15 best family attractions in Southport
Unsure of what Southport has to offer. Then let the people at TripAdvisor help, says Emilia Bona
THE sunshine might be proving elusive but summer is definitely underway, with the school holidays now here.
Around this time of year parents are often scrambling for ways to fill the days when the kids are off school. Certain trips will always be firm favourites with your family, but have you ever wondered what the best attractions are in Southport?
Travel website TripAdvisor have compiled a list of the “best things to do in Southport” based on the attractions that received the best ratings and reviews from visitors to the site.
Here’s a countdown of the top 15 favourites. 15. Splash World
Southport is home to the fun all-weather water park Dunes Splash World.
With fast flumes and river rides, a relaxing bubble spa and a new, recently refurbished toddler area and water play area, with tipping buckets and fountains so there’s gallons of watery fun for everyone.
After a family trip to the water park one mum posted: “Pool was lovely and warm. Everything was nice and clean. Son (11) went off and did his own thing on the slides and I supervised daughter (seven) in the brilliant children’s area.
“Money well spent – would definitely recommend” 14. RSPB Marshside
This attraction is ideal for birdwatchers and novices alike. The coastal reserve has something for everyone, offering visitors the chance to spot local wildlife from two hides, a viewing platform and three viewing screens. If you’re new to birdwatching, you can head along to one of the special event days.
One visitor to the reserve said: “Despite it being a wet and windy Bank Holiday Sunday, Marshside proved to be a highly enjoyable and educational visit.
“The RSPB volunteer was friendly and chatty and as soon as we showed interest, gave us plenty of information, well tailored to our amateur bird watcher status.” 13. British Lawnmower Museum
For a unique day trip try the British Lawnmower Museum, housing more than 200 restored exhibits with all their history at the world’s only lawnmower museum.
Even if you don’t think it’ll be up your street, lots of visitors left great reviews for the museum on TripAdvisor despite their initial concerns that this attraction might not have been for them.
After a family visit to the museum one person wrote: “My husband read about this museum some time ago and we visited this weekend with our seven-year-old son. It really took me and my husband back to our youth.
“I remembered my parents owning some of those mowers and it really was a lovely opportunity to reminisce. Staff extremely knowledgeable and helpful and educational for our son.” 12. Silcock’s Funland
In a prime location on the Promenade Silcock’s is an absolute must if you’re out and about with the kids at the seaside this summer. The amusement arcade has all your favourite games, with all the old classics.
One nostalgic poster on the site said: “My friend and I could not resist a ride on the Silcocks racing horses carousel which took us back to our sixties childhood.
“Situated just down a side road off the main promenade, approximately £1.40 gave us a quite a long ride which was very therapeutic, unlike some of the white-knuckle variety!” 11. Southport Little Theatre
Check out the programme for this local theatre if you’re looking for a show to take the kids to this summer.
The amateur productions received great reviews on Trip Advisor, with one theatre-goer saying: “Southport Little Theatre is lovely place to go with tons of great amateur plays on all year round. The building itself is very traditional with a nice bar area and great comfy seats.
“The prices are always fantastic and the staff are very friendly - all volunteers, I believe.
“From Les Miserables to the Christmas pantomimes, this theatre always puts on stunning productions and you can really see how much effort they put into their sets, staging and atmosphere.” 10. Southport Theatre and Convention Centre
Located on the Promenade overlooking the Marine Lake, the theatre has entertainment the kids will love with a programme packed full of shows from TV favourites and musicals to pantomimes and live music.
One reviewer praised the venue, saying: “In company with my wife and two granddaughters went to see the Abba Reunion show. The show was brilliant. The theatre itself is modern and spacious and is always clean. There is a bar for alcoholic drinks and you can also purchase soft and hot drinks. The staff are helpful and friendly.” 9. Southport Pleasureland
Offering a mix of thrilling roller coasters, flumes and waltzers plus loads of rides designed for younger visitors. it’s easy to see why Pleasureland is Southport’s premier attraction for families looking for a wonderful place to go.
Giving the park a five star review, one TripAdvisor member said: “This was our first visit to Pleasureland and we loved the top-up cards, they are a fantastic idea and you can go round the park at your own pace and the staff were fantastic too. We will definitely visit again soon.”
Another reviewer agreed, saying: “We spent an afternoon at Pleasureland. Our children really enjoyed the park. The park was really clean and the top up cards were a good idea. Loads for children to do and not ridiculously expensive.”
8. Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale Beach is one of the most popular on the coast and has been awarded a Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy. It is the only beach in the
North West to have ever been awarded the international Blue Flag.
Describing the beach as “a peach” one regular visitor said: “This beach is one of the best beaches in the area, clean, safe. What more could you ask for. Our grandchildren love it. They play for hours on the sand dunes and when they want feeding and watering there’s a mobile food van which is quite reasonable.”
7. Concerts
The Atkinson is hosting some great family events this summer. See Roald Dahl’s stories come to life in film with Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (PG) on Thursday, July 28, Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) on Thursday, August 11 and Matilda (PG) on Thursday, August 25. Tickets are £3 and all screenings start at 2.30pm.
The Atkinson is hosting some great family events this summer
An enthusiastic reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “It would be easy to pass the gallery by with so many attractions in Southport, but you would be missing a treat. It has well described art exhibitions (with friendly guides), activities to suit all tastes, a theatre, library and, last but by no means least, an artisan bakery café.” 6. Southport Air Show
This year will mark the 25th anniversary of Southport Air Show, and organisers are pulling out all the stops to make it one to remember.
Visitors to the event this September will be able to admire an American B-25 Mitchell bomber, an aircraft which forged its reputation during WWII.
Crowds will also be able to see and hear two of the earliest and most iconic jet fighter aircraft, the Russian MiG 15 and the British de Havilland Vampire.
Winning a four star review on the site, one TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Had an amazing day with wonderful weather and an excellent air show. Plenty going on, food, drinking, displays, activities, stalls.”
5. Hesketh Park
This picturesque Victorian park is one of the biggest in Southport, with the gardens and ornate fountains restored and reconstructed to bring them back to their former glory.
There are a number of nature trails and a play area to keep the children busy, as well as a large lake and local wildlife .
review on TripAdvisor says: “I love, love, love Hesketh Park, it’s great for the kids, exploring the wooded area, you can feed the ducks, play in the park, play mini golf. There’s a shop that sells ice cream and a green house where you can buy plants. It’s my favourite place and it’s where I got engaged!”
4. Botanic Gardens
Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with floral splendour and colourful displays. Situated in historic Churchtown the gardens are complete with a lake that winds throughout the park.
There is an aviary, gift shop and café too, so there’s plenty to see and explore.
Giving the gardens five stars on TripAdvisor, one mum said: “Loved this place. It was a nice relaxing day out with my young children. The food in the cafe was good. The brass band was playing. Had a lovely stroll around looked at the birds in the aviary.”
3. Model Railway Village
Ideal for kids (or big kids) who love locomotives, the model railway village is an easy way to spend the day watching model trains make their way around one-and-ahalf acres of beautiful miniature landscape.
With a café, tea gardens and picnic facilities this attraction is great for parents who want to relax in the peaceful surroundings while the children enjoy the model trains.
One mum rated the railway village highly on TripAdvisor, saying: “Lovely hour spent in the village. My daughter loved filling out the quiz sheet and counting the fairies, the husband secretly checking out the trains. The highlight for me was the new born baby chicks following mum around.”
Another five star review read: “We had a beautiful day here. It is one of the nicest days out I’ve had. It simply makes you smile.”
2. Southport Pier
Southport’s Grade II listed pier is the oldest iron pier in the country, standing for more than 150 years. From the end of the 1,000 metre long pier you can see Blackpool and the North Wales coast on a clear day.
The pier is the second longest in the country and has a tram which takes you to the end where you can soak up the views and enjoy the stunning coastline.
One reviewer described the pier as somewhere to “blow away the cobwebs” saying their visit was “magical” and “well worth a visit”.
Someone else said: “The pier is a fantastic walk for all the family. At the end of the pier is a café and old-style amusement arcade which is brilliant fun. If you get tired you can go back on the train for a couple of pounds. If you are in Southport, go!” And straight in at number one ...
Southport Marine Lake
The Marine Lake has a choice of water-based activities to keep the family entertained, with pedalos and motor boats for hire as well as rides on a power boat.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Lovely area with something for everyone. Great for walking our dog in the evening. Pretty gardens. Well equipped play area for kids. Close to town and pier.”
Another said: “Very relaxing. Can hire a swan pedalo or a rowing boat or just watch the world go by. Good for all ages.”