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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Lifestyle
Diane Burke

Leisure World: The Belfast toy shop we wish was still open as Christmas approaches

Do you remember Leisure World?

Many generations of Northern Irish folk would beg their parents to go there, especially with Christmas approaching.

The former beloved toy shop used to be found on Belfast's Queen Street, first opening its doors back in September 1976.

Two other outlets followed suit later on in Derry and Lisburn.

READ NEXT - Rarely seen colour photos of Belfast life in the 1950s

Who remembers the little chicken toy outside or the sloping entrance that eased you into its magical world?

The window display was always second to none and set the scene for what your eyes would feast on inside.

Many will fondly recall being specially brought to Leisure World to pick out a birthday present or wandering around the many aisles trying to decide what toys to include in their letter to Santa.

Two floors of a child's wonderland - how did we ever make up our minds what toy would come home with us?

From every Lego set imaginable to a whole section dedicated to Barbie alone, it had something for every youngster.

Anyone who worked there during the 80s will recall the absolute carnage that the cabbage patch dolls caused.

The inside of former toyshop LeisureWorld on Queen Street in Belfast (Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society's Facebook page)

The top floor was also home to Santa's grotto in the lead up to Christmas.

Santa wasn't the only famous face to walk through Leisure World's doors over the years - with appearances made by Barbie and even Darth Vader.

Not only was it a mecca for toys, but it was also known for its impressive sports department.

Sadly after 22 years of making children smile, the popular destination sold its last toys in April of 1998.

Queen Street hasn't been the same since.

The shop would be absolute mayhem in the lead up to Christmas but there's no other place we would rather see open its doors again to let the nostalgic memories hit us hard.

The captivating atmosphere it created for children has yet to be replicated in Belfast.

If you have nostalgic photos of Belfast by-gone days you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at diane.burke@reachplc.com or contact us .

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