Every year, I pack my bags and make my way back to Bowden Lodge, a well-loved guest house in Southport that has truly become my home away from home. My annual week-long stay has grown into a real tradition, and 2026 was no different. Using Bowden Lodge as my base, I spend each day exploring a different destination by train before returning to a warm welcome each evening. If you are searching for accommodation in Southport that feels personal and genuinely welcoming, this is the place to start.
Arrival Day: Settling Into Southport
I usually arrive around lunchtime, parking at the guest house before heading straight into town for a wander. Southport is a charming Victorian seaside town, full of beautiful architecture and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants, all offering something for every taste. After a good stroll along Lord Street, I make my way back to Bowden Lodge to check in.
Jane, as always, gives me a warm welcome at the door, and we have a quick catch-up before the room keys are handed over. One of the great perks of staying at Bowden Lodge is the preference card, which gives guests discounts at several local restaurants, all within easy walking distance. Once settled in and refreshed, I head back out for dinner and ease into holiday mode. It is the kind of relaxed arrival that immediately puts you at ease.
Getting Around by Train
One of my favourite parts of this trip is travelling by train. There is something special about watching the countryside roll by from a carriage window. Each day brings a new destination, and the rail connections from Southport make getting around the North of England both straightforward and enjoyable. Here is how the week played out, day by day.
Day Two: Clitheroe (Train, Change at Bolton)
A visit to Clitheroe is always a great choice for a day out. This lovely market town is home to Clitheroe Castle and sits on the edge of the stunning Forest of Bowland. It is ideal for a gentle walk and taking in wide views of the open countryside. The town itself is compact and easy to explore entirely on foot, making it a relaxed and rewarding day trip.
Day Three: Carlisle (Train, Change at Wigan)
Next up was Carlisle, a historic border city with a great deal to offer. Highlights include Carlisle Cathedral and the famous Settle to Carlisle Line, one of the most scenic rail routes in the whole of the UK. It is a longer day out, but the trip is genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. Carlisle has a rich history around every corner, and it made for a fascinating day away from the coast.
Day Four: Blackpool (Train, Change at Wigan)
A trip to Blackpool is always good fun. I love seeing the iconic Blackpool Tramway in action and taking a walk along the lively promenade. Blackpool has a real energy to it and offers a completely different atmosphere to the quieter destinations on my itinerary. It is an easy and popular day out for anyone staying at a guest house in Southport, given how close the two towns are by rail.
Day Five: Barrow-in-Furness (Train, Change at Bolton)
Barrow-in-Furness is often overlooked by visitors to the region, but I find it a genuinely fascinating place. The town’s shipbuilding heritage, closely connected to BAE Systems, is evident throughout. Add in coastal views and a relaxed pace of life, and it makes for a surprisingly rewarding day out. It is a destination I would highly recommend adding to any itinerary.
Day Six: Morecambe (Train, Change at Wigan and Lancaster)
The seaside town of Morecambe offers a beautiful seafront and stunning views across Morecambe Bay. It was a wonderfully relaxing day, with great places to eat and plenty of open space to unwind. It is also a reminder of how much there is to see within easy reach of accommodation in Southport.
Chester (Train, Change at Liverpool)
Another highlight of the week was the city of Chester. With its famous Chester Rows, two-level covered shopping arcades, and distinctive Tudor-style buildings, Chester feels like stepping back in time. Walking the ancient city walls and visiting the cathedral are must-do experiences. It is a city that genuinely rewards slow exploration, and I always come away impressed.
Final Day: A Farewell to Southport
Before heading home, I enjoyed one last morning in Southport. After a full cooked breakfast at Bowden Lodge, a walk around Marine Lake and King’s Gardens was the perfect way to round off the week. It is a calm, unhurried end to a packed and memorable stay. Southport truly shines on a quiet morning, and it was a lovely final note before the drive home.
Previous Adventures From Southport
Over the years, I have explored many other destinations by train from Southport, including Liverpool, Manchester, Lancaster, Leeds, Hebden Bridge, Brighouse, Dewsbury, and The Wirral. Southport’s rail connections make it easy to cover a large part of the North of England, and having comfortable and reliable holiday accommodation in Southport to return to each evening makes the whole experience far more enjoyable, taking the stress out of travel and freeing up time to focus on the day ahead.
Favourite Places to Eat in Southport
After a full day of travelling, a good meal is always something to look forward to. Some of my favourite spots in Southport include:
- Volare (included on the Bowden Lodge preference card)
- Auberge (also included on the Bowden Lodge preference card)
- The Swan for a classic plate of fish and chips
The Bowden Lodge preference card is a thoughtful touch that I genuinely appreciate, making dining out in Southport a little more affordable throughout the stay.
Why Bowden Lodge Keeps Michael Coming Back
This annual trip is something I truly look forward to every April. It is a perfect mix of relaxation, wide-ranging exploration, and the familiar comfort of a place that genuinely feels like home. If you are planning a visit to the area, I cannot recommend it highly enough. As one of the most well-regarded guest houses in Southport, Bowden Lodge is ready to make your stay one to remember.
Thinking about booking holiday accommodation in Southport? Visit www.bowdenlodge.co.uk to check availability and get in touch.
