Find and book the perfect apartment or holiday cottage in Southport
Visit Southport: home to the second longest pier in England!
Southport is your perfect beach stop off as you tour the fantastic cities in the north of England - so if you already find yourself on holiday in Liverpool or Manchester it will be very easy to get to. Whether you're coming for a staycation from the UK, or travelling from further afield, escaping the hustle and bustle to visit the seaside is the best relaxing break. Southport boasts a fantastic 22 miles of beach and coastline offering endless opportunities for sandcastle building, or simply walk along exploring the art installation at Crosby Beach – the Anthony Gormley "Another Place" exhibit which sees 100 iron statues staring out at the sea – and climb the sand dunes at Formby beach. There are events happening all over Southport, all year round – which means there's never a bad time to visit. Get a look at the Southport Air Show in September or watch the fireworks at the British Musical Fireworks Championship. Whatever your reason to visit.
Best time to visit Southport
Like any good seaside town in the UK, Southport has typically good weather for the summer months – June through to August are the hottest months, and early September is still fairly temperate. However, this is the UK, and the chances of rain are always high. The average temperatures in Southport vary throughout the year; for half the year (October – April) it can feel typically cold, while the other half of the year is "fair weather": it will likely be nice, with some sunshine, a cool breeze, and the chance of rain.
How to get to Southport
Right on the edge of the west coast of England, Southport has great transport links, whether you're driving up, hopping on a train, or flying over. The town is serviced by the M62, the M65, and the M6 – all northern motorways that can easily be accessed from the M1 or the A1, the two biggest roads in the country. Alternatively, if you're coming via the train, then Southport Train Station is right in the centre of town, with direct train services straight from Manchester and Liverpool, as well as Ormskirk, Chester, West Kirby, and Hunt's Cross. There are also plenty of connecting services from large stations such as Sheffield and London, making Southport accessible from everywhere in the UK. Similarly, for any flyers, then the best airports would be either Manchester or London, where travellers can hop on a train straight at the airport and make their way to the seaside resort.
Where to stay in Southport
The Beachfront
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the town behind you, a beachfront B&B in Southport is the best option for anyone looking to feel the sand between their toes and feel the sea breeze in the air. With views of the endless horizon, only a short walk to the second longest pier in England, and a coastline that stretches 22 miles, it really is the only place to be. Whether you're looking for niche B&B holiday rentals, or high-end hotel accommodation, the seafront in Southport has what you're looking for.
Lord Street
Edged with Victorian gardens, lined with wrought-iron styled buildings, and home to a number of speciality stores and designer boutiques, Lord Street is one of the favoured streets in Southport – for good reason. It's here that visitors can find the Grade II listed building of the Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, first opened in 1898, as well as the Royal Arcade overflowing with antique stores and collectables from all walks of life. Lord Street has a charming, unique atmosphere to it – and the accommodation here is unique to match. Some of the best holiday rentals in Southport can be found right here, such as Lord Street Hotel, Southport's newest luxury hotel featuring a champagne bar, right in the heart of town.
What to do in Southport
The Atkinson
The Atkinson is a museum, art gallery, library and theatre, all rolled into one. Similar to the Met in Bury, the Atkinson has a gorgeous little café that's ells vegan peanut butter cake (amazing), and the exhibitions on show are constantly changing to showcase interesting artists. The building itself is a work of art, an architectural combination of two former buildings built during the 1800s – one in the Neoclassical style, while the other is traditionally Renaissance.
Lawnmower Museum
This interesting little museum has become one of the world's leading authorities on vintage lawnmowers – if you even knew that was a thing. Donations towards this incredibly unique museum have come from famous faces all over the world: Brian May, Jean Alexander, Vanessa Feltz, Alan Titchmarsh, and Paul O'Grady, to name a few.
Southport Pier
It's impossible to visit a seaside town and not take a stroll along the pier, taking in the incredible views, trying the local fish and chips, and having a go on the arcade games. It's practically a rite of passage, and Southport's pier is no different. The oldest pier in the country at 150 years old, Southport Pier is a Grade II listed structure, and it stretches over one kilometre out into the sea – the perfect spot to really get that sea air into your lungs.
Lord Street
The main shopping street in Southport town, Lord Street has everything you could ask for: boutique gift stores, a gin bar, high-end restaurants, and cosy cafes. The street is all designed in Victorian wrought-iron architecture, with beautiful gardens lining the way.
Southport Flower Show
Held every year at the end of August in Victoria Park, the Southport Flower Show has been running 1924, with over 80,000 people attending every year. It's the UK's largest and longest running flower show, and it's a big hit with celebrities from all over the world. the event attracts the media in full force, with cookery demonstrations, gala dinners, music, and horse riding displays all contributing to the entertainment.
Pleasureland
One of the best things about a holiday to Southport is the Pleasureland fairground. Every family needs a nostalgic trip back to an amusement park, and Pleasureland is one of the best there is; with waltzers, the Yellow Submarine ride, a Go Kart track, a Sega themed arcade, and plenty of snacks and drinks stalls, you couldn't ask for anything more.