Southport is a coastal resort town that's packed full of fun attractions for the whole family, from relaxing beaches and gardens to thrilling amusement parks. The beach itself is always alluring, but the town's historical pier takes that adventure to the next level, offering spectacular views.
You'll find several parks with vibrant gardens throughout town as well, along with a miniature village with a model train. Of course, kids and adults alike can enjoy thrilling adventures at several theme parks.
What are the best things to do in Southport?
- 1
The Atkinson
Visit the museum between land and sea
- Families
- History
The Atkinson is simultaneously a museum, a performing arts centre and a historical building all wrapped up in 1, serving as a focal point for Southport as a whole. In the museum, you'll find historical artefacts dating back 10,000 years, some of which come from Ancient Egypt, in their permanent collection.
The theatre is predominantly catered towards children, though its comedic and musical performances can be enjoyed by all. Additionally, the building itself is a protected grade II listed building sporting fascinating and intricate architecture. You'll find this building in the centre of town on the corner of Lord and A570.
Location: Lord St, Southport PR8 1DB, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1704 533333
Map - 2
Southport Pier
Stroll down an iron walkway
- Couples
- Families
- History
Southport Pier is a Victorian-era iron pier where you can enjoy historical slot machines, train rides and picturesque views of the water that go on for miles. This pier stretches just over a kilometre and is the oldest in all of the UK, having opened in 1860.
When you visit, you can see some of that history for yourself in the pavilion located at the end, which houses a small museum inside. For those who prefer not to walk the length of the pier, there's a tram that shuttles pedestrians from the mainland all the way to the end. You'll find the pier on the coast near Marine Lake.
Location: Promenade, Southport, UK
Open: Daily from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1704 539701
Map - 3
Southport Marine Lake
Take a boat ride
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
Southport Marine Lake is a massive body of water that's popular for angling and boating without having to worry about the waves of the sea. The calm waters of the lake are perfect whether you're looking for a spot of fishing or you want to go out into the water yourself.
You'll find plenty of boats available for rent around the lake, along with pedalos. If you want something a bit more adrenaline-inducing, you can charter a powerboat for high-speed rides across the water. This lake is located near the centre of town, just south of the golf courses.
Map - 4
Model Railway Village
Visit a miniature village
- Families
- Unusual
The Model Railway Village is a scale model of a village that showcases impressive working trains, all set at approximately 1:18 scale. When you visit, you can watch the trains go through this miniature village throughout its almost half-hectare space.
The village itself is designed to be tranquil and peaceful and even has miniature townsfolk set up throughout the display. Extensive fields and bench recesses around the model make it easy to sit back and relax while taking in the peaceful atmosphere. You'll find this model village around the southern tip of Marine Lake.
Location: King's Gardens, Lower Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1704 538001
Map - 5
Southport Pleasureland
Ride thrilling coasters
- Adventure
- Families
Southport Pleasureland is a long-running theme park where you'll find more than 100 rides, including several famous roller coasters that offer adrenaline-inducing thrills. One of the best aspects of this theme park is that you'll find rides suitable for adults and young kids alike.
Some of the roller coasters are pretty intense, but other rides are almost relaxing. Additionally, you'll find go-karts, trampolines and a funhouse. You can get to Southport Pleasureland with a short walk from downtown, as it's located just to the west of Kings Gardens.
Location: Marine Dr, Southport PR8 1RX, UK
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on weekdays)
Phone: +44 (0)1704 531957
Map - 6
Botanic Gardens
See vibrant flora
- Couples
- Families
The Botanic Gardens in Southport sport a Victorian-style appearance and are packed with impressive and colourful displays of flowers and other greenery. You can explore these gardens via a series of winding walking paths, with each showing off a good variety of different plants housed in the gardens.
The Victorian Fernery is especially popular, as you can discover ferns you may have never even seen before. You'll find these gardens on the north side of Churchtown, a few miles east of downtown.
Location: Bankfield Lane, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7NB, UK
Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1704 214164
Mapphoto by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
- 7
Rotten Row
Experience a vibrant visual allure
- Budget
- Photo
Rotten Row, despite its name, is one of the most visually alluring streets in all of Southport, as it sports a massive herbaceous border with colourful flowers throughout. You can take a stroll down the adjacent path or embark on a coach tour of this stretch of road.
Rotten Row itself has 6 distinct areas, each with its own visual identity. To get the full effect of the local flora, you'll want to visit in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. You'll find Rotten Row just south of downtown, near the shore.
Map - 8
Hesketh Park
See gardens in a Victorian park
- Couples
- Photo
Hesketh Park is a popular place to see impressive gardens as well as water features with ornate fountains set up throughout. Within the park, you'll find 5 different gardens, including the clock garden, the American garden, the specimen garden, the mixed flower garden and the herbaceous walk.
Each garden has its own personality and allure. Meanwhile, the fountains and water features are easy to see from the various walking paths throughout the park. The park can be found on the north side of town, across the street from several golf courses.
Location: 17 Park Cres, Brentwood Ct, Southport PR9 9JN, UK
Open: 24/7
Phone: +44 (0)1704 540070
Mapphoto by peter robinson (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
- 9
Splash World Southport
Enjoy a water park
- Adventure
- Families
Splash World Southport is a thrilling water park that's open no matter what the weather is like and features heated waters, slides and river rides fit for the whole family. All the classic staples of a water park are there, with fast flumes and relaxing lazy rivers in equal measure.
You'll find designated areas for kids as well, so don't hesitate to bring the whole family along. Additionally, this park features a sauna cabin and a bubble spa if you're looking to get some relaxation in. You'll find this water park just past the southern tip of Marine Lake.
Location: Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1704 537160
Map - 10
British Lawnmower Museum
Visit an unusual museum
- History
- Unusual
The British Lawnmower Museum is an oddity that features more than 300 exhibits showcasing impressive garden machinery, with some pieces dating back 200 years. When you visit this museum, you'll be able to see how gardening equipment and lawnmowers have developed over time by looking at restored machines and old blueprints.
The museum even holds some particularly famous lawnmowers, such as the ones owned by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. You'll find this museum within the town centre, just a short walk south of King's Gardens.
Location: 106-114 Shakespeare St, Southport PR8 5AJ, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1704 501336
Mapphoto by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified