Southport has all the answers if you are looking for something fun to do during the May half-term holidays.
Spanning 22 miles Southport and the Sefton coastline offers a cavalcade of wonderful experiences.
Whether its walking and cycling trails, kite surfing in Ainsdale, sand dunes, red squirrels, beautiful pine woods and even prehistoric footprints there is so much natural beauty to soak up.
And with the May half-term fast approaching, here Visit Southport has put together a handy list of things to do that offer something for everybody without breaking the bank.
From King Charles III’s lawnmower to an audience with an SAS: Who Dares Wins star, there are a host of activities on offer for you to enjoy over the one-week break, including a brand-new wetland play area for the little ones or a crafts workshop for any art enthusiasts.
So, check out the activities waiting for you to enjoy across Southport from Saturday, 24th May to Sunday, 1st June 2025.
1 – Southport Food and Drink Festival
If you love food, then you need to add this event to your diary!
A ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy takes place at Victoria Park in Southport from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June 2025.
Stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures – you can enjoy crepes, gourmet burgers, hot wings, churros, spiral potatoes, paella and curry from the Street Food stalls.
Throughout the weekend the entertainment arena will host local bands and musicians, you can shade from the sunshine (hopefully!) and tuck into the amazing food and drink. A great event to spend time with family and friends. To celebrate birthdays, special occasions, or just being together – you will fall in LOVE with the Southport Food and Drink Festival.
Sit back, relax, enjoy good food, admire the surroundings and soak up the atmosphere of the Southport Food and Drink Festival.
Free entry.
Visit: Southport Food and Drink Festival 2025 – Victoria Park Events
2 – An un-beer-lievable celebration for the adults (and a chance to win £250)
Southport’s bars and pubs play host to an ale trail from Saturday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 25.
Adults can take part, sample beers and collect stamps in a Beer Week booklet as they go along the participating venues.
If visitors collect enough stamps, they could win a £250 voucher to spend at a Southport business of their choice. There are runner-up prizes too, including beers from local breweries.
With live music, barbeques, brewery tap takeovers and quizzes, this is bound to a barrel of fun for the grown-ups.
Visit: Southport Beer Week – Southport BID
3 – Global Village at Wayfarers Arcade
Be ready to be entertained by a host of entertainment, performers and artisan stalls from around the world when the Global Village event takes place at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport on Saturday, 31st May 2025.
This will be the latest in the arcade’s series of vibrant creative village events which have been taking place on a monthly basis.
Admission is free.
All the shops, cafes, art galleries, barbers, beauty salons and other local businesses inside Wayfarers Arcade will all be open.
Dr. Eric Lybeck from Wayfarers Arcade said:
“Our Creative Village events have been getting bigger and better each time since we launched them earlier this year. We’d love you to come to Wayfarers Arcade and join in with everything there is to offer.”
For more details visit: civedcic@gmail.com or visit: www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk
4 – The life and work of The Beatles singer John Lennon told in a unique way at The Atkinson arts centre
With pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors, The Atkinson arts centre is definitely the place to be this May half term holiday.
Kicking off the week is the free drop-in event, the Nu-Shabtis Sculpture Trail, with contemporary artist Zahed Taj-Eddin, who will be taking you on a tour of the figurines that Ancient Egyptians placed in tombs.
In the middle of the week is a Story and Rhyme Time, where kids are encouraged to explore stories through rhyme to help with their communication skills.
And later in the week, enjoy a crafts workshop for all the family on Thursday 29 May, or, if that’s not your bag, the Enchanted Princess Ball is on the same day with Chester the Castle Jester. He will be hand delivering invitations to Cinderella, the Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Princess Beauty and The Snow Queen. Both activities are bound to be huge fun!
If the adults want a break of their own over the May half-term holiday, there are two shows at The Atkinson’s theatre who will see former Brookside star and X Factor contestant, Ray Quinn, who will tell the story of the world-famous Rat Pack in a swing show special.
You can also hear from actor and musician Daniel Taylor who celebrates the life and work of The Beatles’ John Lennon in a unique way.
Find out days, times and ticket prices on The Atkinson website.
5 – King Charles III’s lawnmower goes on display – get a glimpse of how his green grass gets cut
Cut above! Enjoy mowing the lawn? Get a glimpse of the lawnmowers used by the rich and famous, including His Majesty King Charles lll, the late Princess Diana and rock’n’roll royalty Brian May from the band, Queen. Eric Morecambe’s, too. The fastest, slowest and most expensive will all feature.
Tickets are £10 per person and the tour lasts one hour. For more information or to book contact br@lawnmowerworld.com or telephone 07543960407.
6 – Ride the Carousel
Families can enjoy rides on one of the UK’s oldest Carousels for just £2 per person.
Silcock’s Victorian era Carousel has thrilled generations of people.
The 121-year-old Silcock’s Carousel was built in 1901 in the reign of Queen Victoria.
Two years ago it was recognised as the fourth best seaside attraction in Britain in the 2023 Bucket and Spade List, organised by the The Seaside Heritage Network.
Next door to the Carousel you’ll find Funland, Southport’s biggest indoor amusement centre.
Games start at just 2p each, with lots of Easter themed prizes to be won.
Their chocolate Easter egg ice creams, at just £4.50 each, are the cheapest in Southport.
Look out for special appearances by our Silcock’s Easter Bunny character too!
A popular new addition has been the colourful new bear sculpture, named Jester.
You can also savour fish and chips inside the Pier Family Restaurant or sit outside on the Balcony Bar and enjoy beautiful views across Marine Lake and King’s Gardens.
Visit: Silcock Leisure – Southport & Blackpool – Amusements, Fish & Chips, Ice Cream
7 – Masters Crazy Golf Southport
This beautiful crazy golf course is in the King’s Gardens in Southport, right next to the Marine Lake.
The course was originally called Arnold Palmer putting course as it was designed and set up by Arnold Palmer 1965 for George Law.
It was subsequently changed to the Masters putting course.
The course is 60 years old this year and has been a firm favourite for many local residents and visitors who keep coming back time and again.
You can also win free game passes when the bell is rung on the top of the 19th Hole!
Visit: www.southportcrazygolf.co.uk
8- Jo’s Reptiles at Southport Market
Come and join Jo and her amazing reptiles at Southport Market on Wednesday 28th May 2025 from 11am.
You can get up close and hold them, feel the skins and take pictures with your favourite ones
Jo will tell you all about her reptiles, what they eat and how they live.
Fun for all kids and adults to enjoy.
Stay a little longer and enjoy some tasty food and drinks from our market traders too.
why not make a day of it in Southport.
9 – Adventure Coast Southport
And strap in for more fun. Thrill-seekers can get their dose of daring thrills at Adventure Coast Southport. With an array of rides to choose from – adventure is calling!
The address is Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RX and you can find more details here: https://www.adventurecoastsouthport.co.uk/.
10 – Enjoy a make-up masterclass with Charlotte Tilbury at The Vincent Hotel
Enjoy a make-up masterclass with Charlotte Tilbury at The Vincent Hotel on Sunday, June 1.
See off the May half-term holiday with Prosecco on arrival, afternoon tea, a goodie bag and £20 redeemable against Charlotte Tilbury products on the day.
Secure your place for £49, by calling 01704 883800 or emailing enquiries@thevincenthotel.com.
11 – Join us at your local wetland centre where we dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects
This one’s bound to be loved by the little ones. Dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt is on until Sunday 1 June. Strike a yoga pose like Cornea the Butterfly, ‘Bee’ the best dancer like Yard the Bee, or form your own ant conga like Queen Libby the Ant. Pond dipping sessions are also on during the holiday!
There is also a brand-new Paddle and Play area. With swings, slides and inground trampolines. Or, experience the Viking Village with medieval crafts such as willow weaving and felt-making.
For more information, visit the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre website.
- Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com
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