Southport, the England’s golfing capital, is more than just a home to such splendid golfing locations as Royal Birkdale, Southport and Ainsdale, and Royal Liverpool. The recent tour we had to Southport demonstrated a pulsating seaside town that has grown over time to become a prosperous town that possesses incredible architectural designs as well as a variety of things to do. Southport is situated rather close to such cities as Liverpool and Manchester and thus the town is perfect for a one-day tour or for a weekend tour.
Discovering Lord Street
A Shopper’s Paradise
Lord Street is the central avenue for shopping where one is able to find any kind of shop, ranging from high street brands to exclusive designer label shops. This beautiful avenue offers the best environment in which a shopper would desire to spend their time. However, shopping itself is not the only domain for walking on Lord Street. Lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes are passing in the street where there are dishes from breakfast to dinner.
When on our tour we spent much time walking around the main road known as Lord Street, admiring the neo-classical Victorian-like buildings and occasionally dropping into shops. The day, considered typically English, was cloudy and rainy; however, it did not influence the mood negatively. Parking options are Park and Ride, which is an economy option, or a range of car parks near Lord Street for a more convenient option.
Architectural Beauty
Lord Street is famous for shopping alongside other features, it has history and architectural masterpieces. It has Victorian-style buildings and Paris-style roads that provide it with a charm of its own. Crossing Lord Street, one can identify some of the works that show gothic and some post-modernism architectural styles.
Many historic sites include a major landmark in London Square known as the War Memorial. This powerful and imposing memorial with an obelisk, enhanced by the decorated columns of a Greek temple and two flowing water pools, is a moving tribute to the victims of the two World Wars.
Dining and Entertainment
F&B outlets situated on Lord Street include a mix of restaurants of various cuisines thus catering to everyone’s palate. Cafes and restaurants offer casual dining, fast food, British classics like traditional English breakfast, and elite and exclusive formal dining with exotic meals. As night unfolds, the street turns into a hub of active bars and pubs where one can toast or even dance to live music.
Southport Pier
The Iconic Structure
Probably the most famous structure in the town of Southport is Southport Pier. It is now the oldest remaining iron pier still standing in the country and only the second longest pier in Great Britain. To my understanding, what makes Southport Pier special is that it has a tram that focuses on a ride along the shore.
From Lord Street, we headed to Southport Pier, driven by curiosity. The tram, barely crawling the edges of the pier, lets visitors enjoy the view of the coastline and even the Southport town centre when seen in the distance. Riding the tram back was enjoyable for us. I am pleased to report that for the entire day we did a lot of walking. On the other end of the pier, there’s a cafe and a mini arcade that’s fun if you’re into that kind of thing.
A Seaside Tradition
When in Southport, especially along the board pier, there are so many activities which are presumed to be traditional in the towns. This pier is good for fishing and taking a leisurely walk as well as enjoying the Pleasure Boats and people around. It has beautiful stunning views from the pier; for instance, when the weather is clear, one is able to see the entire sea view of the coastline.
Historical Significance
Reading a little about its history of Southport Pier reveals that it has been open to the public since 1860. It has stood the test of time and storms, proving the strength of the whole town. The construction of the pier has enriched the historical place, and many joyous moments were created at Southport Pier.
Fun at Southport Pleasureland
A Day of Thrills
For those who are thrill-seekers, Southport Pleasureland is the place to be. This is a fun fair situated in the middle of Princes Park with many rides and games for children and adults alike. Despite a rather unfavorable climate during the time of our visit, there was an unmistakable liveliness in the park even when approaching it.
Pleasureland, a contemporary amusement park, offers children and adults alike the traditional park grades such as roller coasters and carousels as well as modern-day products. Different from the common snacks, those who want to spend a little more can try traditional fair delights such as foamy candy floss and ice cream. A walk around Princes Park along the side of the boating lake near Pleasureland is also good for a picnic.
Coastal Relaxation
However, if you are not fussed about thrill rides, there are still lots of things to do at Pleasureland and Princes Park. Boating is also a fun activity that is enjoyed in the park; there is a lagoon where one may hire a paddle boat. The place is rather relaxing due to the sea coast and the surrounding vegetation, which is likely to be cool and fresh.
Nature and Wildlife
Hesketh Park
Another treasure in Southport is Hesketh Park, a Victorian park that foreigners would appreciate as a nice place to rest from the noisy downtown area. The park provides tourists with grounds containing well-arranged lawns, a beautiful artificial lake, and wild animals. It is good for a stroll, bird watching, or for a family outing while eating packed snacks.
RSPB Marshside
Nature lovers must visit the nearby RSPB Marshside, a very beautiful natural reserve. This reserve is within a short drive from the town centre and provides avian habitation for different species of birds and other animals. The area comprises wetlands and grasslands and is ideal for birding. There are a number of hiding places and watch points throughout the area so that visitors can get a glimpse of the wildlife without disturbing them.
Cultural Attractions and Events
The Atkinson
The town of Southport is also endowed with great cultural undertakings, especially The Atkinson. It is a cultural centre with a theatre, museum, gallery, and library facilities for adults and children. In the theatre, people get to watch acting such as plays, comedies, musicals, dancing, and other shows. The museum and art gallery have permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, historical and contemporary.
Annual Events
It is known that there are many carnivals which take place every year in Southport. The annual flower show, known as the Southport Flower Show, usually happens in August and is the largest independent flower show. It has splendid garden shows, floriculture demonstrations, and many activities that can interest families. One cannot mention Southport without referring to the Southport Air Show, mainly due to aerial stunts by military and non-military aircraft.
Why Visit Southport?
Southport is a lovely small town on the northwest coast of England. Lord Street in itself has enough to occupy a visitor for most of the day; with these additions, it is a place for families or couples who would like to take a day trip to the coast and have some fun – English style!
A Perfect Day Trip
Geographically, it is very close to Liverpool and Manchester, hence can be well visited on a day trip. For those who want to enjoy their time with a good book by the sea, shopaholics, as well as those who would like to take a daring walk, there is nothing better than coming to Southport. The atmosphere of the town is rather friendly and entertaining due to the combination of elements connected with the Victorian style and sea recreation.
Embracing the Weather
When it comes to weather, as seen in many other places in England, Southport possesses a rather capricious climate. However, weather perfect for the trip has been seen as a definite positive for the picturesque seaside resort. Take the English weather, if necessary, take an umbrella and go to Southport to immerse in all the charms. Take a peaceful walk on the beach or a leisurely ride in Princes Park, or feel the tradition while having an ice cream cone from Lord Street.
Accommodation Options
There are many types of accommodations available in Southport depending on the range of the traveler’s budget. Whether one wants to book a spectacular hotel with a sea view, a comfortable bed and breakfast, or an affordable guest house; there is a variety to choose from. Most of the mentioned accommodations are situated within reasonable proximity to the main sights of the city.
Dining Experiences
There is an impressive variety of places in Southport where one can have a meal starting from English cuisine to foreign. Food fans will like the fish dishes prepared in many restaurants in the town as the majority of them are sea fish. To indulge yourself in a local setting, you should go for fish and chips in one of the restaurants near the sea. Another interesting thing about Southport is that there is a line of cafes and bakeries where you can take a cup of tea and, perhaps, some sweets in the afternoon.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Apart from Lord Street, there are other parts of Southport where you can shop for souvenirs or gifts. These include The Wayfarers Arcade, which features a glass-domed ceiling topping a number of independent shops and outlets for clothes. The market, still operating in Southport, gives a feel of a market for fresh produce and other handmade products to remind one of the area.
Conclusion
Southport is a nice and popular British seaside town with a historical background and much to offer. Whether it’s sports like golfing, historical interest, or any other general interest outing, Southport can offer it. With its gothic arched buildings, modern touch, and beautiful sceneries by the coast, Southport is a stunning place located in the Northwest of England. The next time you decide to take a vacation trip, include this beautiful town of Southport as it has a lot in store for its visitors. With shopping on the fabulous Lord Street through to the famous Southport Pier and the amusement park delights of Pleasureland, Southport is one place that no visitor will soon forget.