Excitement is rightly building for the impending Southport Flower Show this August – and is just one of the array of ways you can keep the kids happy this summer in a part of the world which spanning 22 miles proudly boasts one the most beautiful and expansive coastlines in the country.
From sampling unusual flavours of ice cream on Southport Beach to making a splash at the recently reopened Splash World – here visitsouthport.com suggests 10 exciting ideas to have a sensational summer…
1 – Southport Flower Show 2023 (17th – 20th August)
Southport Flower Show
Stopping to smell the daisies at Southport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show is the UK’s largest independent flower show famed for its stunning show gardens and grand floral marquee.
It is the perfect family event with free entry for kids and entertainment from Justin Fletcher and Lee Connelly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener. Dogs are also welcome at the event.
With a combination of garden displays, cookery demos, a shopping village, live music, BMX riders and a dog display team there really is something for everyone. If you need to take a break during the day you can head to the ‘Enchanted Fields Wellness Zone’ for free taster sessions of yoga, pilates, meditation and healing. Kids are also welcome to try children’s yoga, meditation and crafting.
More information here
2 – Silcock’s Funland and Carousel
Silcock’s Carousel. Photo by Sarah Pedder
Creating a grand entrance to Southport Pier is Silcock’s Funland, Southport’s largest family amusement centre. This all weather centre is open everyday all year round whatever the weather.
Funland offers more fun for all the family with children’s games, rides and Southport’s best Ticket Game Zone where the games are fun to play and easy to win.
Inside Funland you will find the £1 Snack Bar offering toasties, paninis, sandwiches, fries, jacket potatoes, snacks and hot and cold drinks for just £1 .
Take a look inside and see yourself in the Hall Of Mirrors!
Outside is Herbert Silcock’s Original Golden Gallopers, a stunning carousel ride that was built during the Victorian era.
Stop for fish and chips too at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant.
More information here.
3 – Southport Market
Vera and the Velociraptor is coming to Southport Market
Southport Market has been transformed into a bold and wonderful food and drink market. Themed around Southport’s historic fairground and seaside, with a carousel themed bar and quirky artwork it is unapologetically Southport. There is food to suit all tastes including Mexican, pizza and Asian Fusion, you’ll definitely leave feeling full.
There are lots of fun events taking place at Southport Market this summer including Vera and the Velociraptor!
Your four-legged friend can come along too as Southport Market is completely dog-friendly, so none of the family is left behind.
More information here
4 – The Atkinson
Gordon Cheung: The Garden Of Perfect Brightness at The Atkinson in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
This year marks 10 years since The Atkinson reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment. As well as being a fantastic venue to see live music, comedy, and theatre it is also home to Southport Library, an art gallery and the Local History Museum ‘Between Land and Sea’.
You can also visit the Egyptology Museum which showcases a variety of artifacts in an interactive display. It is free to enter so it’s great if you’re looking for a more affordable option to keep the kids entertained!
If you need a break after exploring all the exiting exhibits there’s also a café where you can grab a bite to eat.
More information here
4 – Hesketh Park
Hesketh Park Palm House in Southport
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Hesketh Park has a lot to offer. As one of the largest parks in Southport, and less than a mile from Southport’s famous Lord Street, it has plenty to keep the kids entertained. With a fantastic play area, lots of nature trails and mini golf it is the perfect trip for a sunny day.
The park also contains a historic astronomical observatory which is open to visitors on a regular basis.
More information here
5 – Scoop up a taste sensation with over 100 varieties of ice cream
A youngster enjoys an ice cream outside Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, Silcock’s Carousel and Silcock’s Funland in Southport. Photo by Visit Southport
Sampling one of the many flavours of ice cream available in Southport
Fancy a sweet treat? There are lots of ice cream parlours to choose from in Southport, which means there are many ice cream flavours to choose from – over 100 in fact!
From Turkish Delight and Malteser to Melon and Ginger and Irn Bru the whole family will be spoilt for choice.
Some highlights are Neville Street, Rossi’s and Antonio’s because they have so many options, but there are so many great spots for you to check out this Summer.
6 – Splash World
Splash World in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Reopening in May of this year after four years Splash World is back and better than ever. Splash World has been a family favourite for many years, and it is great that they have reopened in time for Summer. Offering a variety of attractions including exhilarating water slides, a lazy river and play areas suitable for all ages, it is a perfect trip no matter the weather.
Whether you want to spend the entire day there or just fancy a shorter hour and a half session, both are available.
More information here
7 -WWT Martin Mere Wetland Trust
WWT Martin Mere in Burscough is reopening
Family fun on the stepping stones at WWT Martin Mere
Martin Mere is a fantastic place to explore, play, and get up close with a wonderful array of wildlife including otters, flamingos and white storks. There are over 800 acres to discover, meaning the whole family will be entertained for hours.
They are also putting on a packed programme full of fun activities this summer, as well as their usual canoe safari, boat tours and pond dipping. During the summer holidays they are offering a variety of activities including weapons training, foraging and wetland crafts.
They are also running an event throughout the summer celebrating beloved illustrator Quentin Blake with an illustrated guide and seasonal trails with illustrated guides available.
More information here
8 – Marram Cycle Route
Cycling in Sefton is something lots of people enjoy, as they cycle along the seafront in Southport, Formby and Crosby
If you fancy another low budget outdoors option, the Marram Cycle Route is a great choice. A short, relaxing route that offers beautiful views of the Southport coast. It is a relatively short route at only three miles and is mostly off-road, meaning it is ideal for the whole family.
Beginning at the Eco Centre car park, you will pass by a number of wonderful sights including Queen’s Jubilee Nature Reserve, Victoria Park and the world-famous Royal Birkdale Golf Course.
If needed bikes can be hired from the Eco Visitor Centre at the start of the route.
More information here
9 – Southport Beach
Southport Beach. Photo by Visit Southport
Soaking up the sun with a book on Southport Beach
After a wonderful meal at Southport Market why not head to the beach! With beautiful sandy beaches and a 22-mile coastline that stretches across Sefton it is the ideal location to soak up some sun and admire the stunning views of the coast.
As well having one of the most unique natural environments in the country, the beach is also home to thousands of wading birds who return here at the end of Summer, so you might just catch them.
More information here
10 – Southport Pleasureland
Southport Pleasureland. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Enjoying the thrills of Southport Pleasureland
With a fantastic mix of rides and amusements Southport Pleasureland is a great place to spend the day with the family. From classics like the dodgems and waltzers to thrilling rollercoasters and fun stalls there is no shortage of fun to be had.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there are a number of food and drink outlets to discover, though you’re welcome to bring your own picnic.
Whilst it is free to enter the park and some of the attractions are free, such as the mini-maze wristbands can be purchased online or at the ticket office to access the entire range of rides.
More information here
Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com
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