After my tragic train ride to the Lake district, I was a bit apprehensive towards taking the ride to Southport. But, by God’s Grace this ride was unlike the previous one and though very early in the morning it was a comfortable and pleasant ride. As usual the scenery changed from Manchester to its outskirts; the fields with horses and sheeps grazing around; the lush open greenery restricted by the likes of one lonely house at the end of the horizon. After about a nearly one hour journey, we reached Southport. As summer approached Manchester, at times the temperatures rose quite an extent with long rainless days; thus the prospect of visiting a beach was quite refreshing. Alas! The sun decided to be moody that very day and evaded the sky. It was cloudy, dark and windy but not bad enough to affect the high spirits of the people. There were still lots of amazing things to do in Southport without the Sun.
Here is my list of top 10 things to do in Southport (with or without Mr [Read Moody 😛 ] Sun )
- Visit Model Railway Village and Adjoining Parks
A short walk from the train station leads you to the model Railway village. It is quite an interesting experience visiting this exhibit. From miniature villages, trains, train station to people, churches and canals everything was beautifully recreated in this museum. There is a nominal fee of £4 per adult and £3.50 per child/concession to visit this museum. It reminded me of the Cartoon Thomas and his Friends . this would be an ideal place for children. You can also collect an activity sheet from the reception and have fun solving it with your child. The kind lady at the reception handed me one too, which i politely passed onto my parents and started playing with my own puzzle- my camera (Why I called it a puzzle? everyday I discover new features and wonders of this little machine ; it sure deserves to be called a beautiful puzzle).
Adjacent to the Railway Village is a children’s park. From bungee jumping, rope-way travelling and swings , care has been taken that your child does not get bored. Adult supervision is always given while the children are playing and the grounds are large enough to actually have a mini-picnic there itself.
2. Boating in the Lake
Southport Promenade provides family boating facilities in the Lake. A minimum fees is to be paid for hiring a boat for a certain amount of time from the ticket booth nearby. This boating experience offers great views and an experience of a lifetime.
3. Golfing
Perhaps not something usually heard of near a sea beach, but Southport does have a golfing centre as well. In fact, to not offend the children, there is also a children’s Golf arena beside the one for the adults.
4. Eating out in the open air pubs/inns/restaurants with Live music
One of the best ways to chill and enjoy the cold wind of the beach is to visit an open air pub/restaurant and relax with a glass of beer/ soft drinks / food ; listening to live music and dancing (well not literally) to its rhythmic beats. And Yes Southport Restaurants serve Fish ‘n’ Chips which is a must try. Since I do not eat fish, I am giving you the opinions of my parents who have tasted it and testified it as good food.
5. Walking the length of the Southport Pier
Walking along the entire length of the pier would take around an hour. It is actually very interesting how the scene changes on both sides. From restaurants, Funland, Golf Course, Main Road, Beach and then finally endless water on both side- everything can be seen in this one hour walk. Interestingly, you even get to see the Blackpool Tower from the Southport Pier, which is a sight that cannot be missed !
6. Taking a tram ride along the Pier
Another brilliant way to explore the pier within ten minutes is to take the tram which runs the entire length of the pier. For just a £2 fee per person you can ride the entire pier within minutes. We decided to walk till the end of the pier and take the tram ride back to the starting point.
7. Trying your luck at the Games
Let me tell you, my luck is not very good with these games. However I would not discourage you to try yours. Apart from Funland, there are several Game booths scattered all over Southport where you can play games and if luck is on your side, WIN SOMETHING!!!!
8. Visit the Beach
Instead of heading towards the pier, if you take the road below it , you would reach the beach. I had not gone to the beach but witnessed most of the interesting happenings from the pier itself. Kids, building sand castles running about in the water to fill in their tubs , dogs running about here and there playing catch the ball, children holding their parents hands and enjoying the touch of the cold water on their feet, some brave hearts even joined in for a little swim – these sights and more filled the beach scene on both sides of the pier. Just beside the beach is the Southport Eye and the Amusement Park. Though we skipped it but if at the beach then it is one of the recommended activities to do.
9. Shopping at the Wayfarers Victorian Arcade
This glass roofed Victorian shopping mall hosts a lot of labels – fashion, lifestyle, food and the likes. My personal favourites were an antique shop selling interesting curios of Southport and England and a beautiful stone jewellery shop.
10. Taking a stroll around the town
After visiting the pier and having lunch, we still had sometime before our train arrived and decided to take a stroll along the city. We did not deviate too much from the Southport Station so as to be able to return in time for our train and yet managed to catch some exciting sights. The Fountain built in the middle of a park in the Memory of the people’ s princess Lady Diana, had become a local shower for the kids to take a bath of sorts. The various beautiful buildings and sculptures including several obelisk reflected the history of this port city. Interestingly, the Wishing Well was on a sabbatical from granting wishes. And when in Southport, you cannot miss its more-than-30-flavours of ice creams available in every shop.
Southport is very much a city whose essence can be enjoyed whole heartedly within a day. I recommend it as a day trip for anyone who would love to go to a beach during summers and otherwise. Let me know in a comment below which activity/s did you like the best amongst the ones listed here or if I have missed anything that you particulary enjoyed in Southport. I hope you enjoy the sights of Southport till I come back with another one of my adventures. I would leave you with a photograph that I shot from the pier. . . . . . .
I really like the vibe of this place. Live music, open cafes, the beach! And I love the picture you took from the Pier. Just beautiful!
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Thank you 🙂
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Loved this guide: I’ve always wanted to visit Southport as my family comes from there! On a side note, I absolutely love visiting model villages: there’s just something about them that I find so adorable!
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Thank you. This is my first visit to a model village and I loved it. looking forward to visit some more.
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I love the idea of exploring this destination by multiple modes of transport. You would get a different perspective from boat than my train!
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Yes. I agree. 🙂
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This pretty little town seems tailor made for families. I can actually see the relaxed vibes of this place from the photos and also the nicely worded descriptions you have provided here. I kinda love that pier, somehow feels quite relaxing.
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Yes. its a laid back town with lots of things to do at your own pace. 🙂
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I would love to visit Southport, I think I would never get bored. FIrst activity/attraction I would choose: the model railway village since I’m so in love with trains!
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Yes, that tops my list too. 🙂
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Lovely post! I’ve stayed in Southport for couple of weeks and I was very surprised what a pretty town it was! Feel free to check out my review on this beautiful seaside resort 🙂 x
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Oh, thats lovely. then you must be familiar with this place. What did you love the most about this place?
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Those model trains are so amazing! And an entire village of them? I don’t know about children, but it would be hard to get me out of there. The pier looks amazing as well. And although that tram is cute, I’d enjoy walking all the way.
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Hehe, Yes, who says that the model village is only for kids. There were so many elders there enjoying the beauty of the village. It attracts people of all ages . Yes, I walked all the way to the end of the pier too, but then took a tram ride back , cause of the time crunch.
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Shopping at the Victorian Arcade looks awesome. The walk on the pier looks very ‘romantical’ Thanks for sharing your experience. 😉
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Aaah Yes. Expecially in the morning it might be really romantic. I guess the pier closes at nights so no long walks at nights.
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I’ve never heard of Southport but it does sound like fun. The beach looks great and people seem to be having a great time. I would enjoy the beach, but I’m also a sucker for a Victorian arcade so I would want to check that out.
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Yes. the Victorian Arcade is paradise for shopaholics. My mum found extreme happiness wandering around the arcade while I am more of a pier person.
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That tram on the pier is so cute! I would love to spend a day at that pier and put my feet in the water, just like you did in that picture!
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Hehe, Yes didnt expect that there can be tram running on the pier but thats was very innovative and cute.
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The model Railway village with miniature villages and trains looks cute and fascinating. Children’s park with adventure activities, boating, and tram ride along the pier sounds like a great way to spend time with family.
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Yes. For spending family time those are the best places. Personally, I would love to explore the city, the pier and taste at least some of the over 30 varieties of ice cream.
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I think that walking the length of Southport pier is a great idea,and is a brilliant idea for a day trip to Southport.
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Yes. it takes a lot of your time to just walk that length and admire the beauty of the place. interestingly you can also see the Blackpool Towers from the pier. so, kind of two attractions in a day 🙂
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When I was living in the UK I came to the conclussion that those things by the coast couldn’t be called beaches. And your post confirms it. hehehe. The town seems like the cutest thing ever, and I am not sure I would have found so many things to do there as you did… so, congrats!
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Well, this is quite a tricky statement cause if you visit Wales, the shoreline is lined up with beautiful beaches from Cardiff in the South to Conwy and Llandudno in the North. But Southport, for the day I visited, it might not be fitting very well with the standard definition of a beach.
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All very doable activities. I like such tested itineraries, nothing can go wrong. 🙂
The last pic is so well taken!
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What a nice post. I have never been to Southport, but this was very detailed and gave so many options to consider a vacation here 🙂 Thank you very much for sharing this information! Definitely a great stop on a road trip.
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Welcome. Im so glad you liked it. Its a beautiful place . May not be a must visit in the UK but if its near your place and you have a free weekend definitely worth enough to squeeze it into your travel plans. 🙂
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Looks like there’re so many amazing things to do in Southport! I’d love to do some golfing and stroll around the town to get the perfect Southport vibes!
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Thats an amazing way to spend the day. do not forget to Try the local and famous Fish and chips (if you are non-veg) else veg dishes are also available.
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I think I would go for the arcade and the open-air chipper, though a walk along the shore would be brilliant as well. This place looks like it’s been a get-away spot for some time.
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Yes. Its a beautiful place. You must definitely go there once. 🙂
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What a fantastic place to go on a day trip! You have curated such a good guide for visitors with a lot of information on where to go and what to do. I can imagine myself purchasing an ice-cream and strolling down the pier. Thanks for the post Subhadrika!
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Welcome. Im glad it came of some help to you. 🙂
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Such a fun-filled, laid-back, no-nonsense trip. Perfect for a lazy weekend! I’m sure you would do it again!
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Yes. But keeping in mind that Im not from the UK and have lots left to explore maybe Ill try and travel to other places 🙂
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Hello,
I think if I am just living near your area, and I have a long-weekend to spend, I would choose this place. A long weekend of fun and excitement with friends and family (or even solo, not bad though). And will bring also my camera for capturing memories. Thanks for sharing, Dear!
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Welcome. 🙂 I am sure you would have a lot of fun. Not far from Bradford is the city of York which is equally beautiful and amazing. You should explore that as well if you have time.
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An interesting an fun day filled with something for everyone. I love discovering food markets. The pier is always fun.Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Welcome 🙂 hope you get to go and enjoy the place for yourself someday.
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The bridge and the mall is stunning. Looks like such a nice city!
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Yes. Southport is a beautiful place. 🙂
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Day trips are great! I like the idea that you can spend a whole day somewhere and then come back to home or that place where you are staying. I like that pier – it would be so nice to have a walk there.
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Yes, The piers great. It might just take you one to two hours to only take a walk around the entire pier.
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I would definitely do number 5,6 and 9
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So much to do in a day! I really must visit the Lake district soon 🙂
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🙂
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That is a complete day well spent. Loved those open air cafes. the tram ride and railway park. A perfect outing for the entire family.
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Yes. everyone in the family will have something to do according to their likes. 🙂
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I really have to explore more of the England. There is so much to do here I think you could easily fill a weekend packed with activities. My children would really enjoy the model railway and the adjoining children’s park.
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Yes. thats a lovely place to bring your children to. 🙂
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One of the things I always do if I am visiting a place for the first time is search the top 10 things to do, I think that the list you have put together is a lot of fun and really dynamic because its something you can do with a group of people or if you are two visiting. I think my favorite part of a trip to Southport would be strolling around the town on the other hand my leat favorite from the list would be the games. Which was your favorite part of the day?
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I always do a background check of the things to do. But end up doing what I really want to do which might be very different from the usual activities. One thing which is a must at any place for me is to go for long walks. I avoid transport unless its like the hop on hop off city tours. Also, I like taking a long walk at night after dinner to explore how the city looks at night.
In Southport, Id say my favourite part of the day was spent photographying the model railway village and walking across the pier. Ill be wrong if I say I didnt like games but my interest in them is reducing day by day as I think I end up losing a lot of money while playing it than actually winning anything . (I have however won two soft toys in the past and that was all my luck would have me win) 😛 .
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This is amazing! Great photos.
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Love the photograph you left us with. I would want a shot like that as well! Boating in the Lake is my winner on your list!
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Thanks a lot. Glad you liked it. Yes, Boating is almost available in any place in the UK which is near the beach , alke or water. Interestingly, that reminds me I havnt done boating in any of these places myself. Gosh have to put that on my list now 😛
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great shots! i see there is so many activities in there! so much fun.
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Thanks. Yes theres lots to do in Southport even if you want to skip the beach. 🙂
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I think I would do all these things! Except maybe games, though. Boating in the Lake sounds so fun and golfing too! But, as a shopacholic I would spend the most of my time shopping at the Wayfarers Victorian Arcade!
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Hehe! Each one to her own. 🙂 My mum would do the same thing spend her time in the shopping arcade. Im more of a pier person 🙂
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Wow sounds like there are many fun things to do in Southport. I would probably go for the miniature railroad village attractionand shopping. Always nice to learn about new places. Thank you for the post.
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Definitely, the train village is very unusual and not something usually heard of while speaking about museums. 🙂 Im sure you would like a walk / tram ride across the pier as well.
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We have not yet been to this area, but I love that there are so many varied activities for families (and who doesn’t love an open air pub and live music??)
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Hehe ! Absolutely ! I bet thats something found in all parts of the world. if not open air, then at least a nice comfy pub or restaurant to enjoy by the seaside. 🙂
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Wow that first image of the train had me thinking this was a real shot. Its so real !
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Thanks. Glad you liked it 🙂
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Great post, the pictures are beautiful.
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Thanks a lot. Glad you liked it 🙂
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