What is the History of the Helter Skelter?

The iconic Helter Skelter slide holds a cherished spot in the annals of British amusement park history. This quintessential funfair ride, with its distinctive spiral slide wrapping around a high tower, has delighted generations. Let’s delve into the captivating history of the Helter Skelter, from its early days to its enduring presence in modern amusement parks.

Helter Skelter Etymology

The term ‘helter-skelter’ itself is derived from ‘kelter’ or ‘kilter’, meaning in good condition or order. Over time, it evolved into ‘helter-skelter’, connoting a sense of haste and disarray - a fitting description for the spiralling descent that characterises the funfair attraction.

Helter Skelter slides are much more popular in the UK than the USA, and across the Atlantic, the phrase would be more likely to remind people of the Beatles song named after the slide, or the horrific Charles Manson murders that Manson claimed were inspired by the song.

The First Helter Skelters

The first recorded appearance of a Helter Skelter was at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1906, a landmark moment in the history of slides. This initial Helter Skelter stood for thirty years until its removal in 1935.

The turn of the 20th century saw further innovation, with a notable Helter Skelter being constructed on Great Yarmouth's new Britannia Pier.

Dreamland in Margate, Kent, mirrored Blackpool Pleasure Beach in its early years. This theme park opening in 1920 with attractions that blended modern thrills with traditional funfair charm. Among its amusements was the Helter Skelter, standing alongside more contemporary rides like the House of Nonsense and the Tumble Bug.

Beyond the confines of amusement parks, Helter Skelters became a familiar sight on seafronts, piers, and other leisure spots across the UK (other than Blackpool itself!). Birnbeck Pier at Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, is just one example of a location that featured this giant slide among its entertainment.

Despite a gradual decline in some areas, the Helter Skelter remains a beloved attraction where it continues to operate. The original Helter Skelter at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its successor on Brighton Pier, which has been in place since 1977 after replacing a previous version destroyed in 1972, are testaments to the ride’s lasting popularity.