The Grand National is a world-famous racing wooden roller coaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in North West England. Opened in 1935, this legendary attraction was Europe’s first twin-track racing coaster and remains a cherished high-speed classic for thrill-seekers today.
The Grand National at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Designed and constructed by Charles Paige, The Grand National is one of only three surviving wooden Möbius Loop roller coasters in the entire world. In April 2019, the ride was officially designated as a Grade II listed building, cementing its status as a vital piece of British heritage. The experience is themed around the famous horse race of the same name, with racing-inspired references scattered throughout the ride.
Grand National Statistics
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- Top Speed: 64km/h (40mph)
- Original Cost: £35k (est)
- Estimated Cost Today: £2.5m
- Track Length: 3302ft (1006m) — 6604ft (2012m) total circuit
- Height: 62ft (19m)
- Manufacturer: Charles Paige
- Type: Wooden Racing / Möbius Loop
- Lift/Launch: Chain Lift
- Inversions: 0
- G-Force: 3.2 G
- Trains: 4
- Passengers per Train: 18
- Ride Duration: 2m 20s
- Year Opened: 1935
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Official Website
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What is a Möbius Loop Roller Coaster?
Observant riders often notice that you board the train on one side of the platform but exit on the opposite side. Many riders are mystified by this, as at no point during the circuit is there a visible track crossover. This occurs because the ride is a Möbius Loop rather than a standard twin-track layout. It consists of a single continuous track where the station serves as the halfway point. After one full circuit, the train has only completed half of the track and ends up on the opposite side of the station, creating the illusion that the trains have magically swapped sides.
The Grand National Horserace Theme
The ride masterfully replicates the thrills of the famous Grand National horse race by having two trains race side-by-side. The theming mimics the real-life event: at the top of the chain lift hill, a sign prominently states “They’re Off!”, and throughout the circuit, you race through famous sections such as Becher’s Brook, Valentines, and Canal Turn, before finally crossing the Winning Post.
A World Record for Naked Riders
The Grand National has seen its fair share of unique history. On 2 March 2019, 195 people braved the cold (temperatures were just 10°C!) to ride the Grand National completely starkers, setting the Guinness World Record for the “most naked riders on a theme park ride.” The event, part of British Naturism’s annual trip to Blackpool, shattered the previous record set in 2010.
UK Roller Coaster Rides
If you enjoyed reading about The Grand National at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, you may also be interested in these other Roller Coasters located at Theme Parks across the UK.
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