Thursford Collection is a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer shows, a silent movie theatre and old fashioned fairground carousels. There are also static displays of both fairground engines and road engines plus all kinds of related memorabilia. Ride on beautifully restored gallopers and gondolas and hear the music of the mighty Wurlitzer.
Rides
Rides
What is it?
The term "Rides" can cover a lot of activities, but at the most literal level it includes any pastime that includes moving not under your own speed. For example, riding a donkey along a beach and going on a rollercoaster both count as go on a ride.
What does it involve?
Rides involve being moved along by the movement of something else other than you - either sitting in/on, or being harnessed to something. The specifics can vary greatly; from huge, complex apparatus such as a rollercoaster to the relatively simple set up of a zipwire.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
You should go on a ride to have fun! Every type of ride has their own individual appeal, and there is a wide enough variety that there will be a perfect ride for every age group.
What equipment do we need?
Rides on horses/donkeys will need various specialist equipment, but this should be provided for you - there shouldn't be much equipment you need to supply for any kind of ride apart from appropriate clothing e.g. swimwear for waterpark rides.
Who is it suitable for?
The suitability of a ride for students will depend entirely on what it is! Activities such as go-karting and rollercoasters may have age and height limits, whereas horse/donkey rides will be much more lenient!
Costs?
Most readily accessible rides are reasonably cheap, but more specialist establishments such as theme parks and go-karting tracks may cost more to visit as they have much more complex setups.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Be aware of supervision of children in busy theme/waterparks and ensuring any safety and operational instructions relayed to your group are observed - younger children may not pay full attention!
How do we include?
Inclusion of all students will depend on what kind of experience you are taking them on. Bigger establishments will have a better setup for disabilites than smaller companies, so if your student group has special needs then you must consult with the specific venue concerned.
Doing it abroad?
Some of the biggest and best rides are abroad, especially when it comes to theme parks! While they might get a little pricey, they will make for an unforgettable experience for students - make sure to check out what's around.
Main website:
The indefinite nature of rides mean that there is no real website that covers them all, so it would be best to consult the websites of individual venues to see whats available.
Venues with this Activity
A love of show business and steam
Norfolk’s railways treasured
This museum tells the story of East Anglia’s railways and in particular William Marriott’s Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway (or the ‘Muddle and Get Nowhere’ as it was affectionately known).
Also known as the "Poppy Line", the North Norfolk Line is a preserved steam railway connecting the town of Sheringham to the picturesque Georgian town of Holt.
The North Norfolk Railway offers far more than just a train ride, experience yesterday tomorrow with a day out travelling through some of Norfolk’s stunning coastal countryside.
Explore NWT Holme Dunes (5 miles from Hunstanton) with your group. There are a range of coastal habitats including sand dunes, freshwater pools, grazing marsh and saltmarsh and much of the site consists of natural habitats maintained largely by coastal processes.
BHS approved lessons from toddler upward; plus Pony Mornings, Days, Weeks and Camps; and Tots' Trots.
BHS approved Cloud Stables offer a variety of well mannered mounts for lessons, which are available from toddler upwards.
Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!
Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.
Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.
A land of thrilling rides and the terrific Splashland, amazing attractions and exhilarating activities are waiting to be discovered. From the Runaway Mine Train roller coaster and challenging Mini Diggers, to the indoor soft play Pirate Ship and Tropical House the fun is endless!
When in Norfolk come and spend the day, not a fortune, at Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Reedham.
There are rides galore for young children, family entertainment, exotic and domestic animals and birds to see as well as animals to feed and pet.
A family operated children's fair located in Sherwood Country Park with plenty for the small and mid range kids to play on from the caterpillar roller coaster and the ghost train to the classic tea cup ride and big slide.
Flambards theme park is the perfect family day out in Cornwall with a large selection of rides and attractions in Cornwall to suit everyone. From the thrill seekers to those who prefer a gentler pace.
Are you looking for a fun filled reward for your students or an exciting educational day out?
Then look no further. Whether they’ve worked hard on a project or simply just an end of term treat, your students will be spoilt for choice with plenty of adrenaline fuelled rides to let off steam away from the classroom.
Brean Leisure Park in Somerset is the ideal destination for a great family day out. With Brean Theme Park our on site theme park, Brean Splash Waterpark, Brean Golf Club, The Tavern and Dickies entertainment venues and a wide variety of eateries and restaurants you and the family will be spoiled for choice.
Rheilfford Mynydd Brycheiniog
Travel with smoke and steam in splendid Wales.
The line runs from Pant, near Merthyr Tydfil. Travel in one of our all-weather Observation Carriages, behind a vintage steam locomotive, into the Brecon Beacons National Park to see stunning views of the peaks of the Beacons across the Taf Fechan reservoir.
Face a challenging 1km outdoor track on Honda powered 270cc Biz Karts with top speeds of around 90kmph! For over 8 years and 1.25m.
Life at Crich Tramway Village is rich and varied and is illustrated by the wide range of events and special occasions we hold throughout the year.
Our recreations of the 1940s and Edwardian Era all add their own unique atmosphere to Crich Tramway Village, as you are transported back in time.
Lodmoor Country Park is just a 15 minute stroll from Weymouth Esplanade and through Greenhill Gardens.
You'll discover a host of independent attractions providing something of interest to entertain everyone. Access to most of the park is free and you can enjoy the numerous sport and recreation areas, wander around the footpaths and nature reserve or enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view our Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location. It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays - offering a great day out for all the family.
Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Theme Park is an award winning family attraction located just minutes from junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter. The Park has over 60 rides and attractions set in over 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside. We are proud to be a theme park that caters for the whole family, from the smallest children to parents and grandparents alike.
Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Theme Park is a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination year-round, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. The Park opens in February up to early November, with annual activities reflecting the seasons.
It’s a day out for the whole family with model/miniature railways and a country park as well as heritage steam and diesel locomotives operating and a host of other attractions. Sometimes you can see special visitors, be it Thomas the Tank Engine, a vintage Steam or historic Diesel Loco.
Bognor Regis is a traditional West Sussex seaside town. We’ve got three contemporary resort hotels, a funky spa, a restaurant by celebrity chef Brian Turner, a 2012 Quality Coast Award beach and the South Downs National Park on our doorstep.
Welcomes you to journey back to a bygone age and experience the thrill of steam and diesel on their preserved railway.
Peak Rail welcomes you to journey back to a bygone age and experience the thrill of steam and diesel on their preserved railway, operating between Rowsley South and Matlock Platform 2 for a distance of 4 miles and open to the public throughout the year.
Glorious beach with dramatic sand dunes, surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods
Red squirrels, natterjacks, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered - part of Formby's amazing and ever changing landscape.
Enjoy breathtaking sea views or a picnic; head out on a bracing coastal walk or find out about Formby's fascinating coastal history with links to asparagus growing and the early days of aviation.
Funland Amusement Park offers the whole family a great day out with a wide range of fantastic attractions for young and old, both inside and out.
Skegness is a lovely traditional coastal town in Lincolnshire. This is where Butlins all started back in 1936 but a lot has changed since then! You’ll find some lovely restaurants and a beautiful blue flag sandy beach right on your doorstep.
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