Richard Bannister

Some of my coaster counting friends are in the process of ticking off every single coaster in the United Kingdom. While this is something I'd be interesting in doing it's fair to say that I'm not sufficiently motivated to join them everywhere, not least because the thirty or so coasters I've got left are all children's rides. Be that as it may, I'm still happy to make an occasional trip where cheap flights are convenient and available, as I did today.

This park was known as Tir Prince Family Funfair at the time this trip report was written.

The first ride of the day was on the Crazy Caterpillar (#1312). This particular Big Apple was giving passengers five laps of the track, and as the train wasn't being slowed through the station there was even airtime to be had. We passed a few minutes reacquainting ourselves with the Z40 Roller Coaster before moving on.

There are some things that are almost too embarrassing to document. As such, I'll deliberately refrain from mentioning that we paid full price entry into Knowsley Safari just to get one quick lap on Rattlesnake (#1313). In an ideal world we'd have enjoyed the drive-through safari, but there wasn't enough time in our schedule for us to do that.

Coaster number three was a successful attempt to ride the Storm (#1314), and much to my surprise the ride turned out to be entirely devoid of headbanging. Not wishing to push my luck I politely declined a one token reride, but if I'm unlucky enough to find myself in Southport again I'll certainly consider trying it again. The real reason for our visit today however was the new coaster this year. Indiana's Adventure (#1315) probably violates at least a few trademarks, but it was certainly the most interesting theming I've seen on a Supercar kiddie coaster. The queue passes through the remnants of the old pleasureland fun house, which reminded me yet again of how much the Thompson family have to answer for. The coaster itself was surprisingly fun considering its scale, not least due to some special effects on the second lap.

The sensible conclusion to a not very sensible day would have been to head back towards Manchester Airport leaving plenty of time before my return flight. As such, we set out in completely the opposite direction, the aim being to get a ride on the Wild Mouse to finish off our day. This proved to be an inspired decision, as the insane rodent was running better than I've ever experienced it; it really felt like the car was going to come off the track in places. Blackpool Pleasure Beach may be heading south in a big way under current management, but thankfully they still have one worthwhile coaster.