Southport Pleasureland, Marine Drive
1 sound
Southport Pleasureland is a family-friendly amusement park situated just off the beach on Marine Drive. Opening in 1913, it was originally created as a sister park for Blackpool. It has been enjoyed by many, many people often evoking vivid memories of specific rides, music and feelings from the time. With many of the original rides and attractions such as the Cyclone, River Caves and the Fun House being dismantled or moved elsewhere, it has lost a little of its original charm. However, since reopening in 2017, Southport Pleasureland has maintained a good number of rollercoasters, thrill rides and new attractions which can be enjoyed on an unlimited ride day ticket.
Carol Banks remembers some of the amusements around Pleasureland that she enjoyed during the 1930s. As well as the areas for younger children, Southport also catered for those who were a bit older with the Big Dipper, Big Wheel and Caterpillar in the larger. She is very specific in her nostalgia for certain rides, something that reminds us of the importance sites like this hold for creating memories in children that can last a very long time.
Recording ref - UAP007/217 D1 (OH-2158) – Carole Banks - ©️ Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives
Image ref - NSP2593 - Pleasureland Southport, c. 1900 - ©️ Sefton Libraries Information Services courtesy of Sefton Looking Back - Image Archive
