Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is an attraction I had heard lots about and had been keen to visit for a while. I loved fairground rides when I was younger, and I love museums, so I was really intrigued to see traditional fairground rides from years gone by and hear about their history.
Nathan and I went to Dingles on a Sunday back in May. We got there shortly after opening time and it was relatively quiet which we liked. We had brought our entry tickets online the night before as they were slightly cheaper (15% discount) and included some tokens for the rides. The tickets are valid for 12 months for a return visit so I’m sure we will be back soon!
First off, we went around the museum part of the attraction. Being home to the National Fairground Collection and the Fairground Heritage Trust it was full of if interesting information relating to the birth of fairground rides and a cool timeline detailing the development of rides through the ages.
I really liked seeing the old fairground horses from the carousels and seeing how intricately made and beautifully painted they were. There were some interactive displays for the little ones and even some wartime themed rides!
We then moved on to the fairground ride part of the museum. It was really cool walking around and seeing all the heritage rides in full swing – the lights and noise transported us back to the past and we were keen to spend our tokens and get riding! There was also lots of vintage stalls offering prizes and guaranteed fun!
We opted to go on the moon rocket ride first which was so much fun! It basically just went around and round until we were dizzy and giggling in hysterics! Nathan was holding on for dear life and wouldn’t put his hands up in the air which I found super funny. Check out videos of the rides of Dingles Instagram page.
Next, we tried out the traditional carousel and rode around on horses – when as the last time you went on one of these?!
We also went on the ghost train which was funny as we went one at a time and one of the ticket people jumped out at me as the ride ended (which was probably the scariest bit!). It made Nathan laugh a lot as you can imagine. The ghost train reminded me of being a kid and my big sister and I going on the ghost train at Dymchurch Fairground in Hythe where my Nan used to have a caravan – good times!
The dodgems were next – this was fun and a chance to be a big kid again. There were quite a few other people on at the same time which added to the fun of trying dodge people and chase Nathan round the track.
We tried our hands at some shooting too – I have never done this before but I was actually better than Nathan, much to his dismay! Neither of us were good enough to win anything though, never mind!
At times we had to wait a while for staff to come over and let us on the rides – I think because it wasn’t busy they didn’t have many staff working and so not all of the rides or stalls were manned. As it got busier it meant there were quite a lot of people walking around and waiting, which may have bothered some people. I can imagine they have more staff working during the summer holidays when it’s likely to be busier.
Dingles also houses a large collection of old-fashioned antique arcade games. We enjoyed playing on the heritage 2p slot machines and trying our hand at table football. Unfortunately, quite a lot of the machines weren’t working and swallowed some of our pennies which was a shame and a little frustrating.
After this we moved to have a look at the transport and living wagon collection. There were old-fashioned caravans and trucks. It was interesting to imagine them touring round, pulling along all the old rides so many years ago. I’m not sure what the darlek was all about though! Check out the DinglesTwittter page for more information and pictures!
The centre often puts on events during school holidays and as it was the end of half term when we visited, we saw some of the ‘dragons and unicorns’ event that had been running. We saw a unicorn (horse!) and lots of face painting and mythical activities for children. You can check out upcoming events on the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre’s what’s on website page and follow them on Facebook.
After all that fun we needed some refreshments. We visited the onsite café and got ourselves some lunch. This consisted of a brie and bacon panini for me and a burger and chips for Nathan. It was priced as we expected (slightly more than we would have liked to pay) and could have been a bit tastier. We sat outside in the picnic area and enjoyed the Spring sunshine.
There’s a small gift and souvenir shop which sells books, memorabilia merchandise and the all-important postcard!
We really enjoyed our visit to Dingles and spent a good few hours there experiencing the fun of the vintage rides and learning about the heritage of fairground traditions. All of the memorabilia and historic collections are really interesting and there’s plenty of information for people to read. The centre is not far from Okehampton and located just off the A30. With plenty of free parking, a café and small shop there’s something for everyone and a really fun family day out!
Do you like fairground rides? Let me know in the comments below!
Those old-fashioned fairs always creep me out a little…too many horror movies filmed in them! LOL
Haha yes I know what you mean! I’m glad I didn’t think about that when I was on the rides!
Great post!! Everything looks so fun, thanks for sharing
It sure was! Recommend for a fun day out!
I love going to local fairs and festivals. This one sounds like a blast.
This is a heritage centre with more of a museum feel than a festival but the fair is good fun indeed!
This looks so cool! I love history like that too… although the idea of carnival rides in the 1890s is a little scary huh?
I know right! I think they used to like scaring people!
This looks like so much fun! I haven’t been to a real fair in such a long time. Such vivid memories looking at pictures like these!
It’s so cool seeing all the old fashioned rides and have a go on them too! Glad you liked the pictures!
This looks nothing like the fairs we have here. I try to avoid our fairs, but these pictures make it look fun.
This isn’t technically a fair but a heritage museum – so much history!
Love a great amusement park and kids just have a blast! The food and rides look amazing!
It’s a heritage centre more than an amusement park – all the rides are traditionally restored, so much fun!
I adore the old fashion feel to this fair. It’s like stepping back in time and enjoying a whole new culture. It looks like you had a great time.
It sure is, there was so much to learn as well as having lots of fun! Really recommend!
Looks like a fun day out. I love the brightly coloured carousel.
Gorgeous isn’t it! Think it might have been my favourite too!
It looks like you guys had a blast! I haven’t been to a fair in years.
We sure did! Combining a museum and a fairground in one is a winner to me!
Thank you for sharing your experience at the old fashioned fair. I used to enjoy riding carousels.
Me too, lots of fun!
Such a nice place to go and it looks like a lot of fun. It sounds great that you were able to learn about their history.
Yeah I really liked that about Dingles – it was the perfect combo of fun and history!
Oh wow!! It looks like such a fun time. It has the look of an old school movie fair.
I totally agree! It really did!
This looks like a great place to enjoy. My kids would love to go here.
It was a good day out, I would recommend as think there is something there for all ages 🙂
This looks like a lot of fun! Old fairgrounds are fun to explore and have lots of cool photo ops.
Yeah they sure are, I loved the mix of rides and the history about them too, a fun day out for sure.
If you liked this, dont miss Carters Steam Fair when it comes your way.
Many steam powered trad rides still on the road and possibly the last still operating Wall of Death.
Oooh this sounds fun! I will look out for it thanks!