Families will be getting in a spin this February Half Term – as the iconic Silcock’s Carousel reopens after its winter hibernation.
‘Herbert Silcock’s Golden Gallopers’ will be open from this Saturday (15th February 2025) and then every day throughout this February Half Term on the Promenade in Southport.
The 124-year-old attraction, which was built in the Victorian era and features a beautiful Gavioli organ, has delighted generations of visitors to Southport.
Also open every day this Half Term will be Southport’s largest family amusement centre – Silcock’s Funland – which sits at the entrance to Southport Pier.
This all weather centre is open every day whatever the weather with 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 you can share the laughter with the famous Hall of Mirrors.
Silccock’s Pier Family Restaurant, serving delicious fish and chips and other meals, is also open daily.
A new addition last year was the new Balcony Bar, which means you can now enjoy a range of drinks, including soft drinks, hot drinks, wine, beer and Prosecco – why not enjoy fizz and chips!
A popular new attraction this year is the new Bear sculpture, the colourful ‘Jester’.
Jester is one of 10 bear sculptures inspired by the ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ children’s books which have been placed in locations around Southport town centre by Southport BID and Sefton Council.
You can download a trail map from the Southport BID website, with the chance to win prizes if you find all 10.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Head Of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince: “We’re excited to see our famous Carousel back open again throughout Half Term after its annual programme of maintenance and cleaning.
“We can’t wait to see families flocking back and enjoying our attraction once again.
“Funland will also be open, while you can enjoy fish and chips in our Silcok’s Pier Family Restaurant.
“On a nice day you can sit outside at the Balcony Bar and enjoy the beautiful views across the Marine Lake and King’s Gardens.
“We love our new Bear sculpture! Families love it. So many people have already been doing the trail, coming up and having their pictures taken with it.
“The Bear Hunt Trail has become a wonderful attraction for Southport and it’s a great thing for families to enjoy during Half Term, as well as a lovely way of encouraging people to explore Southport and discover all our town has to offer.
“There are lots of events and things to do throughout Southport this February.”
Silcock’s Carousel was built in 1901 in the reign of Queen Victoria.
Situated on Southport Pier Forecourt, it weighs 18 tons, is 42 ft in diameter and 18 ft tall.
The Gallopers ride features three beautifully-painted cockerels and 33 horses, each named after members of the Silcock family or family friends.
One horse is named after Princess Anne, in honour of her recent visit to Southport.
The three cockerels and the horses on the inside of the ride are original Anderson carvings and date to when the ride was built at the turn of the century with the rest of the horses being replaced by copies due to wear and tear.
Rides cost £2 each (all riders). Small children must be accompanied.
Serena Silcock-Prince said: “The Carousel is a real landmark for Southport, like Lord Street. People come from all over the country to enjoy it.
“It really does take people back down memory lane to their own childhoods.
“Southport has some fantastic landmarks that make it such a unique holiday resort.”
- For more details please visit: www.silcock-leisure.co.uk
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