Southport

Travel Guide

Southport featuring heritage architecture
Southport featuring a square or plaza and a monument
Southport
Southport
Southport which includes street scenes, a city 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

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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

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 Splash World during your time in the area.

Banks
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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 Meols Hall and Lowther Pavilion.

Crossens
Waterfront Southport Hotel
Waterfront Southport Hotel
4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade, Southport, England
The price is €83 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€83
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
Great spot for a stay
"Short-notice booking, great location, lovely, helpful staff. Original room had faulty air conditioning and room was changed (upgraded!) without quibble. Lovely breakfast"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Waterfront Southport Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
3 out of 5
239 Lord Street, Southport, England
The price is €48 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€48
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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 (1,009 reviews)
"Very clean room, really helpful friendly staff. Only con the lift takes forever to come once called."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Scarisbrick Hotel
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
4 out of 5
2 Park Lane, Liverpool, England
The price is €96 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
€96
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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! (501 reviews)
Family stay
"Good location for a few days in Liverpool with the family. Very friendly staff, comfy room and good breakfast."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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! (1,423 reviews)
"Great hotel in the ciry centre. Would definitely stay there again. Central for bars and shopping ."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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! (1,019 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 9 Jul 2025

Citadines City Centre Liverpool
Cavern Quarter Apts - 31 North John St
Cavern Quarter Apts - 31 North John St
3.5 out of 5
31 N John St, Liverpool, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Liverpool. Enjoy free WiFi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Royal Albert Dock and Anfield Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (477 reviews)
"Everything, great location"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Cavern Quarter Apts - 31 North John St
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.