Southport Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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.

Where to stay in Southport

Default Image

Birkdale

4/5(1 area review)

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

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
Default Image

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 Splash World.

Crossens
Scarisbrick Hotel

Scarisbrick Hotel

3 out of 5
239 Lord Street, Southport, England
The price is NZ$87 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$87
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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 ...
6.4/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Got plenty of entertainment around the hotels area so you can never be bored"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Scarisbrick Hotel
Waterfront Southport Hotel

Waterfront Southport Hotel

4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade, Southport, England
The price is NZ$163 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$163
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
Family birthday celebration
"8 adults and 1x 8 yr old family members stayed 26tb July.. Our roms were all comfortable and we got no noise from outside or in the corrudors. Elderly parents had a wet room bathroom which we had requested. Perfect! Food was delicious. Groupon deal included evening meal. Limited selection but we ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Waterfront Southport Hotel
The Grand Hotel Blackpool

The Grand Hotel Blackpool

4 out of 5
Promenade, Blackpool, England
The price is NZ$111 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$111
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Blackpool. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Good value for £55. A night for mid week break . Bit noisy fom other guests but tolrable . House keeping is on the 4 day but you can get anything from reception so not a problem . Near the tram stop about 20 mon walk to the trainstation Would for sure stay again."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The Grand Hotel Blackpool
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! (1,441 reviews)
"Fantastic location being just minutes from Royal Albert Dock, but tucked away. Was a bit difficult to find. Courteous staff. Clean room."

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront
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, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Royal Albert Dock and Anfield Stadium ...
9/10 Wonderful! (513 reviews)
"Lovely & clean , had everything we needed, close to amenities, shops, bars & restaurants"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Cavern Quarter Apts - 31 North John St
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! (1,038 reviews)
"Amazing and the staff were super friendly"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Citadines City Centre Liverpool
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

Activities

Cities near Southport