The Dobbies
A gentle roundabout of curious characters for small children.
About The Dobbies
The dobbies is one of the oldest forms of roundabout in Britain, and is a simple ‘round and round’ ride with the mounts hanging on poles from the ceiling rather than being fixed to a platform (it has no up and down movement). The roundabout is hand-cranked by the operator, and is a gentle ride for small children.
Who can ride, and what does it cost?
The Dobbies is a children’s ride, and is suitable for pre-school children and toddlers. It costs 4 tokens per person to ride.
A brief history of the dobbies
The eclectic collection of creatures on this ride, built by Halstead of Sowerby Bridge in around 1910, always intrigues people. It includes running cockerels, hungry-looking pigs, horses, motor vehicles, and curious Lord Kitchener centaurs! This set, which we bought in Ireland in the 1980s, dates from around 1910, and it features shields with scenic paintings of birds by Anna Carter.
Find out more
Want to feature the fair in a video or photoshoot?
If you’d like to talk to us about hiring the fair, or about a feature for film or television, you’ll find our hire section has lots of information.
Want to find out more about our rides and fairground art?
At selected locations you can join Joby Carter for a 1 hour guided tour talking about the history of our rides and fairground art through the decades. Book tickets here.
Find your nearest fair
Excited to try out our vintage steam fair rides and attractions? Find out when Carters are visiting a location near you.