The Winter Gardens is an entertainment center containing a range of venues for performing arts, dance recitals and political gatherings. Dating back to 1878, the arena has long played a key role in Blackpool’s cultural scene and has hosted some of the world’s most iconic musical acts. Attend a concert at one of the impressive venues within this special building.
Enter the circular building and admire the gold-leaf décor and elegant balconies wrapping around the interior of its dome. Various arenas can be found on different stories of the complex. Book tickets to an operatic display at the first floor’s Opera House Theatre, which seats almost 3,000 spectators. You can also watch acclaimed movies and black-and-white classics in these majestic surroundings.
See a show in the 19th-century Empress Ballroom, where such bands as the Beatles, Radiohead and Queen have performed. The many venues in the entertainment center put on a range of touring West End musicals, comedies and dance recitals.
Appreciate the intimacy of the 600-seater Pavilion Theatre and marvel at the Andalusian style of the Spanish Hall on the second floor. Formal dinners and wedding receptions often take place in the latter.
Come and enjoy the fizzy alcoholic beverages during the Prosecco Festival in June. Take a break at one of the bars and cafés in the complex, such as the Empress Grill Room and the Mazzei Café. You’ll learn more about the history and architecture of the venues through a guided tour of the Winter Gardens.
Note that the building is open daily from morning until afternoon, with hours extended for performances. Purchase tickets for shows from the Winter Gardens Box Office.
The Winter Gardens is located a few blocks inland from the sea in the North Pier area of Blackpool. Get off at the Tower or North Pier tram stops or take a bus to the area and reach the complex on foot. Explore the surrounding area for the Grand Theatre, Blackpool Tower and the North Pier.
