The designation of amusement parks and fairground rides in England.

Abstract

This chapter examines Historic England's programme of research into amusement parks and fairgrounds rides and the mechanisms for their protection that are being actively considered. In recent years, English Heritage's, and since 2015 Historic England's, listing programme has further celebrated and embraced popular culture. In the emerging English Heritage Action Plan for the National Heritage Protection Plan for 2011-15 resources were allocated to allow a national review of Amusement Parks and Fairground Rides and this work took place in 2013. The amusement park was also inspired by early national and international exhibitions and many early switchbacks, scenic railways and figures of eight were originally located at short-lived exhibition sites before being transferred to amusement parks. Having examined the origins of amusement parks, the research examined how Blackpool Pleasure Beach served as a blueprint for amusement parks in Britain. Blackpool Pleasure Beach served as an inspiration and a model for other seaside amusement parks, like the Kursaal and Pleasureland.