Southport

Travel Guide

Southport which includes heritage architecture
Southport featuring 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
Southport which includes a city, street scenes and flowers

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

The coast path is such a great walk, you can do as much or as little as you like with lots of lovely coastal views on the way

Birkdale

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Birkdale and surrounding area, you can visit Royal Birkdale Golf Club and Splash World.

Birkdale

Ainsdale

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

Banks

Check out the restaurants, seaside views, and golf courses while spending some time in Banks. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Lowther Pavilion or Splash World.

Banks
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Crossens

While Crossens isn't home to many top sights, Meols Hall and Lowther Pavilion are some notable places to visit nearby.

Crossens
Waterfront Southport Hotel
Waterfront Southport Hotel
4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade, Southport, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Southport. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Easy check in nice breakfast each morning no issuse"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Waterfront Southport Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
3 out of 5
239 Lord Street, Southport, England
The price is ¥6,326 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥6,326
¥7,591 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Southport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6.2/10 (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent hotel for the price. Our room was large, the bed and pillows were comfortable and clean. The bath and shower worked perfectly. Tea/coffee making facilities were good. In the room we had, extra pillows, a hairdryer, an iron, an ironing board, a fan, windows that open, soap and toiletries ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Scarisbrick Hotel
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
4 out of 5
2 Park Lane, Liverpool, England
The price is ¥13,415 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥13,415
¥16,575 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Liverpool. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Royal Albert ...
9/10 Wonderful! (494 reviews)
"There were 5 of us ladies staying at Maldron for a couple of nights. We had 2 rooms next to each other which worked perfectly. Our stay was wonderful from start to end"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
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.
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 (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,422 reviews)
"Good location close to the docks and Beatles museum. Easy access to restaurants. Onsite restaurant and bar option was decent too. Conveniently located parking garage."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Citadines City Centre Liverpool
4 out of 5
72 Church Street, Liverpool, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"This is a quiet apart hotel. Never heard a peep from any other guests. Everything seems well thought out. Didn’t cook, but appreciated the fridge and microwave. Comfortable bed. Solicitous folks at reception. TV was fine. Also good wi-fi. No complaints. Shopping was close and lots of dining and coffee ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Cove Paradise Street
Cove Paradise Street
4 out of 5
39 Paradise St, Liverpool, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (632 reviews)
"Great central location , great price and apartment was lovely"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Cove Paradise Street
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.

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Things to do

Reviews of Southport

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went out of season. There is still a lot to see and do, but would like to return in season because there is so much more to do and see. Felt very safe. Southport is very clean and tidy. Our first visit and discovered a new favourite place in the UK.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Southport has suffered during the austerity period of the British Governmen's recession policy. It was the holiday place to go in 1930-60. Brits now go to France, Iceland, Barcelon or Florida/Disney. It's okay, Transport is great.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Southport is a century-old beach town that is no longer on the beach. Many of the High Street shops are gone, but the name golf courses and eating establishments remain. Still a pleasant place to visit. Consider Blackpool as an alternative.

Cities near Southport