In and around Southport

Pleasureland is a great place for all the family to visit with a mix of rides and amusements.

With beaches at Southport and nearby Ainsdale and Formby there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your bucket and spade.

Situated outside of Southport’s town centre in Churchtown are the Victorian Botanic gardens full of colourful floral displays and a recently restored fern house. Nearby is the large Victorian Hesketh Park with gardens, ornate fountains, nature trails and a play area.

Covering 17 acres, the town centre Kings Gardens are a busy tourist attraction where visitors can appreciate the gardens, play area, tea room and summer outdoor cinema.

Situated at Ocean Plaza, with eight screens and 1400 seats Southport’s Vue Cinema screens all the latest blockbusters and London theatre performances.

Home to the Southport Dramatic Club (our local amateur dramatics society) the Southport Little Theatre offers live productions throughout the year, including the very popular Christmas Pantomine.

With a theatre and events space and a yearly programme of events including comedy, music, theatre and other performances there is something for everyone.

The stunning 19th century Atkinson building includes Southport’s library, a theatre, art gallery, museum, cinema, café. With a yearly programme of events and activities the Atkinson brings arts and culture to Southport.

With six golf clubs in the local area, including the world famous Royal Birkdale, there’s plenty of opportunity to improve your handicap.

Visit the Merseyrail Community Stadium at Haig Avenue in Southport to see Southport’s semi-professional football team ‘the Sandgrounders’ play a competitive match.

The Dunes Complex boasts a 25m pool, toddler pool, sauna, steam room, fitness suite, programme of fitness classes and large sports hall as well as Splash World with water slides, river rides and fun water play area.

Take advantage of miles of beaches, dunes, nature trails and cycle paths in an around Southport or if you fancy something more challenging take part in one of Southport’s many running events including Southport Seaside 10K, Southport Half Marathon or the regular 5K Parkrun at Hesketh Park.

The Southport Flower Show, taking place at the end of August, is the largest independent flower show in the country. This popular event features show gardens, floral art and amateur growers’ competitions as well as a grand floral marquee.

Considered one of the best air shows in the UK, the family- friendly Southport Air Show combines spectacular air displays with ground activities to make a fun experience for all who attend.

In September each year, Southport’s Victoria Park hosts the British Musical Fireworks Championship where competitors battle over three nights to be crowned the ultimate winner.

Taking place over 18 days, October’s Comedy Festival sees events, pub crawls and TV names coming together to bring laughter to Southport.