Southport Beach

Although many would say Southport’s heyday was in the Victorian era this traditional seaside resort is still one of the most popular in the UK. Much of this has been due to the array of annual events held here which pull in big crowds. However, it is still the town’s vast swathe of sandy beach that is the reason that people keep coming back and life revolves around the seafront.

In summer, the beach is an ideal spot for all those traditional Great British seaside pastimes. Building sandcastles, flying kites or taking a dip in in the safe bathing waters are all as popular as ever. 

For an even more traditional experience visi the recently restored Pier which dates back to 1860.  It is in fact the oldest iron pier in the country. Visitors can walk or take a tram ride to the end of the pier, which has a viewing platform looking over the estuary.  The Pier Pavilion has displays on local wildlife and the history of the pier.

The golden sands of Southport Beach are part of the 22-mile Sefton coastline leading from the Mersey into the Ribble Estuary. Beyond Southport’s seafront things rapidly return to a natural wilderness with some of the largest undeveloped dune systems in the UK.
North of the pier, lies Marshside RSPB reserve, with viewing screens, two hides and a viewing platform.

There are two walking trails through the dunes close to the beach.  The Queen’s Jubilee Trail, accessed from the Esplanade has trails, information boards and picnic areas.  The Velvet Walk is a circular walk going past dunes, ponds and reed beds.