Southport is a seaside town that has found its groove again, long associated with childhood staycations and now enjoying a revival around its Marine Lake, Parisian-style boulevards and busy hospitality scene. The Merseyside resort is being put forward as the best seaside town in the country, with its history, beach and attractions all part of the case.
While Lytham St Annes, Bamburgh and Newquay are all beautiful, the argument goes that only Southport offers the combination of the UK's oldest iron pier, Silcock's funfair empire and a stroll along the sand in the sunshine. A day out can mean a walk down Lord Street, lunch at one of the town's award-winning restaurants and a game of mini golf.
The town also lays claim to one of the country's best bed and breakfasts, Sunnyside B&B, and to Chippy T, named the best chippy in the North West at The English Fish and Chip Awards. Its calendar includes the Southport Flower Show in August, the Southport Comedy Festival, a food and drink festival and the Southport Air Show. This year, the 154th Open was played just along the coast at Royal Birkdale.
Food and drink
Fish and chips are a seaside essential, and Southport is spoiled for choice. Alongside Chippy T, The Swan, tucked away on a side street in the middle of town, was ranked the best in the North last year. For drinks, popular sun traps include Sacre Bleu, Harry's Bar and The Lakeside Inn, which claims to be the country's smallest pub.
For a more upmarket meal, there is The Vincent and the Gemini Lounge, or head a mile down the road to Birkdale, where Bistrot Verite has been named one of the best French dining concepts in Britain.
The beach
Southport beach is vast and, despite the occasional rumour over the years, the tide does come in. A walk along the sand heads towards Sefton's famous dunes and, with enough time, towards Ainsdale, where Station Road has a range of bars and the train back to Southport takes less than 20 minutes.
Further up the coast lies Formby, a National Trust site known for its increasingly rare red squirrels, while Crosby beach is home to Anthony Gormley's Another Place, 100 cast-iron figures facing out to sea.
Things to see and do
Southport's Grade II-listed pier is being restored, with plans to reopen in 2027. Funland arcade and mini golf sit between Lord Street and the waterfront, while Adventure Coast, formerly Southport Pleasureland, has Viking Golf and rides for all ages. The theme park also hosts family-friendly events including Save the Rave and the Day of the Dead festival.
What does it cost?
Prices vary, but a pint in many town-centre pubs and bars costs less than £5. Cod and chips with mushy peas and a drink at The Swan chippy restaurant is £12.50. An unlimited day at Adventure Coast costs £36, or visitors can walk in and pay per ride, with thrill rides around £6, family rides around £3 and children's rides £2.
For a Saturday night in August, a couple can expect to pay around £100 for an overnight stay in the town.
The UK-wide shortlist
The other seaside towns in the running are:
- Tenby, Wales
- Falmouth, Cornwall
- Torquay, Devon
- Amble, Northumberland
- Scarborough, Yorkshire
- Portstewart, County Derry
- Folkestone, Kent
- Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
- Gullane, East Lothian
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Clevedon, Somerset
If you agree that Southport deserves the title, you can vote for it in the poll.
