A wooden roller coaster of engineering distinction, Grand National remains one of only two Möbius loop wooden coasters still operating worldwide—and England’s sole surviving dual-tracked racing coaster.
At a glance
Grand National is a wooden roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Built in 1935, it holds dual distinctions in coaster history: one of only two surviving wooden coasters with a Möbius loop layout, and England’s only surviving dual-tracked coaster where two cars race competitively.
History
American engineer Charles Paige designed and constructed Grand National in 1935, establishing it as a technological landmark of interwar amusement park design. The ride’s significance was formally recognized when it received Grade II listed building designation on 19 April 2017, acknowledging its historical and architectural value.
What you see
The coaster exemplifies early wooden roller coaster engineering with its distinctive dual-track configuration. Two parallel tracks allow cars to race simultaneously, while the Möbius loop—a rare structural feature—creates a twisting path that reverses the riders’ orientation mid-ride. The wooden structure and track work remain original expressions of Paige’s design.
Cultural significance
Grand National represents a crucial moment in amusement park history when American engineering expertise transformed British leisure culture. Its survival as both a racing coaster and Möbius loop ride makes it internationally important—comparable only to Racer at Kennywood in Pennsylvania. The 2017 listing recognizes its status as irreplaceable industrial heritage.
Key facts
- Designer: Charles Paige (American engineer)
- Completed: 1935
- Location: Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, England
- Coordinates: 53.79194444, -3.05305556
- Protected status: Grade II listed building (designated 19 April 2017)
- Notable feature: One of only two surviving wooden coasters with Möbius loop layout
Practical information & getting there
Grand National operates as part of Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort. For current opening hours, admission fees, and riding information, consult the official Pleasure Beach website or contact the resort directly. Blackpool is accessible by rail and road from across the United Kingdom.
Sources & resources
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