Southport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Southport which includes a monument and a square or plaza
Lovely beaches, plenty of natural beauty and entertainment options for the whole family await at this coastal town in North West England.

While Southport is best known for its beaches and its coastal location, there is plenty to do here even in bad weather. Visit the town to see its annual airshow, head to an indoor water park and see a historic model village.

As it is a town that heavily relies on tourism, you’ll be met with friendly faces and lots to do in Southport. It began as a fishing town, but slowly grew into an area known for its refined beachfront atmosphere. Learn about its canal system and how this network made it easier for people across England to visit the town and develop its reputation as a top spot for leisure travelers.

Start your journey through Southport by stopping at one of its most famous landmarks: Southport Pier. This pleasure pier is the second longest in all of Great Britain and is the perfect place to take a walk and experience beautiful views of the sunset. When you have finished exploring the retail outlets and café on the pavilion, head over to Ainsdale Beach, where you can dig your toes into the sand and build sandcastles with your family.

For some amusement park fun, stop by Pleasureland. Take a ride on a roller coaster or see the sights as you ride the train around the park. In all seasons, you can also enjoy the water at Splash World, an indoor water park with colorful slides.

Wander around the Southport Model Railway Village, where miniature versions of Southport landmarks attract intrigued visitors throughout the year. During certain periods of the year, you can also explore Meols Hall, a manor house with extensive grounds.

If arriving by air, fly into Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Manchester Airport. Rent a car to drive to Southport, as you will want your own means of transportation to make your way around the coastline.

Whether you want to enjoy the surf and sand or throw your hands up in the air on a thrill ride, Southport is the perfect place for a break.

Where to stay in Southport

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Birkdale

5/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Birkdale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Royal Birkdale Golf Club and Splash World.

Birkdale

Ainsdale

3/5(8 area reviews)

Ainsdale is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ainsdale Beach and Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club.

Ainsdale
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Crossens

While Crossens may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Botanic Gardens and Meols Hall.

Crossens

Banks

Get to know Banks by checking out its restaurants, seaside views and golf courses. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Lowther Pavilion or Southport Pier during your time in the area.

Banks
The Resident Liverpool
The Resident Liverpool
3.5 out of 5
29 Seel Street Merseyside, Liverpool, England
The price is £62 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
£62
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,124 reviews)
Highly recommended
"The staff were incredibly friendly and couldn’t be more helpful.There was a problem with the boiler but the staff went out of their way to get it repaired promptly and offered compensation for the inconvenience.Fantastic service and highly recommend them."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

The Resident Liverpool
Waterfront Southport Hotel
Waterfront Southport Hotel
4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade, Southport, England
The price is £98 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
£98
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Southport. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Brilliant
"Went for my sister’s birthday. We all had a brilliant time. And the breakfast the next morning was delicious. Lovely hotel and worth every penny will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Waterfront Southport Hotel
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
4 out of 5
Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool, England
The price is £99 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
£99
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,109 reviews)
"Gorgeous hotel really enjoyed our 1 night stay"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Liverpool City Centre
Quest Liverpool City Centre
4 out of 5
72 Church St., Liverpool, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (609 reviews)
"No breakfast day one was very disappointing"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Quest Liverpool City Centre
Charming Garden Annexe.
Charming Garden Annexe.
Southport, England
Stay at this holiday home in Southport. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Botanic Gardens and Meols Hall are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Returning customer
"Excellent stay, returning customer, will always stay there when visiting Southport. My wife's comment, "returning home again"."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Charming Garden Annexe.
Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
3.5 out of 5
25 Drury Lane, Corn Exchange, Liverpool, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,163 reviews)
Great weekend
"Had a great stay ideal location Friendly staff very welcoming in reception and bar Great facilities in the room, lots of space and comfortable beds"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Southport

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
72
" "5 - Excellent 33.48837209302326%
4 - Good
99
" "4 - Good 46.04651162790697%
3 - Okay
31
" "3 - Okay 14.418604651162791%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 2.3255813953488373%
1 - Terrible
8
" "1 - Terrible 3.7209302325581395%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Well looked after. Worth a visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

Easy to get to other places such as Lytham St. Annes. The shopping was good on Lord Street.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

Its a shame to see so many buildings boarded up.. PArts of the ses front loomed scruffy.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

Enjoyed concert at The Atkinson and excellent gluten-free meal at Trattoria 51. Good train service.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

Getting more expensive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
20 Jan 2020

Really enjoyed visiting Southport. Lots to do and catered well for little ones.

Cities near Southport