The centrepiece at Hollycombe is a complete Edwardian Fairground with everything from gentle rides for the children to some of the earliest "white knuckle" rides. See an early film show in our Bioscope, or try your luck on our side shows. The atmosphere is completed with period fairground organs.
The Golden
Gallopers is the classic fairground ride with
galloping horses. Our example is a Tidman 3 abreast set built c.1912
complete with revolving mirrored pillars and a Gavioli organ.
There are 24 horses, 6 cockerels and 2 chariots for those who don't
relish the galloping motion.
The Razzle Dazzle, built around 1908 is regarded as the world's first "White Knuckle" ride. It is one of the earliest rides to use both rotational and tilting motion and it was from this than many of the modern rides were developed.
The Big wheel is a well known favourite, and the views from the top of ours across the South Downs are spectacular (weather permitting!) NB, the Big Wheel is currently undergoing a major overhaul and is expected back in service Easter 2009.
The Steam Yacht
is an early version of the modern "Pirate Ship" -
somewhat smaller, but just as exhiliarating. Built in 1911 it is
powered by a Burrell single crank compound engine which had been
converted from a road roller.
The Steam Swings can be controlled by the rider to provide a swing which is anything from gentle to breathtaking. The ride conists of 6 boats driven by an overhead line shaft from a 1901 Brown & May portable engine. The riders in each boat pull a rope to control the drive and therefore the height to which their boat swings.
The Chair-o-planes are another favourite, providing a flying sensation enjoyed by young and old alike. Our set was originally built as a set of Gallopers and converted into Chair-o-planes after a large part was burned as a result of bombing in the second world war.
Mr Field's
Steam Circus is believed to date from the late 1870's
making it the world's oldest surviving mechanically driven
fairground ride. The set of Savage platform horses, or Dobbies,
is the forerunner of the Gallopers which feature the addition of
cranked 'galloping' motion of the horses to the Dobbies' circular
motion. The ride is driven by a Savage centre engine and the
riders are entertained by an 1880's 62 key Gavioli trumpet barrel
organ.
When you have enjoyed the rides, why not test your skills on the side stalls? Our fairground is completed with the Jungle Shooting Gallery, Cork Shooter, Hoopla Stall, Coconut Shy, and Roll-a-ball. If you have any energy left, try your strength and ring the bell on our adult and junior Strikers.
To complete the fairground experience, sit back and relax in the Bioscope as you enjoy a film taken from our selection of the earliest material in existance. The Bioscope is typical of the travelling shows which brought the very first films to the public. The large Marenghi organ fills the fairground with lively period music and the Garrett Showmans engine generates electricity.