John Hodgsons Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens

Our community group has been together nearly ten years, formed to enhance our alley way and stop it from being a dumping ground. We found out that our area was one of the first places in Blackpool for entertainment.

The Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens were formed in 1862 by John Hodgson, he built a pub and garden areas holding a band stand, dance area, strawberry beds, a fountain and an orchard. They had tea dances and entertainers daily.

When we set up the community group, we needed a name, one of the residents mentioned the gardens, so that's how we began. Our group have entered the North West and Blackpool in Blooms since 2017, and also won numerous community awards. We have community events throughout the year, like a Christmas tree switch on, a Remembrance Day service, litter picks, community bbqs and socials, plus 2 schools come to take part in gardening activities.

On the history side we have had a blue plaque made through Blackpool Civic Trust to commemorate the gardens, which will be sited on the Belle Vue pub in October. We are also, with our historian Lee Sloane, gathering evidence about the Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens to produce a book.

Timings

Sunday 20 September:

Tour 1100 & Tour 1300

Location & directions

72 Newcastle Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9DH

Contact on day:

Paul Ogden

Telephone number:

+447759977587

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking for this tour is essential. Tickets will be released at 10am on Wednesday 19th August 2026. Bookings will be taken online or by phone. Please note, the phonelines are only open during the Showtown History Centre opening hours, Wednesday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Booking contact name:

Showtown History Centre

Booking telephone number:

+441253478090

Booking website:

https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/hod

Booking opens:

19 Aug 2026 10:00 AM

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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