Southport, along with its neighbour Ainsdale, lies on the coastline where the Irish Sea meets North West England. The town was founded in 1792 when an innkeeper, William Sutton, built a bathing house at what is now the south end of Lord Street, the main road running through the town. The town was small and not very widely populated until the turn of 19th century, when it became popular with tourists due to the easy access it provided to Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It quickly expanded and now boasts the second longest pleasure pier in the British Isles, the Southport Pier Tramway and Lord Street, an elegant, tree-lined shopping destination. From Birkdale to Woodvale, sand dunes stretch along the coastline and in Ainsdale in particular, the dunes have now been listed as a National Nature Reserve and a designated Ramsar site. The coastline stretches for 22 miles, with plenty of beaches to be discovered, making this classic seaside resort the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are scenic parks and gardens to explore, fabulous shopping opportunities, an exciting nightlife, as well as a mouth-watering array of restaurants and traditional seaside amusements. Stroll down the UK’s oldest iron pier and try the old penny slot machines in the Pavilion, or ride traditional carousels at Silcock’s Funland. Family attractions include Splash World, Martin Mere and Farmer Ted’s, while The Atkinson, an £18 million arts venue, is set in a Grade II listed building hosting a variety of visual and performing arts events. Southport’s extensive events programme includes the World Musical Fireworks Championships, the Southport Food and Drink Festival, Southport Air Show, Southport Flower Show and the Southport Jazz Festival. It is part of England’s Golf Coast and is home to seven championship courses, including Royal Birkdale, which hosted The Open Championship in 2008. In a great spot for a beach break, there really is something for everyone!
