Blackpool Hotels [ close window ] Blackpool Hotels, Hotels in Blackpool Chellow Grange Holiday Apartments 12 King Edward Avenue, Blackpool FY2 9TD Winter Gardens Attraction: Winter Gardens Winter Gardens  (1 km) Originally opened in 1878 as just gardens and an open-air skating rink, the beautiful Victorian Winter Gardens have changed over the years and are now home to Britain's largest stage, the Opera House with its world class shows, the Arena and the famous Empress Ballroom. The Winter Gardens have been restored to their original pristine glory; partly Tudor England, partly Strauss’ Vienna, partly Seville in its golden age and partly ancient Rome but wholly fantastic and wholly Blackpool .