Location: Southport
Top Things to do in Southport
Things to do in Southport, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Southport (/ˈsaʊθpɔːrt/) is a large seaside town in Merseyside, England. At the 2001 census, it had a population of 90,336, making it the eleventh most populous settlement in North West England.
Restaurants in Southport
1. North Island
2. Southport Marine Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By adyval - Long Eaton, United Kingdom
Been around the lakes many times over the years and it is large with lots of activities on it like power boats, speed boat etc. Lots of seats around also.
3. Sefton Coastal Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Snazzycracker - Southport, United Kingdom
I will be honest I was a bit confused looking at the description of the Sefton Coastal Path review here, and the indication at one point that it is at Marshside Southport. It's not Marshside and the bird watching is at the far North end of the Sefton coast. I notice a lot of people have done this path at Crosby too, which is the Southern end of the coastal paths. I have honestly never noticed the signage of an official Sefton Coastal Path but I know there are some splattered around. It's roughly 16 miles from Crosby to Southport beach going through and along the Sefton coast as I have ran it many times and cycled it too. There are many sections, Crosby to Hightown is a coastal path along the promenade and goes past the Gormley statues on the beach, and then passes the Coastguard station. Crosby beach has parking for cars near the Coast guard so is worth a park or stop there for the views. If you are walking or cycling the coastal path next goes along a fairly newly resurfaced cycling path in parts to Hightown and along residential streets which eventually takes you too Hightown train station. To progress towards Formby pinewoods and beach etc from here you have to follow the path alongside the railway to Altcar army training barracks etc and the path continues alongside the M.O.D. property and the railway. Once at the end of the Altcar path which is also a cycling route you come out on the outskirts of Formby and in a residential area. I don't know officially which direction or route any official coastal path points you from here, but I turn left and follow the residential roads and with a one time use of a map or Google maps on your phone, you can find you way to the entrance to the next part of the coastal area Lifeboat Road, Formby. This is the start of the pinewood area and Lifeboat road will take you down to adequate parking again and access to the beach and it's dunes range. You can carry on from here either along the beach or via paths towards the pinewoods at Freshfield and the National Trust squirrel reserve. This in itself is worth a visit to a vast selection of paths around the pinewoods there. You can also access Freshfield railway station from here too as it is a one road route straight to it from the entrance to the reserve. From the squirrel reserve you can take the beach again or follow routes through the pinewoods and dunes to the Fishermans Path which runs from the beach back towards the railway and you can double back to Freshfield station from there too. If carry on beyond the Fishermans path you will end up at the Ainsdale sand dunes reserve, assuming you haven't wandered off toward the rest of the pinewoods and ended up alongside Woodvale airfield. Ainsdale is a vast dunes range and leads to Ainsdale beach you pretty much choose your own path through the dunes from Freshfield to Ainsdale although at some points there are wooden posts with white markers on top. Once at Ainsdale beach it joins the Birldale dunes and again you can follow the beach or go through the dunes, there is a lowland path between the reclaimed salt marsh and the edge of the dunes. If you go through the dunes you will be rewarding with great views of the coastline North or South, and on a good day you can see the mountains of North Wales and also the mountains of the Lake District. This is usually more visible later in the day in the hours before sunset. If you carry on through Birkdale dunes you will come out at their end at the Weld Road roundabout and the Southern tip of Victoria Park and also the Coast Road. You can cross the roundabout and head inland to Birkdale railway station from here if you wish as that is the end of the sand dunes. If you continue on North along the coast from here you will end up at Southport pier within 1 mile or so, and if you continue on even further you will end up at the Marshside RSPB Bird Reserve. There are various viewing stations here for bird watching and I would recommend visiting their website for full details. That is officially the end of the path, unless you walk alongside the coast road to Crossens roundabout and officially the outskirts of Southport, but be aware you will have to turn back or get a bus back to Southport town centre from there.
4. RSPB Marshside
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By kelimages - Birkenhead, United Kingdom
This is one of the best places to see and Photograph Avocets & Godwits in the spring. You can get really close to them, I love the place. Best wishes Kel
5. Hesketh Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Reviewed By kazlip62 - Newark-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Whilst on a break in southport went for a walk round this park. Although the weather was not brilliant thoroughly enjoyed it. Great park for children and dog walkers alike. Well kept and tidy
6. King's Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By dee542017 - St Helens, United Kingdom
I always walk around here whenever I'm in Southport. Its lovely to see the swans on the lake. So refreshing to be able to amble around and take in the scenery. One of these days I will be there when the train is running.
7. Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 562 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen51 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
Had never visited the Botanical Gardens before but were visiting friends who live in the area and thought it would be a good place to meet up. The gardens are very well planted and cared for. There is a lovely lake and bridge and several tunnels which the children seemed to find very amusing. There was a good children's play area and bowling greens and also a well stocked avery with many different species including Macaws and African Greys. Spacious for children to play but with peaceful areas for those who just wish to look at the wonderful surroundings. An excellent couple of hours.
8. Ainsdale Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By 577berylh
Miles and miles of lovely beach, and parking right there. Dunes for secluded picnics or shelter on a breezy day.
9. Victoria Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By dotv249
A lovely open park area. Great for dog walkers, children’s play area, used for many outdoor events. Exercise classes during lockdown. Flower show in the summer. Motor home rally’s held here Bonfires held here. One improvement would be a cafe area for refreshments
