our fairground rides and funfair games. After working alongside our rides and amusements for so many years, it's easy to wonder, "how did this ride come about? Who invented this, and how did it become so popular?"

So we've looked at the history of some of our favourite rides and activities, and compiled them into our FAQs page. If there's anything you'd like us to cover, please contact us!

• What Are Mop Fairs? Mop fairs still take place around Gloucestershire nowadays, but how did this tradition begin, and how did these occasions get their name?
• What is the Nottingham Goose Fair? The Goose Fair is a fixture in the Nottinghamshire calendar, but how did this fair begin?
• What is the Tavistock Goose Fair? For Devon funfair fun, you can't beat Goosey! Find out more about this goose fair here.
• What is the History of Big Funfair Rides? The biggest funfair rides are often the most iconic! If you've ever wondered about the origin and development of these fairground attractions, find out more here.
• What is the History of Small Funfair Rides? Children's fairground rides and other small attractions can pack a mighty punch in a tiny space! Read about their invention and popularisation with our expert team.
• What is the History of Chair-o-Planes? One of the most romantic funfair rides around, the Chair o Planes ride is a traditional favourite. Discover the history of the Chair-o-Planes with We Are Tricycle.
• What is the History of Ice Cream? Delicious fresh ice cream is sure to please everyone at your next event. How did ice cream come about, and how did it become so popular in a pre-freezer world?
• What is the History of Mini Golf? Miniature Golf, also known as Mini Golf and Crazy Golf, has been entertaining all ages for years. Read on to find out about the history of this activity.
• What is the History of the Operation Game? There are countless spin-offs of Operation available nowadays, including our Giant Top Doc Operation game, but how did this board game begin, and how did it reach the fairground?
• What is the History of Whack a Mole? From its origins in Japan to the American innovations that made it so popular in arcades throughout the world, we look at the story behind the Whack a Mole.
• What is the History of the Strongman Challenge Test Your Strength game? The Test Your Strength machine, also known as the High Striker and Strongman Challenge, always gets people queuing up to show off their mettle. How did this funfair classic get started?
• What is the History of the Booster Fairground Ride? Soar into the air with the Booster funfair ride! This is a classic funfair ride that is sure to drop jaws at your next event - but who invented it?
• What is the History of the Carousel? The Carousel Merry go Round has a long history dating back to its use for cavalry training!
• What is the History of the Christmas Market? We all know Christmas markets come from Germany, but how did they begin, and who popularised them?
• What is the History of the Ferris Wheel? The Ferris wheel is pride of place at events throughout the world. It was created by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr at the end of the 19th century.
• What is the History of the Fun House? Wild, wacky fun houses are entertaining for kids and adults alike. How did the Fun House become established as such a popular fairground feature? Find out with us!
• What is the History of the Funfair? Have you ever wondered how funfairs became so popular? We love funfairs and fairgrounds, and we're excited to share the history of these events with you.
• What is the History of the Ghost Train? The spooky ghost train ride has been thrilling kids and adults alike for many years. How did this ride become so popular and successful?
• What is the History of the Dodgems? The Dodgems is a wild amusement that sees drivers ignore reason and crash into each-other. But who invented the Dodgems, and how was it popularised?
• What is the History of the Miami Funfair Ride? The Miami funfair ride seems like one of the most popular fairground attractions around nowadays. Seen at everything from festivals to carnivals, it packs a lot of fun into a small space!
• What is the History of Virtual Reality at Funfairs? Virtual Reality Simulators have come on in leaps and bounds since their early origins, and now offer an immersive experience to participants. Find out the story behind these innovations.
• What is the History of the Motion Simulator? The Motion Simulator is a virtual reality machine with a difference!
• What is the History of the Batak game? Did you know that Batak was once intended to train athletes, but it has now become a corporate event favourite?
• What is the History of the Roller Coaster? Rollercoasters are perhaps the most iconic ride of the funfair and fairground. These rides have a long and novel history, and the innovations keep on coming!
• What is the History of the Slide? The slide might seem like a simple invention, but it's a lot more recent than you think!
• What is the history of the Helter Skelter? There are few funfair attractions more famous than the Helter Skelter! Discover the history of this iconic giant slide with We Are Tricycle.
• What is the History of the Theme Park? When did people begin going to theme parks, and what were the first examples? Find out here!
• What is the History of the Trampoline? Trampolines are a more recent creation than you might think. Find out the story of the trampoline with We Are Tricycle.
• What is the History of the Waltzers? The Waltzers are usually seen at British and Irish funfairs. How did this exciting ride begin?
• What is the History of the Seaside Face in the Hole Photograph? The Sea Side Photo Peep Board has been a fun feature of tourist resorts for generations. It's a simple concept, but who created and popularised it?
• What is the History of the Carnival? Carnival games, fun foods and more - the joy of the carnival is always phenomenal! Find out about its history here.
• What is the History of Fairground Art? Even nowadays, fairground artwork has a very idiosyncratic style. We Are Tricycle examines what the story is behind these exciting designs.
• What is the History of The Hoppings? The Hoppings is one of the biggest Tyne and Wear funfairs you could imagine. Discover its history here!
• What is the History of Hull Fair? The East Yorkshire fairground is one of the most popular in Europe. How did it begin, and what changed to make it so successful?
• What are Charter Fairs?A charter fair is a fairground that has been granted a royal charter. But what does this mean, and how did they begin?
• What is the History of the Pack Monday Fair? The Pack Monday Fair in Sherborne was once an agricultural fair, but is now full of fairground fun! How did it start, and what has happened to it since?
• The Story of the UK's Showmen's Guilds: An overview of how the Showmen’s Guild formed in the late 19th century to defend travelling fairground workers, gradually becoming the leading voice for the showland community and a guardian of its cultural heritage.
• What is Carters Steam Fair? Carters Steam Fair is one of the most respected brands in the travelling showman industry. Find out who they are and how they became so successful.

Follow the Story of the Funfair Through Our Guides

The history of the funfair is really a collection of smaller histories. Rides changed as engineering developed, familiar games acquired traditions of their own, and travelling fairs became connected with local customs, popular culture and generations of showpeople. If a question on this page has sparked your interest, there are plenty of more specific subjects to explore.

Start with the rides that shaped the fairground

Some of today's most recognisable attractions have histories stretching back through earlier forms of mechanical and travelling entertainment. You can explore What is the History of the Carousel?, What is the History of the Ferris Wheel? and What is the History of the Roller Coaster? for three very different branches of ride history.

There is also What is the History of the Waltzers? for a distinctly fairground-focused story and What is the History of Chair-o-Planes? for another attraction that has appeared in numerous forms over the years.

From ghost trains to helter skelters

Not every historic attraction is primarily about speed. What is the History of the Ghost Train? explores one of the fairground's best-known dark rides, while What is the History of the Helter Skelter? looks at an attraction whose distinctive shape became part of the visual language of the fair.

You can also read What is the History of the Fun House? to explore the development of another attraction built around unusual experiences rather than a conventional mechanical ride.

Where did familiar fairground games come from?

The games beside the rides have histories of their own. What is the History of Hoopla? explores a traditional throwing game, while What is the history of Whack a Mole? looks at a much more modern amusement game.

For another familiar test of fairground skill and strength, there is What is the History of the High Striker Test Your Strength Machine?. You can then move into the present-day games themselves through our Funfair Game FAQs.

Explore the history of Britain's traditional fairs

Funfair history is also tied to the fairs themselves. Some events developed from long-established local traditions rather than beginning simply as collections of amusement rides.

Our historical guides include What is the history of the Pack Monday Fair?, What is the history of the Tavistock Goose Fair? and What is the Nottingham Goose Fair?. There is also What is the History of Charter Fairs? for a broader look at this part of British fair tradition.

How did the appearance of the fairground develop?

Fairgrounds are recognised as much for their visual character as their rides. Decorative lettering, painted panels and elaborate imagery have all contributed to that identity. What is the History of Fairground Art? explores this artistic side of fairground culture.

For the wider story, What is the History of the Funfair? provides another route into the development of fairs and fairground entertainment.

From traditional fairs to theme parks

The story does not stop with the travelling fair. Permanent amusement parks developed their own identity and helped shape how rides and attractions were experienced. What is the History of the Theme Park? explores that branch of amusement history.

You can also compare the historical background with our modern ride collections through Carousel FAQs, Ferris Wheel FAQs, Rollercoaster FAQs and Dodgems FAQs.

The unusual stories attached to fairgrounds

Fairground culture has also accumulated myths, ghost stories and unusual tales. Funfair and Fairground Urban Legends provides a starting point for this less conventional side of amusement history.

From there, you can read individual stories including The Legend of the Laughing Funhouse Clown, The Tale of Elmer McCurdy and The Ghosts of Lake Shawnee Amusement Park.

Keep exploring fairground history

Our Guides contain further articles about the origins, operation and development of individual rides, games and attractions. You can also return to the main FAQs section for our other question-and-answer collections, including modern subjects such as ride safety, accessibility and event planning.