History of Belle Vue

For nearly 150 years, Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was one of the most continually successful entertainment destinations in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1836 by John Jennison, at its peak it occupied over 165 acres and attracted two million people a year. All aspects of entertainment history can be found in the evolution of Belle Vue. For years people from all over the UK were amazed at the sight of elephants, monkeys and camels in the zoo, were thrilled as they rode the fairground rides and rollercoasters in the amusement park, sang along to their musical idols in The King’s Hall, danced the night away with their first love, marvelled at the circus and saw Speedway champions racing to glory on the stadium tracks – Belle Vue had it all and as a result of this, became known as, Showground of the World.

Belle Vue closed for good in the early 80’s but the treasured memories still live on in the stories and artefacts of people that worked and lived there over the years.