Blackpool Winter Gardens

Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens complex was first opened in 1878 and has continually been developed throughout its life. The original development was continued through to 1931, when new areas and bars were opened. If entering the building from Church Street, look up. There is a domed roof in the main entrance area, then in the foyer an iron and glass canopy, added in 1931. This gives an ambience of light and space and most of these pictures feature this.

An abstract view of the domed roof, in the entrance hall when entering from Church Street

Illuminated pillars add to the ambience of light and space created by the glass roof, as seen  in this small section of the foyer

Strong lines from a dynamic structure graced by art decor lamps, when looking up at the glass roof in the foyer

colours reflected from the nearby buildings through a section of the glass roof in the foyer

I urge you to visit the Winter Gardens. It was awarded Grade II listing in 1973 and has been enhanced by the addition of an Opera House Foyer Bar and a new Theatre Bar as recently as 2013. It is an iconic building, which now houses two theatres, a ballroom, two exhibition halls, and bars, with themed halls on the first floor.

In praise of Blackpool's Trams

Blackpool has the oldest electric tramway in the world, dating back to 1885, and some of the older trams were distinctive and iconic. It is still possible to ride on one of the older feature trams during the illuminations, such as these:

taking the tour, on a lit tram or a feature tram

The old trams bring memories of noise rather than comfort. They rattled along and could readily be heard by pedestrians when approaching. Blackpool's tramway was upgraded between 2010 and 2012, and the new trams are sleek, clean and comfortable.

the newly-laid track allows the new trams to run smoothly and quietly  

Passengers certainly come first, with a service reflecting northern hospitality and friendliness. Foot passengers can simply walk on the trams -there is no need to step up - and wheelchair users can ride on with relative ease. There are conductors (or guards – depending on terminology) offering friendly service by helping wheelchair users board safely as well as taking fares from passengers. The trams run over an 11 mile section of the Fylde, from Blackpool to Fleetwood, and are a credit to the town.

Why not share Blackpool's history and travel by tram when visiting the Fylde coast?