The land that the Morecambe Winter Gardens theatre we see today was once occupied by salt water swimming baths, which were surrounded by the gardens from which the name is derived. The original facilities included 3 plunge baths, 24 private baths and 2 medicated baths and soon afterwards an entertainment complex was added. In 1896 it was announced that a new theatre was to be built.
Morcambe Winter Gardens was originally built in1897 as an extension to the first Winter Gardens building (now demolished) and was first named The Oriental Ballroom & The Victoria Pavillion theatre. It is a Grade II listed building. The 1940's saw what many believe to be the Golden Years of the theatre's history, with many top acts such as Laurel and Hardy, George Formby and Billy Cotton. The last performance to be staged by this magnificent theatre took place at the end of the 1970's after which Morcambe Winter Gardens closed its doors for the final time.

In 2006 the building was purchased by The Friends Of Winter Gardens charity and formed The Winter Gardens Preservation Trust Ltd, who now owns the theatre and currenty oversees the restoration.
Among the present patrons to the Winter Gardens are actor Paul Nicholas and comedian Ken Dodd.

Good Side - Bad Side
Rumour has it that the theatre has two sides to it which governs the ghostly activity; a good side and a bad side.

Morecambe Winter Gardens has seen many a face come and go throughout its history, and it appears that some of those associated with the building have not quite gone altogether. There are numerous reports of strange incidents happening at what is reputedly one of the most haunted buildings within Lancashire.

The sounds of phantom footsteps have been heard by staff and workers alike at the building, coming from areas where there is nobody present. Unexplained bangs and knocks have been heard throughout the building, and upon inspection no cause could ever be found.

There have been reports that workers, staff and visitors to the building have been touched and pushed by unseen spectral hands. The spirit of a woman has been picked up on the main staircase. It is thought that during an argument with her partner she either fell or was pushed down the stairs where she died.

Poltergeist activity would appear to be rife at the Morecambe Winter Gardens theatre - is this perhaps the bad side of the ghosts, or merely a playful spirit.