What is the History of the Theme Park?
Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland… amusement parks and theme parks such as these are some of the most popular family days out in the UK and beyond. But how much do you know about the history of amusement parks? What you learn might surprise you!
The earliest amusement parks
The oldest theme park still in operation is Dyrehavsbakken in Denmark. This theme park originally opened way back in 1583! However while they have been around for hundreds of years, amusement parks as we know them today really grew in popularity due the leisure boom of the 19th century. As wages and free time increased, suddenly a large proportion of the population were eagerly searching for new ways to be entertained. This period also coincided with the development of new technology for mechanical rides, and many of the classic funfair rides that people love today originated in this period.
World Fairs are the earliest example of fixed-location amusement parks that we recognise today. World Fairs, such as the one constructed in Crystal Palace in London in 1851, were put on by cities across the globe to celebrate industrial achievements and to entertain visitors. Part of this entertainment included new funfair amusements and fairground rides such as Helter Skelters.
While World Fairs were temporary exhibitions, the first modern permanent amusement park was opened in Coney Island in 1895. The first amusement park in the UK, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, followed just a year later in 1896 and it remains one of the most popular to this very day. People flock from all over the country to try out roller coaster rides such as Avalanche, Big Dipper and The Big One.
While the fast half of the 20th century is considered The Golden Age of the amusement park, their popularity has endured with innovation in rides and technology continuing. Over the course of the century amusement parks spread to every corner of the globe, with the market size in China poised to take over the US for the first time during the 2020s!
Rollercoasters and other rides
Rollercoasters have been one of the most popular type of rides since the first amusement parks appeared. The oldest rollercoaster still in operation today is the Leap-the-Dips located in Lakemont Park, Pennsylvania. This wooden rollercoaster opened in 1902 and is the last remaining example of a side friction coaster in a figure eight shape in the world!
The tallest rollercoaster in the world is the Kingda Ka, which can be found at Six Flags, New Jersey. It towers at a terrifying 456 feet and cost $25million to build. Do you think you'd be brave enough to give it a go?
Create your own amusement park with We Are Tricycle
At We Are Tricycle we have extensive experience of providing rides and other entertainment to funfairs, fairgrounds, festivals and more across the UK. We also have extensive experience of providing our premium quality amusements to private parties, festivals, product launches, weddings and more. Bring a little bit of the amusement park to your next function with us!