The History of Raikes Hall

Raikes Hall has a fascinating history dating back to the mid-18th century. The original house was built around 1760 and later became home to the Hornby family, one of the area’s prominent landowning families. 

In the 19th century, the hall took on several different roles, including a period as a convent, before the house and surrounding estate were purchased in 1871 by the Raikes Hall Park, Gardens and Aquarium Company. The grounds were transformed into one of Blackpool’s earliest major visitor attractions, complete with pleasure gardens, entertainment spaces and extensive landscaped grounds. 

Long before landmarks such as the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower became established, Raikes Hall was already an important part of the town’s leisure and social history. Today, the building on Liverpool Road remains a Grade II listed historic property, preserving a remarkable connection to Blackpool’s past.