When Morecambe's Whitehall Cinema on the West End Promenade closed its doors in 1955, it became a waxworks - J Tussaud and G Nicholson Ltd. The attraction was a fascination for many including Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who died in 2020. Sutcliffe spent time in the Chamber of Horrors, which featured the likes of Jack the Ripper.When Morecambe's Whitehall Cinema on the West End Promenade closed its doors in 1955, it became a waxworks - J Tussaud and G Nicholson Ltd. The attraction was a fascination for many including Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who died in 2020. Sutcliffe spent time in the Chamber of Horrors, which featured the likes of Jack the Ripper.
When Morecambe's Whitehall Cinema on the West End Promenade closed its doors in 1955, it became a waxworks - J Tussaud and G Nicholson Ltd. The attraction was a fascination for many including Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who died in 2020. Sutcliffe spent time in the Chamber of Horrors, which featured the likes of Jack the Ripper.

18 pictures of Morecambe attractions loved and lost through the decades

By Debbie Butler
Published 9th Jun 2023, 15:00 BST
Updated 10th Jun 2023, 08:00 BST
Morecambe has seen many attractions come and go over the years – as tastes and the times change.

But the memories remain. Have a look and see which ones you visited through the years…

In case you missed them: 17 rarely seen old pictures which capture summers in Morecambe's heyday

51 scenic shots of Morecambe prom span the decades from the 70s to the 2020s

41 sunny pictures which capture a busy Morecambe Beach through the decades

51 scenic shots of Morecambe prom span the decades from the 70s to the 2020s

Central Pier was built during the late 1860s measuring 912 feet (278 m) long and featuring a large pier head served by steamboats. It was a mecca for entertainment for more than 100 years. An arcade existed at the pier entrance with covered walkways either side that led onto a central covered walkway. At the pier head was a ballroom, small theatre and a skating rink. Two significant fires occurred during its lifetime, one in 1933 destroying the pavilion then dubbed the Taj Mahal of the North, and another in 1991 which condemned the pier as unsafe and demolition took place the following year in 1992.

17. Loved and lost attractions

Central Pier was built during the late 1860s measuring 912 feet (278 m) long and featuring a large pier head served by steamboats. It was a mecca for entertainment for more than 100 years. An arcade existed at the pier entrance with covered walkways either side that led onto a central covered walkway. At the pier head was a ballroom, small theatre and a skating rink. Two significant fires occurred during its lifetime, one in 1933 destroying the pavilion then dubbed the Taj Mahal of the North, and another in 1991 which condemned the pier as unsafe and demolition took place the following year in 1992. Photo: Submit

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Last but not least.. and maybe more a case of loathed and lost... is Crinkley Bottom at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe. The doomed theme park opened in the summer of 1994. At the time Mr Blobby was a popular TV character on Noel Edmonds’ hit BBC1 show ‘Noel’s House Party’. Lancaster City Council struck a deal with Mr Edmonds to bring a Mr Blobby themed attraction to Happy Mount Park. There was great optimism for the economic boost the theme park could bring to the town. But the park was a flop and closed after just 13 weeks. A bitter legal battle between Mr Edmonds and the council ensued. The council eventually had to pay £950,000 in damages to Mr Edmonds after claims of misrepresentation and negligence against his company Unique Group were thrown out.

18. Loved and lost attractions

Last but not least.. and maybe more a case of loathed and lost... is Crinkley Bottom at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe. The doomed theme park opened in the summer of 1994. At the time Mr Blobby was a popular TV character on Noel Edmonds’ hit BBC1 show ‘Noel’s House Party’. Lancaster City Council struck a deal with Mr Edmonds to bring a Mr Blobby themed attraction to Happy Mount Park. There was great optimism for the economic boost the theme park could bring to the town. But the park was a flop and closed after just 13 weeks. A bitter legal battle between Mr Edmonds and the council ensued. The council eventually had to pay £950,000 in damages to Mr Edmonds after claims of misrepresentation and negligence against his company Unique Group were thrown out. Photo: Submit

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