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20 amazing things to do in Southport right now
Southport ticks all the boxes for a perfect weekend break, family adventure, or coastal holiday.
There are plenty of reasons why Southport is a popular destination for day trips and getaways.
Open spaces, sea air, historic boulevards. Unmissable events and a never-ending choice of family activities. World-class golf courses, water sports, and natural beauty. Vibrant nightlife venues and a burgeoning culinary scene.
Families will love Adventure Coast and Kings Gardens. Culture vultures will find joy in the museums and galleries of The Atkinson. Lovers of the outdoors will find endless opportunities for afternoon strolls and idyllic coastal experiences.
So if you're planning the best way to spend a day by the coast, or just looking for a guide on the best things to do in Southport, check out or list below!
RECOMMENDED:
1. Stroll along Lord Street
A wander along Southport’s iconic, mile-long boulevard offers a glimpse into Southport's rich history. Victorian architecture, beautiful green spaces and ornate glass canopies; a streetscape so grand that architects of Paris’s Champs-Élysées looked to it for inspiration.
There’s plenty of reasons to stop off too. Lord Street is home to an eclectic mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and cosy cafes that hum with conversation.
Top Tip : Head out during the night time and enjoy ‘The Boulevard of Light’, when 300,000 sparkling LED lights illuminate the tree-lined boulevard.
2. Make memories at Adventure Coast
Southport’s major theme park waits just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.
Inside the gates of Adventure Coast you will find four themed areas; Viking Landing, Pirate Cove, Cartoon Boardwalk, and Steampunk Bay. Each is jam-packed full of thrilling attractions suitable for everyone, plus great food and drink options.
There’s also a plenty of fun to be hand just outside the park. The Big Wheel offers panoramic views across the Sefton Coast and the Viking-themed adventure golf is a must-do for groups.
🎢 Top tips for an unforgettable day out at Adventure Coast Southport
3. Watch the sunset from the seafront
The sunsets in Southport are among the most beautiful you'll ever witness
The beach and seafront area, which is just a short walk from Lord Street and the town centre, is a picture-perfect place to enjoy a peaceful evening.
Here, you'll find breath-taking views along the Sefton Coast and beyond, with the mountains of Snowdonia (to the south) and the Lake District (to the north) coming into view on clear days.
Top Tip : Afterwards, walk over to Ocean Plaza Leisure for fantastic dining options, as well as cinema and bowling.
4. Discover the history of the Sefton Coast
Culture enthusiasts will likely make a beeline straight for The Atkinson; where music, art, theatre, and history all mingle happily under one roof.
The Discover Land & Sea museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of our local area, with themes exploring Southport's rich Victorian heritage and the diverse natural habitats that line the Sefton Coast.
Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from Sunny Southport, and take a selfie in a historic costume.
5. Take a boat ride
The best way to experience Southport's Marine Lake is by taking to the water! Southport Watersports provide several family friendly activities that allow visitors to experience the southern end of the Marine Lake.
Classic motorboats are a tradition for days out in Southport, offering passengers a leisurely jaunt around the lake. Swan and flamingo pedalos are just as fun, whilst the superfast Southport Jet provides some action for thrill-seekers.
6. Tuck in to fish and chips
No trip to the coast in complete without tucking in to a paper-wrapped meal of flaky fish and crispy, golden chips.
We would recommend visiting one of the many traditional fish and chip shops on Nevill Street, before finding a relaxing spot at the seafront to enjoy your lunch. Another option is the famous, family-run Swan Restaurant for takeaway or eating-in.
Salt and vinegar? Mushy peas? Curry sauce? We'll leave that part to you...
7. Hit the links
There’s a reason Southport is known as England’s Golf Coast.
Within chipping distance from the town centre, you’ll find the world-famous Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Hesketh and a long list of world class links and parkland courses.
Southport makes for an ideal base for a golfing adventure with some many high quality courses nearby. Formby, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Annes, and quality municipal clubs are also easily accessible from town centre.
8. Go for drinks around The Northern Quarter
The area at the Northern-end of Lord Street has exploded into life in recent years.
The sheer amount of pubs and bars within close proximity make The Norther Quarter a perfect place for a spot of bar-hopping.
Head there on summer days and you'll find pavements and beer gardens packed with sun-seekers. Visit of a night-time and the atmosphere is truly special.
Wander over to Coopers Bar for some soulful jazz. Split the G at Punch Tarmey's Irish bar. Dance with DJ's at House of Ivy.
There's also award winning eateries such as Volare and Great Himalayas that will keep the foodies in your friend group satisfied.
9. Explore Wayfarers Arcade
The Victorian splendour of Wayfarers Arcade has attracted visitors to Southport for generations.
The striking Grade II listed shopping arcade is located in the heart of town centre, set back just off Lord Street. An ornate glass ceiling, decorative ironwork, and rich, mahogany shopfronts decorate this incredible landmark.
The Arcade is also home to a growing collective of independent shops and hospitality venues, with regular events that celebrate culture and diversity.
10. Ride with the Golden Gallopers
The Silcock name is one that has long been associated with Southport and traditional seaside days out.
The iconic Carousel dates back over 120 years, and families continue to flock here to ride the colourful horses that spin to the tunes of a classic fairground organ.
The fun doesn't stop there. Silcock's Funland is Southport's largest amusement centre, home to a vast selection of children's games and rides, as well as penny slots with fabulous prizes to be won.
11. Investigate Southport's history
Remarkable architecture and traces of Southport's storied past await in every corner of the town centre.
The Lord Street Heritage Trail transports you to the yesteryears of Southport's iconic boulevard, taking in 26 locations of significant historical interest. Look out for bronze fountains, detailed facades, pavilions and bandstands, stained glass windows, and the street's famous glassy canopies.
For something more family-friendly, take the Heritage Detectives Quiz and see if you can spot the hidden features of our iconic buildings.
12. Adventure through sand dunes and pinewoods
The strip of coastline nestled between the Mersey and Ribble Estuaries is world-famous for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Southport is a great starting point for your Sefton Coast exploration. Abundant marshlands give way to golden, windswept sand dunes that stretch south from Birkdale, and the dense Pinewoods at Formby are the setting for many long walks and picnics.
The area is a crucial conservation area too; home to natterjack toads, red squirrels and sand lizards to name just a few.
13. Eat around the world at Southport Market
This is a must-visit for families and foodies.
Southport Market has a truly unique style, decorated with fun elements that celebrate Southport’s seaside and tourism heritage.
Visitors can choose for a line-up of local food traders, each with a menu focused on a different cuisine. Enjoy wood-fired pizza from 600 Degrees, or maybe try Korean Kitchen's decadent sticky Asian chicken. Just make sure to leave room for a slice of magic from Cake Corner...
There's regular party events for children, live music, and a plenty local businesses to shop with on nearby Market Street.
14. Visit the War Memorial
London Square is both a focal point of town centre activity and a picturesque space for quiet reflection.
The War Memorial, dating back to 1923, was initially constructed to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the First World War. Two symmetrical colonnades stand at either side of a large stone obelisk, with adjacent memorial gardens containing green spaces and fountains.
Particularly striking sandstone buildings and examples of fine Victorian architecture surround the memorial on all four sides.
15. Play in Kings Gardens
A short stroll towards the coast from Lord Street or Southport train station will lead you to Kings Gardens and the Marine Lake.
This area boasts a variety of activities ideal for a fun-filled day out for the whole family. The kids will love crazy golf, the Model Railway Village, and exploring the water on swan pedalos. Picnics on the grass are something of a tradition here too.
The historic Gardens are home to some of Southport's favourite family attractions, as well as acres of lush greenery, Victoria shelters, fountains, and Venetian bridges.
16. Shop with sparkling jewellers
Southport town centre is a treasure trove of independent, family-run shops that specialise in diamonds, watches and luxury jewellery.
Lord Street alone is home to a handful of beautiful stores, including Rebecca's (pictured), DK Watches, and Connard and Son, who have been trading in Southport since 1883.
17. Take in the view from Harry's Rooftop Bar
Harry's is a stunning location for social drinks, with views overlooking The Northern Quarter and out to the coast beyond.
An elegant, 'elevated' space where you can enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails sitting above Southport’s famous boulevard. Visit on a weekend and enjoy live music and DJ's.
There's plenty of inside seating if the weather doesn't oblige, or just head downstairs to The Grand (Harry's sister venue) before exploring the bars of the Northern Quarter.
18. Play a round of adventure golf
Southport may be hosting The British Open in 2026, but the real golf competitions take place here each weekend!
Viking Golf has become a huge favourite with locals and visitors in recent years. This mythical mini-golf course outside theme park Adventure Coast is a test for any budding Tommy Fleetwood.
The Masters Crazy Golf is a more traditional mini-golf experience, complete with windmills, water wheels, and helter-skelters that need to be navigated carefully should you make your par!
19. Spot the world's most famous horse
The legacy of three-time Grand National winner Red Rum is deeply connected to Southport. His trainer, Ginger McCain, famously used Southport beach as a training ground for the iconic racehorse.
This enormous mural was painted by celebrated local artist Paul Curtis and depicts Red Rum galloping along the golden sands as the tide ebbs and flows.
You'll spot Paul's Rummy artworks all over the town, outside The Bold Hotel and just beyond the town centre inside Birkdale train station.
20. Wander through parks and gardens
Southport is blessed with beautiful wide-open spaces and pristine parks.
The town centre alone is home to beautiful scenic spots such as Kings Gardens and Lord Street Gardens.
Victoria Park, host of many of Southport's world-class events, is a expansive green space much-loved by dog walkers and cyclists. Devoted volunteers maintain the colourful flower beds on Rotten Row that line the edge of park.
Historic Botanic Gardens is not far from the town centre, famous for lush floral displays and winding pathways.
The best of the rest
Eat and Drink
Beyond Southport
Hotels and places to stay
Planning to pay us a visit? Head to Visit Southport for more information on Southport hotels and accommodation.
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