Southport is ideal for a day trip or longer, many people we know take the kids after school for tea or an ice cream, the sunsets are spectacular from the car parks on the prom, plenty to see and do.
Southport is a Victorian sea side resort but dates back to the doomsday book. Southport grew quickly in the 19th century as it gained a reputation for being a more refined seaside resort than its neighbour-up-the-coast Blackpool In fact Southport had a head start compared to all the other places on the Lancashire coast because it had easy access to the canal system. Other seaside bathing areas couldn’t really get going until the railways were built some years later. The Leeds and Liverpool canal brought people from Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton and Wigan amongst others. By 1820 Southport had over 20,000 visitors per year.
It has a large flat beach, Plenty of parks and open space, boating lakes it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The classic seaside resort it has scenic parks and gardens, good shopping on Lord street with the usual chains but plenty of local shops tucked away in the side streets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kby5Kx2uPwE://
Southport has a few nice parks, The Botanical Gardens and Hesketh Park are two of the best.
Just a few minutes out of the Southport centre in Churchtown is Southport’s Botanic Gardens. Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with floral splendour and colourful displays. Winding through the park is the garden’s lake and a multitude of pathways. There is an aviary, gift shop and café too, so there’s plenty to see and explore.
Hesketh Park
Food
Lots of places to eat, something for everyone, here are our two favourites.
Southport’s best Chippy The Swan hidden down a Back street just off Lord Street. 52 –
TEL: 01704 530 72
There is a small alley way from Lord Street to the rear entrance of the Swan to save you walking around the block, its next to the New Bold hotel.
Volare 613 Lord Street Southport PR9 0AN Tel 01704 546232
If you like quality good value Italian food this is the place, excellent food, friendly helpful staff, Volare, the Restaurant and Deli are more or less next door to each other both offer excellent food, service and value, the daily set menu is excellent value, its best to book as its often busy.
Things to see and do
Southport has a model railway / village, I don’t know of any others in the UK?
http://www.southportmodelrailwayvillage.co.uk
It also has a Narrow gauge railway
The line therefore claims to be the oldest continuously running 15 in (381 mm) gauge railway in the world. It runs between the pair and Pleasure land.
Give them a call to check its open before you travel.
https://www.facebook.com/LMRsouthport/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMMgzW56GFU
Birdwatching on the cheap
A famous birdwatching place is very near southport, Martin Mere
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
But at £11.70 for adults I feel its too expensive unless you wanted to see something specific.
Southport has some large lakes and mash areas so attracts lots of birds and other wildlife.
RSPB Marshside is free, well they ask for a donation.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/marshside
There’s something for everyone all year round at this delightful coastal reserve. It’s a very short drive from the Town centre or an easy flat bike ride down the Promanade. There are two hides, a viewing platform and three viewing screens. If you’re new to birdwatching, they have special event days.
This guide is very useful and shows the hides which are surprisingly near the town centre and all free!
https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/lancashire/southport/
Lots more to be added.