Hollycombe’s Edwardian Fairground takes us back to over 100 years ago, bringing the atmosphere of a larger steam fair to life.
Ride authentic steam-driven Victorian and Edwardian fairground rides; Golden Gallopers, Steam Swings and Chair-o-Planes. For younger children there are children's Chair-o-Planes, Austin Cars, Toy Roundabout and hand-turned Dobbies.
Showmen travelled up and down the country with their fairs, causing great excitement in towns and villages on their arrival – often being the villagers’ only contact with the outside world. They were the first to bring electric light and moving pictures to these communities, thus gaining something of a cult status for the showmen.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, powerful steam engines, known as Showman’s Road Locomotives, were built to haul the trailers carrying the rides. These engines were fitted with a dynamo on the front to generate electricity for lights on the rides and, later, power the rides themselves.
More exotic rides were developed over time, and Hollycombe has examples of some of the first ‘white knuckle’ rides.
Fairs still travel the country, though most now have modern rides which cater for a more sophisticated thrill-seeking public.
When moving pictures first came along in the 1890s, the travelling showmen were the first to show them. They travelled with grand palaces called ‘Bioscopes’, the forerunner of the fixed cinemas we have today, which were fronted by a magnificent fairground organ on one side and a steam engine generating electricity on the other. Live performances, including dancing girls, were held on a stage at the front, all to attract customers to pay their penny and venture inside to see the films of the day.
The classic fairground ride, our set of Gallopers is adorned with 24 galloping horses, 6 cockerels and 2 chariots.
Who can ride? Adults and children. Babies on laps in the carriages which are also suited to riders not wishing to climb up onto a horse or cockerel.
The world's oldest haunted house is ever popular – but look out! What's that hiding in the dark...? You only need to look at the delight on the face's of visitors coming out of the exit to know that this Haunted Cottage is a lot of fun.
Who can ride? Adults and children, undulating floors make this attraction unsuitable for visitors that require a walking aid.
Pull the rope to swing yourself high on our steam-powered swing boats. When the brake bar engages with the steam-driven pulley the traction created helps to drag your boat higher, the ultimate swing boats experience.
Who can ride? Adults and children over 1.3m (4ft 3")
Flying at the fair with our steam-powered Chair-o-planes with fantastic views over the miniature railway.
Who can ride? Adults and children over 1.1m (3ft 8").
Sit back and relax in the Bioscope as you enjoy a film from our selection of some of the earliest programmes in existence.
Who can ride? Silent movies running for approximately 15 minutes, suitable for all ages. Accompanied by piano.
The children's roundabout with a variety of toy vehicles including a steam roller, tractor, double-decker buses and toy animals.
Who can ride? Children only, children must remain seated.
This hand-turn ride featuring horses and cockerels is perfect for young children.
Who can ride? Children only, between approx. 3 years old and 7 years old. Children must remain seated.
Chair-o-planes for children, a fairground classic.
Who can ride? Children only, children must remain seated.
A fairground classic that amuses visitors of all ages. Mirrors that will distort your body and face in silly ways.
Who can ride? Suitable for all ages.
