Southport Pleasureland has been the classic day out for Merseyside families for decades - and that’s not changing anytime soon.
Kids have been able to explore the popular theme park for more than 100 years, having been a huge hit for families from the start.
Pleasureland dates back to Victorian times, having been considered then to be one of the jewels of the North West, and is still a go-to for families across the region to this day.
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Back in the 1920s the park boasted penny slot machines, photo booths, stalls and sideshows alongside thrilling rides such as the Helter Skelter Lighthouse, Maxim’s Captive Flying Machine and the River Caves.
The park was home to electronic palm readers and people who told fortunes, before welcoming its first rollercoaster, the Cyclone, in 1937. However, just two years later war broke out and the park was requisitioned and used for covert plane assembly.
Thankfully, by the 1950s Pleasureland was back on its feet and had even introduced Sunday openings to accommodate a booming trade.
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In the late 1970s the Wildcat roller coaster was popular with thrill-seekers, though the larger Cyclone roller coaster still dominated as the ride to beat.
Throughout the 1990s there was nothing better than a ride on Chaos, the ever-present Pirate Boat ride, Waltzers and the carousel that still remained.
Pleasureland was once even home to a huge water chute that saw small boats filled with passengers launched from a great height to splash down into the man-made body of water at the centrepiece of the park.
However, a little more than a decade ago the park was left derelict and fears grew that the abandoned theme park would never return to what it once was - and then Norman Wallis took over.
In 2008, when the park was just a shadow of its former glory, Norman began to transform it into what we see now, a family classic once again.
Pleasureland has changed with the trends of each decade, but stays rooted in history - you could still find Norman’s four-times great grandfather’s carousel at the park in the 90s.
These days, the park stands prouder than ever, with memorable days out and some classic fun.
Staples like the carousel, the Ghost Train and the log flume remain, with plenty of new additions over the years.
Back in 2019 the park expanded with new zones and food and drink outlets, including a bar and grill, ice cream parlour and donut stall.
The now larger park features brand new rides such as a spinning mouse coaster, reverse bungee, big pirate ship and a new big wheel too.
Southport Pleasureland opens from Easter through to the end of the school holidays, though it does often extend its season to celebrate Halloween, Day of the Dead and Bonfire Night.
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