Peter Pan's Playground

Please note that this text is an extract from a reference work written in 1990.  As a result, some of the content may not reflect recent research, changes and events. 

c) PETER PAN’S LEISUREPARK: Standing alongside Madeira Drive opposite the shelter hall, Peter Pan’s Playground was developed on a site reclaimed from the sea by the Banjo Groyne from 1877. By 1889 enough shingle had been accumulated to allow some bowling greens and gardens known as the Madeira Lawns to be laid out, and there was also a bandstand from 1898 until the Second World War when the beaches were closed. The present leisure centre was developed after the war with funfair rides, slot-machines, roller-skating, miniature coaches, a children’s theatre, etc., along with the more traditional swings and roundabouts. It suffered a serious fire in January 1987, but there are plans to enlarge it considerably over Volk’s Railway and onto the beach. {27,115}

Any numerical cross-references in the text above refer to resources in the Sources and Bibliography section of the Encyclopaedia of Brighton by Tim Carder.

Comments about this page

  • My husband refers to an “Aladdin’s Cave” under Madeira Drive when he was a boy. Does anyone else remember this cave?.

    By Maureen (19/05/2012)
  • Hi Maureen, yes, my Mum remembers Aladdin’s Cave before the War. She says there was a boating pool inside, a mirror-maze, a ghost house and lots of other exciting things. She describes it as being “wonderful” and thinks it did not re-open after the War. It was near the Palace Pier end of Maderia Drive.

    By Suzie S (11/02/2013)

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