Why Visit Southport?

The ideal destination for a coastal adventure.

Not many places offer the perfect balance of tranquillity and excitement like Southport.  A place to escape the hustle and bustle and still be right in the heart of the action.

Open spaces, coastal air, historic boulevards.  World-famous events and a never-ending choice of fun, family activities.  A paradise for golfers, water sports, and lovers of all things outdoors.  Vibrant nightlife venues and a burgeoning culinary scene.

Our coastal town ticks all the boxes for a day trip, weekend getaway, or extended visit.

Escape to the coast

If you're looking for a place to recharge, unwind, and soak up some good vibes, Southport is the perfect spot.  You’ll be welcomed to a town full of coastal charm, where green spaces are abundant and there are endless ways to stay active.

The Marine Lake offers adventures for all.  Thrill-seekers can take to the water and enjoy sailing, kayaking, and a whole host of water sport activity.  Families and day-trippers seeking more leisurely attractions can visit the Carousel, Big Wheel, and Model Village.  All this without leaving the lakeside!

Early morning town centre walks in Southport are soothing to the soul.  Amble along the famous tree-line boulevard of Lord Street and we guarantee you’ll be taken aback by the street’s diverse architecture and historic arcades.

Looking for the ideal golfing holiday?  Use the town centre as a base for trips to a long list of top-tier links courses including the world-famous Royal Birkdale.  If you ask us, Southport is England’s capital of coastal golf.

Don’t forget to explore the Sefton Coast too, which is home to 22 miles of sandy dunes and natural beauty.

Celebrate world-class events

Southport is the host of a jam-packed calendar of unmissable events.

Summer sees the Southport Flower Show and Southport Food and Drink Festival take over Victoria Park.  Look to the skies during Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship.

The town’s geography helps us to host some fantastic health and fitness events too.  The 24-hour Boat Race on Marine Lake is a spectacle and the Mad Dog 10k goes from strength to strength each year.

If live music is your jam, you could try Southport Jazz Festival or the annual Love Folk Festival jamboree at The Atkinson.

Make unforgettable memories

The town centre is packed with attractions and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Family friendly adventures no bounds in Southport and spending a day at theme park Adventure Coast Southport is the perfect way to start.  Make a splash on Loki’s Log Flume and putt through the fjords at Viking Golf.

Then there’s Silcock’s Funland and the famous Carousel, which offer traditional coastal charm by the bucketload.  It’s a great place to start your journey around the attractions of the Marine Lake; including boat rides and the famous Model Village.

Culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well. Spend an afternoon at The Atkinson, where you can visit a captivating museum, ever-changing exhibitions, and enjoy performances by touring musicians and comedians.

There's also a fanastic variet of independent shops, leisure activities at Ocean Plaza, and Southport’s very own independent cinema.

Eat and Drink around the town

Southport is very proud of its hospitality offer.  In recent years, a wave of new cafes and eateries have joined longstanding local favourites, making the town centre a treat for foodies.

There’s no shortage of family-run Italian trattorias, fiery Indian restaurants, or trendy bistros and bars that will tempt you in. Eating out with the kids is covered too and Southport Market is always a great option for big groups.

Café culture is a big part of local life here too; with specialist coffee shops, cosy afternoon-tea spots, and traditional breakfast joints aplenty.

Come night-time, it’s time to explore our cocktail bars and real ale pubs.  When the hour runs late, you’ll find us dancing below the Canopy of Light, enjoying the music in the bars and clubs of Scarisbrick Avenue and beyond.

Explore beyond Southport

Southport serves as an idyllic starting point and base for exploring the Liverpool City Region and North West of England.

Frequent train services and easy road access make for hassle-free day trips to Liverpool.  The vibrant city has a truly unique visitor offer.  Two Cathedrals, three Universities, the world famous Mersey waterfront, the home of the Beatles and two internationally famous Premier League football clubs, as well as the award-winning Liverpool One shopping and entertainment district.

Hiking trips to the Lake District are a breeze (just 90 mins to Lake Windermere) and visit to the historic cities of York (2 hours) and Chester (60 mins) are withing each reach. Not forgetting the nearby coast and countryside scenery in Lancashire and North Wales.

Manchester is also within easy reach (70 mins by road frequent train services) and offers high-grade shopping and cultural experiences, together with plentiful cafes and restaurants.

There are not many places where you can be away from the hustle and bustle, yet right in the thick of the action.

Planning to pay us a visit? Head to Visit Southport for more information on Southport hotels and accommodation.