Susannah's Guide to Southport
Sightseeing
Take a good, mile long, breezy walk down the UKs second longest iron pier. A grade 2 listed building dating back to 1860. If you don't want to walk take the tram to the Pavilion at the end for an ice cream, coffee or a glass of wine and play the vintage slot machines
17 locals recommend
Southport Pier
PromenadeTake a good, mile long, breezy walk down the UKs second longest iron pier. A grade 2 listed building dating back to 1860. If you don't want to walk take the tram to the Pavilion at the end for an ice cream, coffee or a glass of wine and play the vintage slot machines
The best way to see the Marine Lake is on foot, or by bike. The lake itself is one of Britain’s largest man-made leisure lakes and is home to sailing, pleasure cruising, rowing and many high-adrenalin water sports. The Lakeside Inn on the Promenade is Britain’s smallest pub, while the elegant Victorian Gardens surrounding the Marine Lake offer crazy golf, pitch and put, miniature railway and, of course, acres of manicured lawns offering an abundance of floral beauty and opportunity to kick a ball or throw a Frisbee!
20 locals recommend
Marine Lake
The best way to see the Marine Lake is on foot, or by bike. The lake itself is one of Britain’s largest man-made leisure lakes and is home to sailing, pleasure cruising, rowing and many high-adrenalin water sports. The Lakeside Inn on the Promenade is Britain’s smallest pub, while the elegant Victorian Gardens surrounding the Marine Lake offer crazy golf, pitch and put, miniature railway and, of course, acres of manicured lawns offering an abundance of floral beauty and opportunity to kick a ball or throw a Frisbee!
Beautiful long beach to walk along, sunbath or play sports. Walk through the Pinewoods at Freshfields and look out for the Red Squirrels that live there.
29 locals recommend
Formby Beach
Victoria RoadBeautiful long beach to walk along, sunbath or play sports. Walk through the Pinewoods at Freshfields and look out for the Red Squirrels that live there.
Along the 22 miles of stunning Sefton coastline, Ainsdale Beach is a glowing jewel. It is the only Blue Flag designated beach in the North West of England meaning it’s safe, clean and perfect for a family day out, a leisurely stroll or wind and water sports. Take a kite, explore its dunes and feel its fine sand between your toes… you’ll not want the day to end!
13 locals recommend
Ainsdale Beach
Shore RoadAlong the 22 miles of stunning Sefton coastline, Ainsdale Beach is a glowing jewel. It is the only Blue Flag designated beach in the North West of England meaning it’s safe, clean and perfect for a family day out, a leisurely stroll or wind and water sports. Take a kite, explore its dunes and feel its fine sand between your toes… you’ll not want the day to end!
Set in historic Churchtown village, the Botanic Gardens are laced with Victorian elegance and award winning floral splendour. Tranquil lakeside vistas, wrought iron bridges and bluebell trails make the Botanic Gardens a relaxing experience and an oasis of calm, while playgrounds and acres of open space let the more active burn-off some energy.
12 locals recommend
Botanic Gardens
40 Bankfield LnSet in historic Churchtown village, the Botanic Gardens are laced with Victorian elegance and award winning floral splendour. Tranquil lakeside vistas, wrought iron bridges and bluebell trails make the Botanic Gardens a relaxing experience and an oasis of calm, while playgrounds and acres of open space let the more active burn-off some energy.
Hesketh Park is a large, elegant Victorian park with award winning floral displays, secret gardens and passageways. Tranquil lakeside vistas and playgrounds and acres of open space let the more active burn-off some energy.
6 locals recommend
Hesketh Park, Southport
17 Brentwood CtHesketh Park is a large, elegant Victorian park with award winning floral displays, secret gardens and passageways. Tranquil lakeside vistas and playgrounds and acres of open space let the more active burn-off some energy.
Family Fun
At the entrance to the Pier there is a large amusement arcade, Carousel and hall of mirrors.
Silcock's Funland & Pier
PromenadeAt the entrance to the Pier there is a large amusement arcade, Carousel and hall of mirrors.
The park originally operated from 1913 to 2006 as Pleasureland Theme Park under the ownership of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach company. In 2007, the park re-opened under the ownership of Norman Wallis and has been invested in to create the high quality park you can visit today.
19 locals recommend
Southport Pleasureland
Marine DriveThe park originally operated from 1913 to 2006 as Pleasureland Theme Park under the ownership of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach company. In 2007, the park re-opened under the ownership of Norman Wallis and has been invested in to create the high quality park you can visit today.
Fun for all... brave the wild water slides in rubber rings or simply take the Lazy River around this fantastic water-filled paradise. Just 10 minutes walk away, Splash World will occupy even the most demanding family members and expend more energy than they could imagine!
10 locals recommend
Dunes Splash World
EsplanadeFun for all... brave the wild water slides in rubber rings or simply take the Lazy River around this fantastic water-filled paradise. Just 10 minutes walk away, Splash World will occupy even the most demanding family members and expend more energy than they could imagine!
Located on either side of the Pier at the far end of the stunning Marine Way Bridge, Ocean Plaza is a perfect day out if you want to shop, dine, catch a movie or knock down some pins. A range of family-oriented restaurants, multiplex cinema and tenpin bowling alley lie less than 10 minutes walk away.
Ocean Plaza
Located on either side of the Pier at the far end of the stunning Marine Way Bridge, Ocean Plaza is a perfect day out if you want to shop, dine, catch a movie or knock down some pins. A range of family-oriented restaurants, multiplex cinema and tenpin bowling alley lie less than 10 minutes walk away.
A large fun barn for children up to 12 years of age, Farmer Ted’s is a great indoor refuge on those occasional inclement days. A relaxation area lets the adults sip a cuppa, read the paper and keep an eye on the kids while they resist urges to leap into a ball pit and go wild themselves! Don’t miss Farmer Ted’s super-scary ‘Farmageddon’ event each October.
7 locals recommend
Farmer Teds Adventure Farm
Flatman's LaneA large fun barn for children up to 12 years of age, Farmer Ted’s is a great indoor refuge on those occasional inclement days. A relaxation area lets the adults sip a cuppa, read the paper and keep an eye on the kids while they resist urges to leap into a ball pit and go wild themselves! Don’t miss Farmer Ted’s super-scary ‘Farmageddon’ event each October.
Nature
Not only is this the place to hire your bikes, the Centre offers a practical demonstration of sustainability and inspiring visitors to consider their impact on the environment through stimulating information and displays about energy, transport, climate change and tourism.
Southport Eco Centre
EsplanadeNot only is this the place to hire your bikes, the Centre offers a practical demonstration of sustainability and inspiring visitors to consider their impact on the environment through stimulating information and displays about energy, transport, climate change and tourism.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre has played host to the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch season programmes thanks to its annual influx of migrating birds and successful wildfowl breeding grounds. Home to over 100 rare and endangered ducks, geese, swans, cranes and flamingos, there’s always something for the whole family to see and learn.
20 locals recommend
WWT Martin Mere
Fish LaneThe Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centre has played host to the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch season programmes thanks to its annual influx of migrating birds and successful wildfowl breeding grounds. Home to over 100 rare and endangered ducks, geese, swans, cranes and flamingos, there’s always something for the whole family to see and learn.
Sport
On the doorstep of two famous racecourses, Southport is convenient for both Aintree – home of the World’s Greatest Steeplechase, the John Smith’s Grand National - and Haydock Park with its year-round Flat and National Hunt season calendars. Racing is a great day out, but please remember not to gamble away your shirt… it can get breezy on-course!
34 locals recommend
Aintree Racecourse
Ormskirk RoadOn the doorstep of two famous racecourses, Southport is convenient for both Aintree – home of the World’s Greatest Steeplechase, the John Smith’s Grand National - and Haydock Park with its year-round Flat and National Hunt season calendars. Racing is a great day out, but please remember not to gamble away your shirt… it can get breezy on-course!
On the doorstep of two famous racecourses, Southport is convenient for both Aintree – home of the World’s Greatest Steeplechase, the John Smith’s Grand National - and Haydock Park with its year-round Flat and National Hunt season calendars. Racing is a great day out, but please remember not to gamble away your shirt… it can get breezy on-course!
7 locals recommend
Haydock Park Racecourse
On the doorstep of two famous racecourses, Southport is convenient for both Aintree – home of the World’s Greatest Steeplechase, the John Smith’s Grand National - and Haydock Park with its year-round Flat and National Hunt season calendars. Racing is a great day out, but please remember not to gamble away your shirt… it can get breezy on-course!
Tour the homes of Manchester's world-renowned football clubs. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
151 locals recommend
Manchester United FC
Sir Matt Busby WayTour the homes of Manchester's world-renowned football clubs. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
Tour the homes of Manchester's world-renowned football clubs. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
Manchester City Academy Stadium
400 Ashton New RoadTour the homes of Manchester's world-renowned football clubs. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
Tour the homes of Liverpool’s world-renowned football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
81 locals recommend
Liverpool Fc
Tour the homes of Liverpool’s world-renowned football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
Tour the homes of Liverpool’s world-renowned football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
60 locals recommend
Everton Football Club
Goodison RoadTour the homes of Liverpool’s world-renowned football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Between them, they boast an impressive collection of winning silverware including Domestic and European league championships, Domestic trophies, and of course European Cup trophies. Tour the grounds, see the dressing rooms and feel the history of these first class institutions.
The standard might not be Premiership, but the passion of this local League side is unquestionable. Entry to see The Sandgrounders is reasonably priced and a spirited game is sure to be witnessed.
Southport Football Club
Haig AvenueThe standard might not be Premiership, but the passion of this local League side is unquestionable. Entry to see The Sandgrounders is reasonably priced and a spirited game is sure to be witnessed.
founded on 29 November 1872 and is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world. Playing in the Rugby Football Union Northern Division it's worth a visit to a match.
Southport Rugby Union Football Club
Waterloo Roadfounded on 29 November 1872 and is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world. Playing in the Rugby Football Union Northern Division it's worth a visit to a match.
Culture
The extensively refurbished Atkinson sits proudly on Lord Street and hosts a number of free exhibitions, art gallery, library, artisan deli & café, Tourist Information Centre, library, theatre, music studio and souvenir shop.
12 locals recommend
The Atkinson
Lord StreetThe extensively refurbished Atkinson sits proudly on Lord Street and hosts a number of free exhibitions, art gallery, library, artisan deli & café, Tourist Information Centre, library, theatre, music studio and souvenir shop.
First opened in 1913 throughout the history of the SDC, its members have had creative and innovative ideas and put these into effect quickly and efficiently with enormous reserves of energy and stamina to entertain the people of Southport and Sefton and surrounding areas.
Southport Dramatic Club
Hoghton StreetFirst opened in 1913 throughout the history of the SDC, its members have had creative and innovative ideas and put these into effect quickly and efficiently with enormous reserves of energy and stamina to entertain the people of Southport and Sefton and surrounding areas.
No, we're not joking. The British Lawnmower Museum is one of those typically English tributes to the everyday. This internationally famous Museum has now become one of the Worlds leading authorities on vintage lawnmowers and retains a character not often seen in these modern times.
British Lawnmower Museum
106-114 Shakespeare StNo, we're not joking. The British Lawnmower Museum is one of those typically English tributes to the everyday. This internationally famous Museum has now become one of the Worlds leading authorities on vintage lawnmowers and retains a character not often seen in these modern times.
100 cast-iron life size figures set in Crosby Sands? That would be Another Place: a permanent installation of sculpture by the creator of The Angel of The North. Stretching for 3 kilometres along the coast and 1 kilometre out to sea, Another Place is a definite must see before you leave.
50 locals recommend
Another Place by Anthony Gormley
Mariners Road100 cast-iron life size figures set in Crosby Sands? That would be Another Place: a permanent installation of sculpture by the creator of The Angel of The North. Stretching for 3 kilometres along the coast and 1 kilometre out to sea, Another Place is a definite must see before you leave.
Shopping
With almost a mile of unbroken shopping, the beautiful Lord Street offers Victorian covered walkways and grand monuments that are said to have inspired Napoleon III to design the boulevards of Paris such as Avenue des Champs Elysees with similar style and grace.
Lord Street
Lord StreetWith almost a mile of unbroken shopping, the beautiful Lord Street offers Victorian covered walkways and grand monuments that are said to have inspired Napoleon III to design the boulevards of Paris such as Avenue des Champs Elysees with similar style and grace.
Boasting one of the finest stained glass domed roofs in the country, step back in time and enjoy The Wayfarers collection of boutique shopping.
Wayfarers Arcade
311-317 Lord StBoasting one of the finest stained glass domed roofs in the country, step back in time and enjoy The Wayfarers collection of boutique shopping.
It’s worth the train ride into Liverpool for the city’s redeveloped Liverpool One shopping destination. Designer outlets rub shoulders with large departmental stores and independent shops alike. Make a day of it and see the home of Mersey Beat to its full.
244 locals recommend
Liverpool ONE
5 Wall StIt’s worth the train ride into Liverpool for the city’s redeveloped Liverpool One shopping destination. Designer outlets rub shoulders with large departmental stores and independent shops alike. Make a day of it and see the home of Mersey Beat to its full.
A beautiful row of pastel painted independent shops selling unusual trinkets and antiques
Wesley Street
Wesley StreetA beautiful row of pastel painted independent shops selling unusual trinkets and antiques
A cornucopia of collectables and antiques… there are lots of hidden gems waiting to be found in these quirky little stores.
The Royal Arcade
127-131 Lord StA cornucopia of collectables and antiques… there are lots of hidden gems waiting to be found in these quirky little stores.
The Trafford Centre
About an hour away worth a visit if you need to buy ANYTHING
About an hours and a half away you can grab yourself a great bargain
211 locals recommend
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Kinsey RoadAbout an hours and a half away you can grab yourself a great bargain