Push the boat out, or a paddle board at least...
PEOPLE have been enjoying the heatwave in Sunny Southport this week – fortunately we have lots of places to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! Here are just some of the best. Please let us know your favourites, or post your great Sunny Southport pictures into our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group.
1. Southport
Pleasureland
The perfect place for families, which has entertained visitors for generations.
Enjoy the Flying Swings, Dodgems, Funhouse, Frogs, Frisbee, Grand Canyon, Log Flume, Matterhorn, Remix, Waltzers, and lots of other great rides! Look out for the new Alice In Wonderland attraction, now available.
Visit: www.southportpleasureland.com
2. Paddle Boarding
Always a great sight on the Marine Lake in Southport.
Watch out for the paddle boarders from SUP North – why not give it a go yourself? Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world.
Visit: www.supnorth.co
3. Southport Pier
Not only does Southport have 22 miles of coast but also boasts the Grade II listed Southport Pier, the oldest iron pier in the country, standing for over 150 years.
Take the pier train or walk to the end, and enjoy a meal or a drink in Southport Pier Pavilion.
Visit: Southport Pier Pavilion on Facebook.
4. Botanic Gardens
Just a few minutes out of the Southport centre in Churchtown is Southport’s Botanic Gardens.
Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens burst with floral splendour and colourful displays.
Don’t miss the Victorian Fernery: open yearround, it houses a wonderful display of ferns of all shapes and sizes.
There is an aviary, gift shop and cafe too, so there’s plenty to explore. 5. Lord Street
Lord Street is without doubt the most elegant shopping and dining street in the UK.
At night, watch it lit up by 300,000 lights in a ‘boulevard of light’ created by Southport BID and contractors IllumiDex UK Ltd.
6. Ainsdale Beach and Pine Woods
Ainsdale Beach is now recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities, with zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use, and kitesurfing taking place on the sea.
You can also sit back and enjoy the beach, with new fish and chips and coffee and cake outlets opening at the beach this weekend.
7. Events
Sadly, events such as the Southport Flower Show and Southport Air Show have been postponed this year.
But watch out for other big events coming up including Southport Food and Drink Festival, Southport Disco Festival, the Sausage and Cider Festival and Save The Rave Festival.
Visit:
victoriaparkevents.co.uk
8. Pleasureland
Miniature Railway
This attraction is the oldest continuously running 15-inch gauge railway in the world and has been loved by generations of families from around the world.
The railway will run every day that the main park is open and runs all day 10am-6pm.
9. Eat Around The World
Southport boasts restaurants from across the globe and that number is due to be boosted when the new look Southport Market opens its doors this Thursday (July 22).
This summer is the time to enjoy eating al fresco with some great restaurants and bars along Lord Street, and in villages including Birkdale, Ainsdale and Churchtown.
10. Southport FootGolf’s Coming Home
Southport’s only FootGolf course is situated just off Southport Pier. This new attraction featured recently on hit Channel 4 series Four In A Bed, when the award-winning guest house The Stamford invited fellow hoteliers in the show to enjoy an afternoon there.
Visit: Southport FootGolf
11. England’s Golf Coast
Or if you have more time to spare, enjoy a day playing golf at one of several championship golf courses in Southport and nearby known as ‘England’s Golf Coast’.
The Open was most recently held on England’s Golf Coast by Royal Birkdale in 2017 and will return to Royal Liverpool in 2023.
Visit:
englandsgolfcoast.com
12. Marine Lake & King’s Gardens
The Marine Lake area in Southport. Photo by Roof Checker
At Marine Lake you’ll find a choice of water based activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Marine Lake also has pedaloes and motor boats for hire as well as offering high speed rides on a power boat.
Stay for lunch or afternoon tea at the awardwinning Kings Gardens Tea Rooms, enjoy live music at the Marine Lake Cafe, enjoy the peace and quiet of Britain’s smallest
pub – The Lakeside Inn.
13. Southport Model Railway Village
Take the family to Southport Model Railway Village, ticked away in Kings Gardens.
This Southport attraction is ideal for children who love trains.
14. Beer Gardens
Southport boasts so many –The Carlton on Lord Street, Cafe Bar N’Ista in Birkdale, Tipple in Ainsdale, the Marine Lake Cafe, Southport Pier, The Blue Anchor, The Woollen Pig and more.
Or tuck yourself away in one of Southport’s stylish and secret outside terraces and beer gardens such as Bliss Hotel, Skies, The Lakeside Inn, Oasis at The Hoghton Arms and the Masons Arms.
15. Hesketh Park
The Victorian Park has plenty to offer visitors, a short mile walk away and with plenty of on street parking, this picturesque park is a perfect place to lose track of time.
The gardens and ornate fountains have been restored and reconstructed, to bring the park back to its former glory.
There are numerous nature trails, varied wildlife, a large lake, and a children’s play area.