History Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens became one of London’s premier entertainment spots providing an idyllic haven for visitors from the mid 17th Century.

Attracting both rich and poor, guests would pay a shilling to enter the Gardens to marvel at hot air balloons, music from Handel, fireworks and much more. It gave visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax and have fun. The Pleasure Gardens as it was known closed its doors to the public in 1859, but will always be remembered as London’s first and most celebrated Pleasure Garden. Ice Skate Vauxhall is the first event of its kind to take place in the newly opened Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, offering 21st century vibrancy in a metropolis location.