Our magnificent Victorian gallopers
Come and see Victorian engineering and showmanship at its very best. Step aboard our beautiful gallopers and experience the joy of yesteryear - they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of the young, and the young at heart.
The brightly decorated three-abreast gallopers take centre stage here at Bressingham and rightly so, as one of the finest examples that can be seen anywhere. They operate every day during the main season, and the nostalgic music which accompanies the ride can be heard right around the site.
They were built by Savages of King’s Lynn in 1897 and were owned and operated by the Thurston family of Norfolk until 1934. The gallopers then moved to Whitley Bay and further afield to Scotland, before finding a permanent home at Bressingham.
The engine was originally built by Tidmans of Norwich, but has been completely re-built here at Bressingham, and the organ – a Bruder-built, 48 keyless Chiappa – accompanies the gallopers as they reach up to six revolutions per minute, and swing out 15 degrees. The set came to Bressingham in 1967 and have been delighting visitors ever since.
It takes an army of volunteers and a team of gifted craftsmen and women to keep the gallopers and all our exhibits in first-class condition. If you have some time to spare and would like to help us care for these wonderful icons from the age of steam, please get in touch about becoming a volunteer, by calling 01379 686900 or sending us an e-mail at info@bressingham.co.uk
If you would like to, you can also make a donation specifically supporting the gallopers, which will help us keep the ride turning and the horses well-groomed! Please click the yellow ‘donate’ button at the top right of the page.
