Monday 30 January 2012

'Fairyland of the British Isles'

Reginald Wellbye's book Picturesque Touring Areas in the British Isles was published in 1930, and while it may not be an entirely reliable guide today, the adverts in it are fascinating. 

One attraction caught my eye; can you guess where it is? It offered 'unrivalled Gardens and Grounds' in 'The Fairyland of the British Isles' for just a shilling admission. For the active, there was 'Boating and Fishing on the Lakes'; while the hungry and thirsty were assured of 'Adequate Catering'!

This 'fairyland' had been open to the public since 1924. Hugely popular at the time, it remains successful today although entrance is now rather more than a shilling. 



4 comments:

Hels said...

I might have guessed Rosherville Gardens but you wanted a 1924 opening, not a mid-19th century opening. Otherwise it sounded very similar :)

Ian D said...

Alton Towers would seem to fit? - which was sold by the Shrewsburys in 1924 to a company that promoted its park and grounds as an attraction.

SilverTiger said...

Old guide books are often very interesting for the light they shed on how places have developed since.

I am currently reading Thomas Burke's Nights in London (sometimes entitled Nights in Town) and (though it's not exactly a guide book) it presents a curious picture of London which is both familiar and strange at the same time.

CarolineLD said...

Ian D, you're absolutely right! I'll put up the advert shortly; Hels, you'll see that there's one clear difference - charabancss are welcome!

SilverTiger, I haven't read that one. Another to add to my reading list!