Big Dipper

About

Big Dipper is a wooden out-and-back roller coaster at Pleasure Beach Resort (better known as Blackpool Pleasure Beach) in Blackpool, England. Originally built in 1923, its layout was extended in 1936. It was designated as a Grade II listed building on 19 April 2017. It is the oldest operating roller coaster in the United Kingdom after the closure of Scenic Railway in 2026.

Construction and expansion: The coaster was designed by John A. Miller, and opened on 23 August 1923. It is located in the southwestern portion of the park. It was extended in 1936 with arches over the south entrance of the park and additional drops by American engineer Charles Paige (whose work at Pleasure Beach Resort is all that survives of the 13 wooden coasters he is known to have built). British architect Joseph Emberton designed the ride's station.

Refurbishment: On 13 February 2010, Big Dipper reopened after months of refurbishment following an incident in August 2009. The station was upgraded during this period of time: retracking was completed, a decorative water fountain was added, and the trains were repaired and repainted dark blue with new decorative decals on their sides. The...