Everything you need to know about Southport Flower Show 2026

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an expert gardener, you’re looking for inspiration to transform a patch of weeds into a stunning green oasis, or you just fancy a great day out with the kids – Southport Flower Show is one of summer’s favourite attractions.

It’s back this year for another four days of fabulous flowers, food, family fun, and guests galore.

So whether you’ve already got your tickets or you’re still planning which day to go, here’s everything you need to know …

When is Southport Flower Show?

It’s on from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23.

What times does it open?

It’s open daily from 10am until 6pm, and until 5pm on Sunday.

Where is it?

The UK’s biggest independent flower show will take over its usual home of Victoria Park – just head for the centre of the town and you’re there.

Tons of gardening inspiration

As always, there’ll be loads of inspirational show gardens and floral displays that have been created by garden designers and landscapers in a bid to impress the judges – and you. One of the show’s annual highlights is the Grand Floral Marquee, a treasure trove of plants and flowers, trees and shrubs, vegetables and herbs, where you can get on-the-spot advice from those who know. On all four days in The Grand Floral Marquee B, husband and wife team Martin and Jill Fish will host The Potting Shed, answering all your gardening questions and showing how you can grow and cook seasonal produce. 

It’s not just about flowers and gardens …

Food plays a huge part in Southport Flower Show so why not take a seat in the cookery theatre where some of the nation’s favourite chefs will be creating amazing dishes live – and sharing top tips while they cook (then you can head to the bustling food village to sample and buy produce from more than 50 independent gourmet producers). Briony May Williams is the host – and Thursday’s chef – and you’ll be able to catch special guests Phil Vickery on Friday and Great British Bake Off winner, Candice Brown, on Saturday.

Keep an eye out for all these famous faces

Su Pollard is the latest celebrity guest to be heading to the flower show – she’s there on Friday, August 21 – but she’s not alone. Heading to Southport too this year are: BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost; Garden Ninja, Lee Burkhill; Wigan’s gardening evangelist Dave The Plantman; Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin from Springwatch; Garden Designer and TV Presenter Arit Anderson; Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke; Children’s TV Presenter Andy Day, and the ever-popular perennial that is Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble. 

Shop till you drop

With more than 350 exhibitors at the show’s shopping village you’ll be able to buy a whole range of products and gifts from garden and homewares to crafts and leather goods, jewellery, and plenty of delicious food and drink. The Beatles Story is even there selling Fab4 merch, along with the RSPB and Dogs Trust and loads more charities and organisations.

Entertainment – and time to relax

You can listen to live music throughout the festival, and there’s a packed programme of entertainment including birds of prey demonstrations from SMJ Falconry; dog displays from West Lancs Dog Display Team, and equine fun from Talent of the Horse.

The Children’s Trail is back so younger members of the family can search for scarecrows, meet alpacas, try children’s yoga, improve their tennis skills, doodle, and learn about growing and gardening for themselves, and also returning are Waterstones with an exciting line-up of celebrity authors for signings and meet & greets.

New this year – The Lakeside Reset

There’s a new wellbeing and mindfulness zone at this year’s show! The Lakeside Reset offers a peaceful space to pause, reflect, relax, or even try some activities whether you’re looking to recharge or just chill. Look forward to yoga, writing for wellbeing, soundbaths, meditation and more. There’s even Wiggle and Wind Down for kids, fun fitness with kinetics, and family yoga sessions.

How much are tickets – and are they still available?

Tickets start from £27 plus fees for a one day pass (kids under 16 go free with a paying adult), or £90 for a Patron Pass which gives you access on all four show days so you come and go as you please. Special event tickets still available include: Afternoon Tea and show entry, £55; VIP Sunday Lunch, £100, and One Night in Havanna – a night of live music, dance performances, and comedy on Saturday – £25.

How do I get there?

By train

Merseyrail runs fast and frequent services between Liverpool South Parkway (for Liverpool John Lennon Airport), Liverpool City Centre and Southport. Visitors from Wirral and Chester can also travel to Southport by train with Merseyrail.

* If you are travelling to the show by train, discounted Southport Flower Show tickets are available at any staffed Merseyrail station. 

Northern Rail operates regular services to Southport from Manchester Airport, Manchester (Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria stations), Bolton and Wigan. Connecting services to/from the North East and Yorkshire are available at Manchester Piccadilly and from the North, Scotland and the South at Wigan.

By bus/coach

Bus – Merseytravel operates a number of bus services to and from Southport.

Coach – National Express coaches serve Southport from all major UK towns and cities making the town easily accessibly by coach.

Shuttle bus to and from Southport Station

There is a shuttle bus available at Southport train station – number 27 – on show days only. It will run every 15 minutes in sync with the trains.

By car

If you’re heading there by car put the following postcodes into your sat nav:

Esplanade, Eco Centre, PR8 1RX
Princes Park, PR8 1RX
Birkdale Common (Park & Ride), PR8 2LX

Is there parking?

Yes. Parking is available on Princes Park (within walking distance) and at Birkdale Common Park and Ride (buses running to/from the showground every 15 minutes – Thursday to Sunday, 8.30am – 6.30pm (5.30pm Sunday). Parking is £10 per car per day.

Find more information on the Southport Flower Show website.

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