Stays in Southport
Southport is a seaside town in Merseyside, north-west England, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and long promenade. It developed rapidly in the 19th century as a resort, and much of its character comes from that era: the cast-iron canopies of Lord Street, the glass-roofed Wayfarers Arcade,…
Every stay in Southport
Recent rates first, then the best-reviewed rooms.
Search live rates in Southport
Pick your dates — every Southport room with a live price, in one list.
Free cancellation on most rooms · 1 t CO₂ removed per booking, at no extra cost.
About Southport
Unlike many seaside towns, Southport keeps a strong independent retail and dining scene alongside national names. Lord Street, with its gardens and covered walkways, is the main shopping street. The Promenade and Marine Lake host events through the year, from the Southport Air Show to the British Musical Fireworks Championship. The Southport Flower Show, held in Victoria Park, is one of the largest in the country. The town also has a notable golf heritage, with Royal Birkdale and other links courses in the surrounding dunes.
Southport is well connected by rail to Liverpool and Manchester, and its compact centre makes it easy to explore on foot. The pier, the beach, and the model railway village are family draws, while the Atkinson arts centre and the Botanic Gardens offer quieter cultural stops.
Where to stay in Southport
Lord Street and town centre. The main shopping street and civic heart, with hotels such as The Bold Hotel and the Prince Of Wales Hotel, and easy access to the pier and Promenade.
Promenade and Marine Lake. The seafront area, close to the pier, Marine Lake and the Southport Theatre, with large hotels including the Royal Clifton Hotel.
Churchtown. A village-like suburb to the north-east with independent shops and the Botanic Gardens, where Arthur's of Churchtown is located.
Birkdale. A residential area south of the centre, known for Royal Birkdale Golf Club and convenient for the beach and links courses.
Getting there and around
Southport has its own railway station, Southport, with direct trains to Liverpool (around 45 minutes) and connections to Manchester and Wigan. The town is also reachable by road via the A565 from Liverpool and the A570 from Ormskirk and the M58. Once in Southport, the centre is walkable: Lord Street, the Promenade, the pier and Marine Lake are all within a short distance of each other. Local buses serve the suburbs and nearby towns, and taxis are available from the station and main ranks.
When to go
Summer is the traditional season, when the beach, pier and Marine Lake are busiest and events such as the Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championship take place. Spring and early autumn are quieter but still pleasant for walking the promenade and visiting the Botanic Gardens. The Southport Flower Show is held in August in Victoria Park.
Questions, answered
What is Southport known for?
Southport is known for its long pier, extensive beach, Victorian shopping street Lord Street, and its golf links, including Royal Birkdale.
Is Southport close to Liverpool?
Yes, Southport is about 20 miles north of Liverpool and has direct train services to Liverpool city centre.
What is there to do in Southport with children?
Families often visit Southport Pier, the beach, the model railway village, and the Marine Lake, which offers boat trips and a miniature railway.
How do I get to Southport by train?
Southport railway station is served by trains from Liverpool, Manchester, Wigan and other towns in the region.
What events take place in Southport?
The Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, and the Southport Flower Show are among the major annual events.
Which areas are best for staying in Southport?
The town centre around Lord Street and the Promenade are convenient for attractions, while Churchtown and Birkdale offer a quieter base.