Southport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southport showing heritage architecture
Southport showing heritage architecture
Southport which includes a monument and a square or plaza
Southport showing heritage architecture and a river or creek
Southport featuring heritage elements and street scenes as well as an individual male

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 travellers.

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 colourful 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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and holiday homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Waterfront Southport Hotel

Waterfront Southport Hotel

4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade Southport England
The price is £72 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
£72
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Southport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Fantastically friendly staff lovely breakfast. Comfy beds relaxing atmosphere.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

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 6 Apr to 7 Apr
£99
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,123 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Titanic Hotel Liverpool
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel

3 out of 5
Lord Nelson Street Liverpool England
The price is £72 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
£72
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,856 reviews)
Loads nearby and loads of parking. Staff are great and room was very tidy.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Liner Hotel
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.
Citadines City Centre Liverpool

Citadines City Centre Liverpool

4 out of 5
72 Church Street Liverpool England
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,164 reviews)
Amazing location. Lovely apartments.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront

Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
25 Drury Lane Liverpool England
Stay at this aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,531 reviews)
Excellent location. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Room was great and the kitchenette was an added bonus.

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
Aparthotel Adagio Liverpool City Centre

Aparthotel Adagio Liverpool City Centre

4 out of 5
1 Fairclough Street Liverpool England
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,312 reviews)
Fabulous location. In hustle and bustle of city centre but once in room very quiet. Comfy bed. Nice shower. Kitchen a great bonus. Friendly staff. Eating places and shops galore within very short walk. We loved it!

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Liverpool City Centre
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%
4 - Good
99
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
31
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
8
1 - Terrible 4%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Well looked after. Worth a visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Getting more expensive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Southport

Explore a world of travel with Expedia