Blackpool
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Blackpool from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Blackpool's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine
Blackpool
A static amusement ride of 1904 designed by Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim, comprising a raised timber boarding platform around a central vertical drive shaft supported by a steel lattice tower,...
Blackpool Middle and Lower Walk colonnades including asso…
Blackpool
Colonnaded portal with stairs, of 1923, and a colonnaded public path with a cantlievered roof, of 1923-1925. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Grand National
Blackpool
A wooden 'Möbius loop' racing rollercoaster of 1935, designed by Charles Paige and Harry G Traver, with a concrete Moderne station by Jospeh Emberton completely replaced in 1990 to the...
Cabin Lift
Blackpool
A seaside lift tower of 1930 known as the Cabin Lift, associated toilets and upper promenade wall built to a design by the borough architect John Charles Robinson.
The Winter Gardens
Blackpool
A Winter Gardens seaside entertainment complex built 1875-8 to a design by Thomas Mitchell with later alterations and additions by Mangnall & Littlewood and J M Boekbinder in 1894, Wylson &...
The Big Dipper
Blackpool
A wooden rollercoaster of 1923 by William H Strickler and John A Miller, altered by Charles Paige in 1935, Joseph Emberton in 1936 and Felix Samuely in 1953, and with later modifications.
Stanley Park, Blackpool
Blackpool
Stanley Park, designed by Thomas Mawson & Sons and opened in 1926, retains its original features. The park includes golf courses, Italian Gardens, and Art Deco architecture.
Blue Flyer rollercoaster (originally the Zipper Dipper)
Blackpool
A wooden children's rollercoaster of 1934 by the Dayton Fun House and Riding Device and Manufacturing Company, overseen by Charles Paige, with a C21 station.
Savoy Garage
Blackpool
Garage, 1914-15, probably designed by TG Lumb, Son & Walton of Blackpool, originally built to serve the nearby Savoy Hotel. Little altered and remains in use as a garage.
Blackpool War Memorial
Blackpool
First World War memorial with additional Second World War and later 20th century war inscriptions. Originally erected 1923 by the County Borough of Blackpool. Architect Ernest Prestwich.
Noah's Ark
Blackpool
A walk-through dark ride of 1922 designed by noted rollercoaster designer William H Strickler.
Little Marton Mill
Blackpool
A former tower windmill of tapered design built in the 1830s for the Clifton Estate with repairs undertaken in the 1960s. Architect unknown. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of 1903, relocated around 1924 and refurbished in the early C21, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of 1903, relocated around 1924 and refurbished in the early C21, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of around 1910, relocated in the 1930s, with later alterations, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of 1904, relocated between 1924 and 1930, by the Lion Foundry Company of Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of around 1910, relocated in the 1930s, with later alterations, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of around 1910, relocated in the 1930s, with later alterations, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of around 1910, relocated in the 1930s, with later alterations, by Walter MacFarlane and Co of the Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.
Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool
Blackpool
Cast-iron promenade shelter of 1904, relocated between 1924 and 1930, by the Lion Foundry Company of Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Blackpool through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Blackpool changes over time.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
We don't have an image for any of these list entries yet
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
We don't have an image for any of these list entries yet
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Blackpool
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Blackpool
Blackpool Tower and the Promenade, Blackpool, 1920
Blackpool
Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens and the town, Blackpool, 1949
Blackpool
The Pleasure Beach and Victoria Pier, Blackpool, 1920
Blackpool
The Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, 1972
Blackpool
The Open Air Swimming Baths and the Promenade looking towards The Tower, Blackpool, 1925
Blackpool
Royal Navy Fairey Sword-fish Flypast, from the west, Blackpool, 1971
Blackpool
Stanley Park, centered on the tennis courts and boating lake, Blackpool, 1951
Blackpool
Blackpool, Cars parked in Stanley Park for the Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1953
Blackpool
Blackpool Aerodrome (Stanley Park), Blackpool, 1932
Blackpool
Blackpool, The Royal Agricultural Society of England Show, 1953
Blackpool in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Blackpool's past.
Eric de Mare
Blackpool
Date created: 1960 - 1969
Interior view of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool showing the main staircase in the background and tables and chairs in the foreground.
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
Blackpool
Date created: Jul 1953
A prize winning bull at the Royal Show
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
South Shore, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 1946 - 1955
Interior view looking along curved wall towards classical pavilion
John Gay Collection: Counties
South Shore, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 1946 - 1955
An elevated view looking down onto holiday makers wandering around Blackpool Pleasure Beach
John Laing Collection
Blackpool
Date created: 19 Feb 1985
Shoppers in the fresh fruit and veg section of the Sainsbury's supermarket in Blackpool
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Blackpool
Date created: 21 Aug 1895
Crowds enjoying the summer sunshine on the Promenade, as seen from the end of Wellington Road, with Blackpool tower in the background
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
South Shore, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 01 Jan 1930 - 19 Aug 1935
GENERAL VIEW IN GARDENS AT NEW SOUTH PROMENADE
Eric de Mare
Blackpool
Date created: 1960 - 1969
Interior view of the Grand Theatre in Blackpool showing the north side of the auditorium from the south stage box.
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
South Shore, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 1946 - 1955
Interior view looking across pool with children undertaking exercise class in foreground
John Gay Collection: Counties
South Shore, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 1946 - 1955
An elevated view looking down onto holiday makers wandering around Blackpool Pleasure Beach
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Blackpool
Date created: 20 Aug 1893
A view looking south across Blackpool seafront, showing the streets and beach busy with holidaymakers and day trippers
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Stanley Park, Blackpool, Blackpool
Date created: 1945 - 1950
GENERAL VIEW WITH VISITORS
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Blackpool.
Historic England Reveals Rare Photographs of Wartime Filmmaking, Marking 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Mentions Blackpool
The Historic England Archive has published a fascinating collection capturing the pioneering role of women in Second World War military photography.
8 Things to Know About Blackpool
Mentions Imperial Hotel, The Winter Gardens, Tower Buildings
As one of England's favourite seaside resorts, Blackpool has a long history of entertaining its customers for over 200 years.
The Beautiful North
Mentions The Winter Gardens
In April 2016, towns and cities across the North East, North West and Yorkshire were invited to bid to put on a ‘Great Exhibition of the North’, which...
7 of England’s Best Seaside Wonders
Mentions Tower Buildings
Here are seven listed structures that sum up the English seaside experience.
Mentions Blackpool
A grant of £24,250 from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Culture Recovery Fund, has helped the custodians of Blackpool Grand Theatre to strike...
Repairing the Blackpool Grand Theatre
A grant of £24,250 from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Culture Recovery Fund, has helped the custodians of Blackpool Grand Theatre to strike the balance between preserving its important history and future-proofing it for generations to come.
Historic England Reveals Rare Photographs of Wartime Filmmaking, Marking 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Mentions Blackpool
The Historic England Archive has published a fascinating collection capturing the pioneering role of women in Second World War military photography.
Researching High Street Heritage Action Zones
Mentions Blackpool
Research by Historic England is adding value to the regeneration of historic high streets.
Kirkham: Forging a Heritage Programme as a Bridge to Wellbeing
Mentions Blackpool
Supporting wellbeing and cohesion in a Lancashire community through a social prescribing programme based on interacting with heritage.
Tourism Research in Historic England
Mentions Blackpool
The context for Historic England's research into tourism heritage.
The Serious Business of Holidaymaking
Mentions Blackpool
A look at the history of tourism and tourist destinations in Britain.
The Seafront: Exploring the Seaside's Shop Window
Mentions Blackpool
Explore the seafront heritage of England's seaside resorts, a space that is both familiar and surprising.
I Do Like to See Beside the Seaside
Mentions Blackpool
Exploring 150 years of seaside photography in the Historic England Archive.
New Funding Allows Young People to Explore Their Forgotten Local Histories
Mentions Blackpool
Historic England has announced brand new funding for 11 ‘History in the Making’ youth-led place marking projects across northern England.
New Interactive Centenary Map of UK Buildings and Places That Have Defined the BBC
Mentions Tower Buildings, Blackpool
Launched by Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Environment Division, Northern Ireland Communities Department and Cadw.
Funding for 57 New Projects Across England That Will Tell the Untold Stories of Our Nation’s Working-Class Heritage
Mentions Blackpool
New Everyday Heritage Grants will fund community-led projects that aim to further the nation’s collective understanding of the past.
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Blackpool
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Six Seaside Gems Listed
Mentions Blackpool Middle and Lower Walk colonnades, Shelter on Queen's Promenade, Blackpool, Blackpool
Historic England announces the listing of six seaside heritage sites spanning some of England’s best-loved coastal locations.
Blackpool's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The main entrance to the Winter Gardens advertises the current attractions.
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
This Edwardian image of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool shows the interiors of the space. It was taken between 1900 and 1904.
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
The interior of the Andalucian-style Spanish Hall, created within the Winter Gardens in the 1930s.
Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A view over the rooftops looking down on the Winter Gardens and the Big Wheel.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, Lancashire
Victoria Pier, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A view of Victoria Pier looking west.
Victoria Pier, Blackpool, Lancashire
The promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Holidaymakers throng the promenade at Blackpool. The Tower, completed in 1894, can be seen in the background.
The promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire
The Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Winter Gardens, together with the Tower and its attendant buildings, established Blackpool as the premier seaside resort in England.
The Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire
The Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A general view showing crowds of people on the beach with rows of bathing machines. Blackpool Tower can be seen in the background.
The Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find historic places in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Blackpool Winter Gardens, Church Street
A Grade II listed seaside entertainment complex*, opened in 1878, featuring the Opera House, Empress Ballroom, and Spanish Hall.
