Wondering what to do in Southport? Discover Southport’s sweeping beach and charming seafront, where wide-open coastal views meet the timeless appeal of a traditional British seaside escape. The town has impressive Victorian gardens, a grand shopping street and a seafront theme park (Adventure Coast). Bowden Lodge sits on Albert Road, three minutes’ walk from Lord Street. Andy and Jane Gibbs run the guest house and live here, so they know the town well. This guide covers the places worth your time, including what to do in Southport with kids. We have also been honest about what is closed, so you can plan around it.
Start with Lord Street
Lord Street is the heart of the town. It runs for about a mile, lined with trees and Victorian glass canopies. Underneath them you will find independent shops, covered arcades, cafes and restaurants.
The street is a pleasant walk even in poor weather, because the canopies keep most of the rain off. It is also the first thing we point guests towards, since it starts three minutes walfrom our front door.
Southport Market sits just off the main run in Kings Street. It is a restored late Victorian market hall with food traders and shared seating. It works well for a relaxed lunch.
The beach, the seafront and the pier
Southport Beach is wide and mostly sandy with natural vegetation at its peripheral edges. The tide goes out a long way and behind it sits ‘Marine Lake’, a large man made lake you can walk right around. Southport Marine Lake is a historic, 140-acre artificial lake offering a wide range of water sports, including family-friendly motorboat and themed pedalo rentals, high-speed jet boat rides, and guided lake cruises. The lake is also a vibrant hub for dinghy sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and rowing, though private swimming, fishing, and jet skis are strictly prohibited. King’s Gardens runs alongside it, with 17 acres of lawns, flowerbeds and paths.
One thing to know before you arrive. Southport Pier has been closed since 2022 because of corrosion in its steelwork. The Government has committed £20 million to repair it and restoration work is due to be completed in 2027. Sefton Council publishes the restoration plans and timetable on its Southport Pier page. Check there for the latest position before you travel.
The seafront is still well worth visiting. The Big Wheel located on the Esplanade (Marine Drive / shoreline of Marine Lake) gives you a clear view across the coast on a bright day.
What to do in Southport with kids
Families have plenty of choice within a short distance of us.
Adventure Coast Southport is the seafront amusement park, which many people still call Pleasureland. It reopened for the 2026 season with free entry and a pay as you go system for rides. It opens at weekends, and daily during school holidays, from 11am. The park is dog friendly and has its own car park.
Splash World sits adjacent to it. It has an indoor water park with slides, a lazy river and separate areas for younger children. Being indoors makes it a reliable choice on a wet afternoon.
The Model Railway Village covers about 1.5 acres near Marine Lake. Working model trains run through a miniature Lancashire landscape of houses, shops and countryside.
The Lakeside Miniature Railway is another easy win. It has run along the edge of Marine Lake since 1911, and claims to be the oldest continuously running 15-inch gauge railway in the world. It operates from Easter to October, at weekends and during school holidays.
Days out close to Southport
Some of the best family days are only a short drive away.
WWT Martin Mere is a wetland centre about five miles east of the town. You can see flamingos, otters and large numbers of wild wetland birds, with hides and walkways throughout the reserve.
Formby is roughly fifteen minutes down the coast by car. The National Trust looks after the pinewoods there, which are home to red squirrels. The beach and sand dunes behind it make a good walk in any season.
Closer to home, RSPB Marshside sits on the edge of town. There is no admission charge, though you pay to park unless you are an RSPB member or a Blue Badge holder. It is good for birdwatching, particularly in autumn and winter, but note the reserve closes at 4pm through those months.
Gardens, galleries and quieter corners
Southport is a good town for a slower day.
Botanic Gardens in Churchtown has a lake, a fernery and formal planting. Hesketh Park is another Victorian favourite, with a lake and plenty of open space. Both are free to enter.
The Atkinson is the town’s cultural centre on Lord Street. It houses an art gallery, the library, a theatre and exhibition spaces. A programme runs all year, with comedy, music, drama and family shows. It is a dependable option when the weather turns.
Events worth planning around
Southport has a busy events calendar, and booking early matters for the big ones.
The Southport Flower Show takes place in August and is the largest independent flower show in the country. The event date of the Southport Air Show can vary from year due to tidal forecasts as displays over the beach. It’s always best to check the official schedule before planning a visit. Southport Comedy Festival runs across October each year.
2026 is also Southport’s first Year of Culture, with extra street theatre, festivals and exhibitions across the town. Our things to do page keeps a current list of what is on locally.
Getting around
Southport is an easy town to explore on foot. Lord Street, the seafront and King’s Gardens all sit within a flat, walkable square.
The railway station is about fifteen minutes south along Lord Street. Trains run to Liverpool and Wigan and Manchester and both lines pass stops that are useful for days out. Freshfield is the stop for the Formby red squirrel woods. Burscough Bridge and New Lane both serve Martin Mere.
That means you can reach most of the places in this guide without a car. If you are driving, there is parking at the seafront attractions and across the town centre, with free parking at Bowden Lodge Guest House for guests staying with us.
Making a weekend of it
Most of the places above sit within walking distance or a short drive of Albert Road. That is the practical reason people stay in this part of town.
Bowden Lodge is a restored Victorian guest house with en-suite bedrooms and a homemade breakfast each morning. Andy and Jane can point you towards the right beach, bus or place for dinner. Not stayed in a guest house before? Our guide to staying in a guest house explains how it differs from a hotel.
We are open all year, and the town is worth visiting outside summer. Autumn and winter bring quieter beaches, better birdwatching and a calmer Lord Street.
Plan your trip
Have a look at our rooms and rates to see what is available for your dates. Tell us what you want to see and we will help you plan around it.
Call 01704 543531 or email enquiries@bowdenlodge.co.uk. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
