Southport is an idyllic coastal town in the northwest of England.
It’s packed with stunning scenery and plenty of activities to enjoy.
From wandering along the pier to exploring the famous Royal Birkdale Golf Course, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll be looking at 15 of the best things to do in Southport, England.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an adventure-filled trip, this guide has something for everyone!
So let’s get started.
Wander the Pier
You won’t regret taking a stroll down Southport Pier. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset and take a leisurely walk with friends or family. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to take some amazing photos for your Instagram.
Southport Pier is an iconic landmark that has been around since 1860. It’s a symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. You can take a trip to the end of the pier and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. Plus, you can spot some of the local wildlife, such as seagulls, seals, and dolphins.
With its vibrant atmosphere, Southport Pier is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and relax with a cup of tea and a good book.
Admire the Beach Huts
Experience the vibrant colors of the beach huts and take in the beautiful scenery of Southport’s shoreline. With the array of hues, these iconic structures are a delight to behold.
Their red-roofed, white-washed walls make for a breathtaking sight. Enjoy a stroll along the beach while admiring the huts; take in the calming sound of waves lapping against the shore.
The beach huts provide more than just eye-catching scenery. They serve as a reminder of Southport’s long-standing history. From the 1800s to now, these huts have been a symbol of the town’s past.
With their bright colors and cheerful vibes, these beach huts are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Explore the Royal Birkdale Golf Course
Surround yourself with lush greens and challenge yourself to a round of golf on the renowned Royal Birkdale Golf Course.
Located on the coast of Southport, England, the Royal Birkdale Golf Course is the perfect spot for a relaxing game of golf. This iconic course is a part of the Open Championship, a prestigious golf tournament that has been held here since 1954.
The course features eighteen holes and a par of 71, and is known for its tricky sand bunkers and challenging greens. Along with its historical importance, the course also offers beautiful views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside.
Whether you’re a professional golfer or a beginner, Royal Birkdale Golf Course is a great place to enjoy a game of golf.
The club house is also a great place to relax and grab a bite after your game. With its history and stunning views, the Royal Birkdale Golf Course is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
Visit the Southport Pleasureland
Enjoy a thrilling day of fun at Southport Pleasureland! Located in the heart of the seaside town, Southport Pleasureland offers a wide range of exciting rides and attractions.
From its classic carousel and rollercoasters, to arcades and mini golf, there’s something for all the family. Along with its traditional attractions, the park also offers a variety of amusement rides, including a pirate ship, a ghost train, and a water flume.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy the thrills and spills of the rides, as well as the old-fashioned fun of the bumper cars.
The park is also home to a variety of shows, including a children’s puppet show, stunt shows, and magic shows. A visit to Southport Pleasureland is sure to be an exciting and unforgettable experience, with plenty of great attractions, rides, and shows for the whole family to enjoy.
With its unique blend of old-fashioned fun and modern amusement rides, Southport Pleasureland is the perfect place for a day of family fun.
Explore Wayfarers Arcade
Take a stroll through Wayfarers Arcade and explore a unique shopping experience! Located in the heart of Southport, this Victorian shopping arcade is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Inside you’ll find a variety of independently run stores, each offering something special and unique. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothes, or just a unique shopping experience, Wayfarers Arcade has something for everyone.
The arcade is filled with plenty of character and charm, with beautiful stained glass windows and ceiling skylights that flood the space with natural light. Each store is a delight to explore, with interesting window displays and a wide range of products to choose from.
You’ll also find plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you can take a break from shopping and relax with a cup of tea or a light snack.
Wayfarers Arcade is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring all Southport has to offer.
Take a Boat Ride
Experience the beautiful views of Southport from the water with a peaceful boat ride! A boat ride along Southport’s Marine Lake is the perfect way to take in the stunning sights. There are a variety of boats available to suit all needs.
You can charter a boat and take a leisurely cruise around the lake. Or, you can hop on a pleasure boat for a guided tour with captivating commentary. You can even take a romantic gondola ride, complete with an Italian-style boat, gondolier, and traditional singing.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can even take a jetboat ride. Feel the wind in your hair and the spray of the lake on your face as you speed around the lake. Boats can be rented for an hour or more, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery and make memories that will last a lifetime.
No matter how you choose to explore Southport’s waterways, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Enjoy the Entertainment at the Atkinson
Immerse yourself in the culture and entertainment of The Atkinson, a vibrant arts and culture centre located in the heart of Southport.
The Atkinson offers a variety of events throughout the year, including plays, concerts, comedy nights, art exhibitions, and more.
You can also find a variety of unique shops and cafes within the building, perfect for a relaxing break from exploring the rest of Southport.
The venue is also home to the Southport Theatre, a 500-seat performance space that regularly hosts theatre, comedy, and music, providing a great night out.
So whatever your interests, The Atkinson has something for everyone.
Visit the Southport Flower Show
Discover the beauty of the Southport Flower Show, a premier horticultural event that showcases an array of stunning blooms and plant life from around the world.
Held annually since 1924, the show features more than 200 exhibitors and draws more than 50,000 visitors.
From roses and orchids to succulents and tropical plants, the show offers something for every green thumb, as well as those who simply appreciate the beauty of nature.
The show is also a great opportunity to pick up gardening tips and advice from experienced gardeners, as well as to discover the latest trends in horticulture.
You can also take part in workshops and tutorials, learn about plant diseases and pest control, and get tips on propagating and caring for plants.
With an abundance of activities, stalls, and exhibitors, the Southport Flower Show is a must-visit event for any nature lover or gardening enthusiast.
Tour the Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll through the tranquil beauty of the Southport Botanic Gardens and marvel at the stunning array of flora and fauna. As you wander through this peaceful haven, you’ll come across beautiful gardens, exotic plants, and a variety of birds.
You’ll also find a diverse range of aquatic life, with everything from koi carp to terrapins waiting to be discovered. The gardens are also home to a number of statues and sculptures, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of Southport.
With a wide variety of attractions, the Botanic Gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon, allowing you to take in the beauty of the outdoors and relax.
Visit the Churchtown Farm
Experience a piece of Southport’s rural past at Churchtown Farm. This 18th-century farm and walled garden is a great place to explore local history and get closer to nature.
Stroll along the peaceful pathways that loop around the gardens, and take in the picturesque rural views that stretch out for miles.
Churchtown Farm also offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Take a guided tour of the historic farmhouse, or explore the nearby woods and meadows. You can also join a range of workshops, including cooking, arts and crafts, and more.
Whether you’re visiting with the family or just looking for a peaceful day out, Churchtown Farm is the perfect spot.
Take a Stroll Along the Marine Lake
After visiting the Churchtown Farm, I decided to take a leisurely stroll along the Marine Lake.
Situated right in the heart of Southport, this picturesque lake is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the nearby beach.
As I wandered around the lake, I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful scenery.
From the grand Victorian homes to the lush gardens, the lake was an absolute pleasure to explore.
The lake is also home to many different species of birds and wildlife, making it the perfect spot for nature-lovers.
Plus, there are a few trails for those looking to explore the area further.
So, no matter what I was in the mood for, the Marine Lake had something for me.
Shop in Lord Street
Head to Lord Street for some of the best shopping in Southport! With its variety of independent stores, you’re sure to find something unique to take home.
From fashion boutiques to antiques stores, there is something for every taste and budget. Lord Street is a must-stop for any shopping enthusiast.
The street is lined with an impressive selection of stores, while the rest of the town provides even more opportunities to find the perfect souvenir or gift. Shopping in Southport is an experience in itself, as the area is full of character and history.
There are a range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to choose from, so you can take a break or grab a bite to eat while you browse. Whether it’s a unique item or a one-of-a-kind experience, Lord Street is the perfect place to get it.
Visit the Southport Airshow
Gather your family and friends to watch the spectacular Southport Airshow, where you’ll witness aerial acrobatics, historic aircrafts, and stunning views of the coastline.
The Southport Airshow is a popular event and has been running for over 30 years. It attracts thousands of spectators, who come to watch the daring aerobatics performed by internationally renowned pilots.
Not only will you get to enjoy the incredible aerial displays, but you’ll also have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the historic aircrafts on display. You’ll also get to experience the beautiful views of the coastline from the air.
It’s an event that will thrill the whole family, and tickets are available both online and on the gate. You can also make a day of it by purchasing a VIP pass, which includes access to the exclusive viewing areas, VIP hospitality, and a souvenir programme.
So, treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable day out at the Southport Airshow!
Try the Local Cuisine
After the thrilling experience of attending the Southport Airshow, I was ready to sample the local cuisine.
Southport is home to a variety of delicious restaurants and eateries that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the freshest seafood caught right off the English coast to the traditional English pub grub, there is something for everyone.
The town of Southport is especially well known for its fish and chips, a classic English meal. The chips are typically made with potato wedges, fried in vegetable oil until they’re golden and crispy. The fish is usually battered cod or haddock, fried until it’s flaky and cooked through. It’s served with a side of malt vinegar and a generous helping of tartar sauce.
There are many places to get fish and chips in Southport, but the locals swear by Fylde Fish and Chips.
Take a Walk Along the Marine Way Bridge
Strolling along the Marine Way Bridge is a great way to take in the beauty of Southport and its stunning coastline. The bridge is a pedestrian and cycle path that connects the town to the beachfront. It stretches for almost half a mile and offers uninterrupted views of the Irish Sea and Sussex Gardens.
It’s also a great spot for bird-watching, as there are often a variety of seabirds and wading birds flying around and nesting in the area. The bridge’s unique curved design adds to its aesthetic appeal, and it’s a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the beauty of Southport.
The Marine Way Bridge is also home to a variety of sculptures and artworks. It’s a great way to get to know the local art scene, and some of the sculptures reflect the town’s history and maritime heritage. The bridge is also a popular spot for photographers, as the views from the bridge are truly breathtaking.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll, a chance to appreciate the local art scene, or just some time to relax and take in the views, the Marine Way Bridge is a great spot for a visit.
Conclusion
I’ve had an incredible time exploring Southport. From wandering the pier and admiring the beach huts to visiting the Southport Airshow and trying the local cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
Southport is a great destination for anyone looking for a unique vacation. Whether you’re a fan of golf, shopping, or outdoor activities, there’s something for you to enjoy.
I highly recommend visiting Southport and experiencing all the fun things this beautiful city has to offer.