Attractions Southport is sophisticated, cosmopolitan and vibrant destination with a classic feel. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a very traditional British day visit or seaside break but also has lots of modern attractions. Here is just a taste of what’s on offer – contact the Tourist Information Office or visit the website for more details. Coast and Countryside Millions of years ago, huge geological movements created the wide open sands of Southport, the sand hills of Ainsdale and the wild beauty of Formby Point giving Sefton one of the most varied coastlines in the country. The 22 mile stretch of Southport and Sefton coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Southport, Formby Point and Ainsdale are regularly awarded the ENCAMS Seaside Award Flags. The beaches must pass rigorous tests including the provision of first aid facilities, good access for people with mobility problems and ensure the sands have a high standard of cleanliness. Historically, the dune land was used for agriculture, mainly grazing, but today the dune coast is managed almost entirely for conservation and recreation. Management remains essential to allow the coast’s continued use in this way. The dunes and beaches that attract visitors are fragile habitats. Large numbers of people can destroy the very features they travel to see. The dune conservation programme aims to minimise the impact of tourism while maximising the enjoyment of the dunes. On a clear day, a look across the Ribble Estuary will reveal Blackpool’s famous tower. However, the buildings visible on the other side of the river are part of Lytham St. Anne’s. Southport is ideal for coastal walks, cycling and birdwatching. There is a fabulous Walking & Cycling Guide. To obtain a copy please logo onto www.visitsouthport.com or telephone Tourist Information Centre 01704 533333. The Sefton coast is recognised as one of Britain’s premier birdwatching locations – to date more than 300 bird species have been recorded in the area. The pinewoods at nearby Formby are home to the increasingly rare red squirrel and the dunes are home to natterjack toads, sand lizards, dune tiger beetles, emperor dragonfly, holly blue butterfly and early march orchid. Parks and Gardens Hesketh Park’s focal point is a picturesque lake surrounded by a meandering path. The Park is currently undergoing a major improvement programme with the stunning conservatory and observatory being just two of the attractions to be upgraded. Take a walk along the special interest tree trail or look in on the peacocks in the aviary. There is a café and mini golf on site. The botanic gardens contains a local history museum and fernery, a boating lake, mini golf, play area, aviary and pets corner. The park dates back to 1874 and continues the tradition of award winning floral displays, including a bluebell trail in early spring. Summer Sundays often feature a musical programme playing in the bandstand. Shopping Lord Street ranks among the finest boulevards in Europe. It features a 67 foot war memorial monument, municipal gardens, the town hall, arts centre, library and art gallery in addition to the countless shops and eateries. Southport is well-known for its fabulous covered shopping arcades including Wayfarers and Royal Arcades, Cambridge Walks and Marble Place. Wayfarers is Grade II listed and is one of the finest stained glass arcades in the country. It is home to a statue of Red Rum, who was stabled at nearby Birkdale and used to train on the beach! The Ocean Plaza retail & leisure complex offers visitors plenty of choice – shopping, restaurants, a cinema and bowling alley, within easy walking distance of the town centre. There are 1,200 free parking spaces on site. Restaurants With more than 200 restaurants and cafes, you’ll have a great dining experience in Southport. You can eat your way around the world – Mexican, Chinese, Mediterranean, Indian, Spanish, Lebanese, Italian and traditional British are just some of the options! You’ll also find the usual seaside treats like fish and chips and ice-cream. There are also a number of traditional tea rooms offering cakes and light snacks for after your hard day’s shopping experience. A handy pocket guide to eating out in Southport is available from the Tourist Information Centre and the Eco Centre. The Pier The Pier was first opened in 1860 and three years later a tramway was introduced. It is the oldest surviving iron Pier in the country and is the second longest – only Southend exceeds its length. Thanks to a £7 million restoration in 2002, the Pier is now back to its Victorian splendour. The Pier Pavilion reflects a modern seafront theme. Inside can be found an exhibition on the history of the pier, a coastal wildlife display, café and bar. Spark some memories with the traditional ‘penny in the slot’ amusement machines. The stunning new Marine Way Bridge links the seafront to the town centre and provides a direct route to Ocean Plaza. Hop on the Pier Tram which runs up and down the Pier every half an hour. The Promenade and Marine Lake A visit to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the Promenade. Visitors can meander in and out of the beautiful King’s Gardens before reaching Silcock’s Funland, the family indoor entertainment centre with a spectacular carousel outside. Southport’s Marine Lake is one of the largest artificial boating lakes in the country. In the warmer months especially it is possible to view the elegant Southport Belle Mississippi style paddle steamer, speedboats and smaller pleasure craft. Nearby are The Lakeside Inn, the smallest pub in Britain, a nine hole pitch and putt golf course and the Lakeside Miniature Railway and Model Railway Village. Splash World If you’ve woken up and the weather is less than ideal, why not try Splash World? Come rain or shine this is an ideal attraction that all the family can enjoy. With enormous rides taking you outside the building, fast flumes and water canons, kids (big and small) will love it. Looking for something a little more restrained? The lazy river is great fun, with gentle currents pushing you along – grab a rubber ring or float and it’s even more relaxing. Best of all, the temperature is a constant, balmy, 85 degrees. For further information log onto www.splashworldsouthport.com Golf Courses Southport is widely recognised as ‘England’s Golfing Capital’. There are six championship standard golf courses, including Royal Birkdale Golf Club, a regular venue for ‘The Open’. In total there are 15 top quality courses within a 35 minute drive and well over 100 within an hours drive of Southport. Six of the resort’s courses are listed within the top one hundred courses in the world. www.golf-england.co.uk Events Southport is a leading event destination, with an exciting events programme running throughout the year. Why not tie in a well earned short break with one of Southport’s many fabulous events? The Southport International Jazz Festival takes place each May. The North West Motor Show comes to Southport each June, bringing hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles from all over the country. In July Victoria Park is the setting for Summer Classics – Music in the Park with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The flower show takes place in August in Victoria Park and completely takes over. With breathtaking displays, show gardens, celebrity question and answer sessions and entertainment, it gets bigger and better each year – there’s something for everyone. www.southportflowershow.co.uk The Southport Air Show and Military Display uses the seafront as a backdrop for spectacular aerial displays with fast jets, vintage aircraft, helicopters, aerobatic and model aircraft. Don’t forget there are plenty of other activities on solid ground! www.southportairshow.co.uk October sees Southport host the British Musical Fireworks Championships and is time for the resort’s comedy week, showcasing a fantastic line-up of talent from both the local area and further afield.

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