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 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

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 Lowther Pavilion.

Crossens
Waterfront Southport Hotel
Waterfront Southport Hotel
4 out of 5
Marine Lake, Southport Promenade, Southport, England
The price is AU$149 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$149
20 July - 21 July
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Easy check in nice breakfast each morning no issuse"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Waterfront Southport Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
Scarisbrick Hotel
3 out of 5
239 Lord Street, Southport, England
The price is AU$78 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$78
13 July - 14 July
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 8 Jul. 2025

Scarisbrick Hotel
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
Maldron Hotel Liverpool City
4 out of 5
2 Park Lane, Liverpool, England
The price is AU$172 per night from 28 July to 29 July
AU$172
28 July - 29 July
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! (493 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 8 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! (1,422 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 8 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! (1,015 reviews)
Hôtel très bien situé
"L'hôtel est situé sur une rue commerciale et piétonnière et à environ 15 mins à pied du Royal Albert Dock, un endroit emblématique de Liverpool (plusieurs musées dont le Beatle Story). La chambre est grande, munie d'une cuisine et très confortable."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 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! (633 reviews)
"Please if you like to shop go here there are lot of shopping options and Lewis here as well"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Southport

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lovely place despite the despairing sea.

Cities near Southport