No weight restrictions on this rickety looking roundabout. The delighted youngsters from Christ Church School, Preston, were in a spin when councillors invited them to the official opening of a new playground at Hartington Road placeholder image
No weight restrictions on this rickety looking roundabout. The delighted youngsters from Christ Church School, Preston, were in a spin when councillors invited them to the official opening of a new playground at Hartington Road | National World

14 forgotten pictures of playgrounds in Preston decades ago where we scraped our knees

Claire Lark
By Claire Lark

Digital Journalist

Published 24th Mar 2025, 08:45 GMT
Updated 24th Mar 2025, 08:48 GMT

We survived the playgrounds of peril!

Playgrounds could be brutal in the 80s and early 90s. We’ve found a selection of pictures showing kids enjoying (or enduring) the playground equipment. Recognise anyone? Let us know.

ICYMI: 38 amazing school retro photos from Preston during the decade of the 90s

21 mind-blowing Preston pictures taken 100 years ago reflecting markets, streets and docks through a century

21 extraordinary vintage photos of Preston streets in the 1950s and 1960s

For a personalised LEP retro newsletter in your inbox each week sign up for our free newsletter

This looks fun - but does anyone remember how hot those metal slides got in sunny weather? This picture was taken in 1987

5. Playgrounds of Peril

This looks fun - but does anyone remember how hot those metal slides got in sunny weather? This picture was taken in 1987 | National World

Photo Sales
We're in the 1970s now, and Paul, three, and Ian Yates, six, watch David Hehir, 19, build a log ladder at a "peppercorn play-area" at Oxford Street in Preston's Avenham district

6. Playgrounds of Peril

We're in the 1970s now, and Paul, three, and Ian Yates, six, watch David Hehir, 19, build a log ladder at a "peppercorn play-area" at Oxford Street in Preston's Avenham district | National World

Photo Sales
Next up is the climbing frame - very similar to the ones we climbed up at primary school.

7. Playgrounds of Peril

Next up is the climbing frame - very similar to the ones we climbed up at primary school. | National World

Photo Sales
We can't remember when we last saw one of these contraptions on a children's playground. Anyone recognise where it might be?

8. Playgrounds of Peril

We can't remember when we last saw one of these contraptions on a children's playground. Anyone recognise where it might be? | National World

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 4
Next Page
Related topics:Preston
News you can trust since 1886
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice