If you're in the market for a UK staycation this year, or simply fancy a trip to the beach, there are loads of reasons to visit Southport.
Located along a stunning stretch of coastline, this Victorian seaside town is a great spot to escape and unwind, while still having a great selection of activities and attractions - all year round.
It's close enough for a day trip, and far enough away to be a decent break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We took a trip to the Merseyside town to see exactly what there is to see, to do and to experience while you're there.
Things to see and do
The Pier
The pier at Southport is the oldest iron pier in the country and the second longest pleasure pier in the UK - just short of the pier at Southend.
The Grade II listed structure stretches out over 1,000 meters into the Irish Sea, and a walk across the boards is rewarded with a phenomenal view out across the water to neighbouring Blackpool and even to North Wales on a clear day.
At one end you'll find the Silcocks funland arcades, packed full of the traditional games and seaside amusements, just behind the stunning golden carousel on the pier forecourt.
Head to the other end, and see the best of the views from the Pier Pavilion - which is also home to a vintage arcade with traditional one-armed bandit penny slot machines.
The Atkinson
Found in the heart of Southport, The Atkinson is the town's hub for music, theatre, art, literature and history.
Housed in stunning 19th century buildings, it's had significant investment in recent years and regularly hosts performances from big names in music, comedy and theatre.
The gallery and museum area is home to a large collection made up of over 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history, which are displayed on rotation.
Permanent galleries, which include an Egyptology gallery and a local history exhibit that explores over 10,000 years of Sefton’s Coast, in addition to an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary art and themed exhibits.
At the time of our visit, MEN Travel was lucky enough to catch Westwood - a collection of objects and works from graphic designer and avid Vivienne Westwood fan Malcolm Garrett - known for his work with artists including Simple Minds, Duran Duran, The Buzzcocks and Peter Gabriel.
The collection focuses on designs and campaigns from the British fashion icon and includes many of Westwood's clothes, shoes, handbags and famous corsets, telling a story of her interpretation of modern life and politics through her work, and how it has influenced British fashion.
Westwood at The Atkinson is free to enter and runs until March 28, 2020.
Marine Lake and King's Gardens
Soak up the atmosphere by the crystal clear waters of Marine Lake. Take a stroll around the edge of the lake and over the bridges watching boats sail idly by, or get out on the water in one of the pedalo boats. It's the perfect place for a picnic or a gentle walk taking in the fresh air with some traditional fish and chips.
At the shores of Marine Lake you'll find the picturesque, 17-acre King's Gardens, recently been restored to their former Victorian glory, with community-led flower gardens, a large play area, and a vintage tea room.
Throughout the year the gardens also host regular events, from fairs to outdoor cinemas, so it's always worth checking out what's going on before you head down.
The beaches
You can't go to the seaside and not visit the beach.
Just five minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you'll find the sandy shores of Southport beach.
Here you can wander through the dunes, build sandcastles, and even paddle in the sea.
And between April and September, there's direct beach parking available.
Travel a little further out and you'll find the stunning Formby beach.
Looked after by the National Trust, it's a beautiful stretch with dramatic prehistoric sand dunes, surrounded by towering forests along the sweeping coastline, inhabited by native red squirrels.
Explore by bike
While it is entirely possible to drive in and around Southport, arguably the best way to explore the town is by bike.
MEN Travel hired a bike from Southport Eco Centre on the Esplanade (although there are several places to borrow a set of wheels) and headed out on the Shrimp Route - one of the many dedicated routes waymarked around the area.
It was a beautiful day and the route took us around some of the most stunning parts of Southport and many of the major landmarks including along the sea wall, past the pier and around Marine Lake.
And if you want to stop for an ice cream, there are plenty of places to park your bike to explore further by foot.
If you want to make a day of it, you could take the 7.5 mile Squirrel Route over to Formby.
Or cycle over to Birkdale and jump on the train to Freshfield to explore.
There's loads of routes to try, regardless of ability.
Pleasureland theme park
Pleasureland in Southport is one of the biggest amusements parks in the country, and has no fewer than five thrilling rollercoaster rides.
There's also over 100 rides and attractions, including a log chute, a junior coaster, traditional carousels, and go-kart track.
There are big plans in store for the site, with a new multi-million pound investment project in the pipeline.
Pleasureland operates seasonal opening hours - from the end of March until September.
SplashWorld
If you have kids in your party, a trip to Dunes SplashWorld is a must while you're in Southport.
Although the popular waterpark is currently closed and undergoing a major refurbishment, it is due to open again ready for summer 2020.
Sefton Council have remained tight-lipped about what will change, and what new features will be added to the site.
But while specific details of what's to come remain under wraps it is understood there will be new and updated facilties.
Kept at a tropical 84 degrees Fahrenheit, it's a popular all-weather indoor attraction that boasts flumes and river rides, plus a recently refurbished toddler water play area.
Lord Street and Wayfarer's Arcade
Packed with both independent boutiques and high street stores, a trip down Lord Street really is a pleasurable shopping experience.
Forget mega-malls and retail parks, this fashionable tree-lined boulevard is full of beautiful stores with gorgeous window displays and a variety of café bars and restaurants along the way - all under a traditional wrought-iron canopy.
The Grade II Wayfarers shopping arcade, which has been the jewel of Lord Street since 1898, is just off the main road but well worth a look.
Despite having had several waves of refurbishment in its lifetime, it remains true to the original period features of the structure and is truly like stepping back in time.
It houses over 30 unique outlets over two floors under a stunning spiral domed glass roof, with impressive ornamental iron work railings, Victorian tiles and delicate stained glass window features that were prominent in the 19th century.
Southport Bijou Cinema
Enjoy a traditional trip to the movies over at Southport's Bijou cinema - a classic movie theatre that shows matinées and evening films including classics old and new, independent films not shown at multiplexes and world cinema.
Located in an 1894 refurbished property, the cinema is a raked auditorium with comfortable seats and an Optoma 8000-lumens projector, plus 5.1 Surround Sound speakers - a traditional cinema with modern technology for a really unique movie experience.
Hesketh Park
The beautiful Hesketh Park is home to a variety of interesting gardens with stunning floral displays and a wide variety of resident wildlife.
The gardens and ornate fountains have been restored and reconstructed, and there are lots of nature trails, a large lake and a children's play area to explore while you're there.
Have a drink in the smallest pub in the UK
The Lakeside Inn, in Southport , was crowned Britain’s Smallest Pub in 1989, and remains one of the country’s tiniest pubs to date.
It's one of the town's most popular spots - but be warned, on a busy day, you might have to wait your turn to get inside.
Dates for your diary
Aside from being a popular seaside holiday destination, Southport also hosts several major events throughout the year.
May 29 - 31 Southport Food & Drink Festival
Hosted in the leafy Victoria Park, this annual foodie event has over 100 food and drink stalls showcasing the best local and homegrown produce. #
There's also live entertainment for the duration of the festival - and entry is completely free.
August 20 - 23 Southport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country, attracting over 55,000 visitors across 4 days.
This huge event boasts celebrity guests, a theatre, family entertainment and a food festival alongside the main competition events.
September 11 - 13 Southport Air Show
This popular annual extravaganza draws thousands to the town for what is considered one of the best air shows in the UK.
The event sees both modern and historical aircraft on display in the sky over Southport beach.
As well as the flying programme, there is plenty of things to do on the ground.
From flight simulators and static aircraft to explore to climbing walls, assault courses and even a diving tank with a real-life Marine.
September 25 - 27 The British Musical Fireworks Championship
Every year, Victoria Park plays host to the British Musical Fireworks Championship- a firework competition across three nights
Expect breath-taking displays, an array of choreographed light and a mixture of music judged by a panel of professional judges.
October 1 - 18 Southport Comedy Festival
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Southport Comedy Festival, which takes place in a variety of venues across the town.
The 2020 event is still in the planning stages but they have already confirmed Tez Ilyas, star of The Tez O’Clock Show (Ch4),TEZ Talks (BBC Radio 4) and multi-award-winning Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three).
Getting there:
Road: Around 75 minutes via the M6.
Rail: Southport train station is located in the centre of the town.
Direct trains operate regularly from Manchester Victoria and take roughly 80 minutes.
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