Not a dull moment promised the sign at the old Victoria Street entrance to the Winter Gardens seen here before the erection of what was known as the Victoria Annexe in 1897. Admission was just six pence (2.5p) at the sprawling attraction whose opening by the Lord Mayor of London in July 1878  was the biggest spectacle Blackpool had ever experienced.  


Winter Gardens
Victoria Street Enterance
1880splaceholder image
Not a dull moment promised the sign at the old Victoria Street entrance to the Winter Gardens seen here before the erection of what was known as the Victoria Annexe in 1897. Admission was just six pence (2.5p) at the sprawling attraction whose opening by the Lord Mayor of London in July 1878 was the biggest spectacle Blackpool had ever experienced. Winter Gardens Victoria Street Enterance 1880s

25 of the oldest Blackpool photos on record showing you scenes from the 20th Century

This evocative set of photos snapshot Blackpool in its very early days.

They are some of the earliest photos and images we have in our archive and show how primitive parts of the town were and how much it has evolved. There’s a great one of Central Drive which has nothing but sand either side of a track and one on the beach with donkeys and women wearing heavy long dresses and hats which were typical of the Victorian era. Wouldn’t be great to travel back in time - just for a day to experience what our town was like in those early years.

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice