Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens first opened in 1878, designed as a leisure venue for Blackpool’s Victorian visitors. Its creation aimed to bring a sense of grandeur and sophistication to the seaside resort, with elegant gardens, pavilions and a series of entertainment spaces. Over the years, the complex expanded, adding various performance venues, ballrooms, and theatres, most notably the Opera House.

The current Opera House was completed in 1939, replacing earlier theatres on the same site. With a seating capacity of almost 3,000, it is one of the largest theatres in the UK. Designed by Frank Matcham, the building is noted for its stunning interiors, including the grand auditorium and an opulent foyer.

The Winter Gardens complex also contains several other attractions including the Empress Ballroom, the Pavilion Theatre, Baronial Hall, Spanish Hall and Olympia Exhibition Hall, each offering their own unique settings for events ranging from comedy and cabaret to trade shows and exhibitions.

Opened in 1896, the Empress Ballroom boasts an ornate ceiling and an impressive dance floor and is a focal point for national and international ballroom dancing competitions. The ballroom has also hosted concerts, including Queen and the Rolling Stones, prestigious events such as the British Beard & Moustache Championships and the World Matchplay darts tournament as well as annual conferences for the three major British political parties.

The Winter Gardens hosts numerous festivals, including the annual Blackpool Dance Festival, the punk rock Rebellion Festival and the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.

What to see at the Winter Gardens

Most visitors come here to see a show or to attend a conference and many people specifically attend a show to see inside one of the venue’s theatres.

You can also take a guided tour of the Winter Gardens complex. The two-hour guided tour includes access to several of the venues within the Winter Gardens complex including the Opera House and the Empress Ballroom and tours also let you see backstage. However, the varied event programme means that you may not always have access to all areas.

Visiting the Winter Gardens

The Opera House and Winter Gardens are on Church Street in the centre of Blackpool. From here it is only a three-minute walk to Blackpool Tower and many attractions in central Blackpool, including the Grundy Art Gallery, Madame Tussauds, the North Pier and the SEA LIFE aquarium are within a 10-minute walk.

The venue’s opening hours vary depending on scheduled performances and events. Typically, the box office is open 11am–3pm daily but opening times are often extended depending on the event schedule.

Tours of the Winter Gardens operate throughout the year; however, they do not always operate, depending on the event schedule. The tour admission prices includes a tea or coffee in the Mazzei Cafe following the tour with the option to upgrade to an afternoon tea package.

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