6 reasons to visit Southport this Spring

Spring has sprung.  The daffs are out, the sun’s starting to shine – and it’s a great time to head to Merseyside’s favourite seaside spot.

Southport’s always amazing at this time of year and not just because it’s looking pretty, there’s loads of stuff to do too.

So, if you fancy a trip to one of the North West’s top resorts, here’s a few ideas of what you can get up to …

Adventure Coast Southport

Southport Pleasureland is getting ready for its own thrilling experience, relaunching as Adventure Coast Southport in time for a brand-new 2025 season. There’s going to be a grand reopening on Saturday, April 5, and you can look forward to loads of new experiences, thrilling attractions, and immersive family-friendly entertainment.

We’re going on a Bear Hunt!

It’s not just you and your family going to Southport. The town’s said hello to 10 larger-than-life, colourful bear sculptures and, inspired by the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, it’s inviting you on one too! The We’re Going on a Bear Hunt trail is organised by Southport BID and Sefton Council, with Wild in Art and Walker Books, allowing families to follow a trail map to discover the hand-painted bears and enjoy a chance to win fantastic prizes. 

The Bear Hunt, on until April 27, is fun and free. Printed maps can be downloaded from the Southport BID website or collected from The Atkinson Library, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Vue Cinema and Waterstones, and completed maps dropped off at The Atkinson Library, Waterstones or online with two lucky winners able to choose a trip to Legoland Windsor or a Nintendo Switch with games from GAME Southport.

Rain never stops play in Southport!

Who cares if it’s pouring down, there’s nothing that can dampen a day in Southport. There’s The Atkinson on Lord Street with hands-on workshops and interactive exhibitions to family-friendly performances for all ages. You can explore a colourful collection of artworks in the galleries, have fun dressing up in the local history museum and discover ancient artefacts in the Egyptology room or book tickets to a new Wizard of Oz panto and more. Or (although you might get wet!) dive into a great time at Splash World waterpark with its sprays, streams and super slides.

Lord Street 

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, you’ve got plenty of options including Ocean Plaza, stacked with large stores and restaurants, and Wesley Street with its indie shops painted in pastel colours. But a must on your list is the Victorian canopied boulevard of Lord Street with its speciality shops and designer boutiques, as well as its nostalgic tearooms, snazzy restaurants and beautiful bars – like the Occulo Lounge, The Grand Brasserie, Casablanca Bar & Lounge, Lords Café Bar and more.

Gorgeous green space and miles of golden sand

There is 22 miles of gorgeous coastline including Formby, Ainsdale and Southport, with beautiful sandy beaches to have a paddle, build a sandcastle or get stuck into outdoor games! And if you don’t fancy getting the gritty stuff in between your toes, there are plenty of parks and gardens where you’ll still enjoy the sea breeze. King’s Gardens has 17 acres of gardens restored to their former glory with Victorian shelters and the Venetian Bridge, as well as a free adventure play area for additional family fun! There are other green spaces like Lord Street Gardens and Victoria Park with pathways for cyclists and skaters, as well as Marine Lake where you can hire a rowing boat, Swan Pedalo and even a paddleboard!

It’s so easy to get to

Most of the fun is just a short walk from Southport Station so you can save yourself the hassle of parking or taking the car, and with low-cost fares and regular services you can enjoy the best family days out without breaking the bank. A Family Ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £14 for unlimited off-peak travel, and you can easily find your cheapest ticket and plan your journey with the help of Merseyrail’s website.

Find out more here.

To find out more and to plan your visit, head to the Visit Southport website.

Find all the latest Southport news here.