These stunning old aerial pictures of Southport will bring back lots of happy memories!
They feature some cherished old landmarks which are no longer here, including the old Southport Sea Bathing Lake, Peter Pan’s Playground, The Kingsway nightclub, the Victorian bridge across the Marine Lake.
Some places have changed; Dixieland Showbar is now Silcock’s Funland for example.
We now have some new landmarks which have been built since these pictures were taken, including Ocean Plaza, the Marine Way Bridge, and Splash World.
We don’t know which year these pictures were taken – can you guess?
What memories do these images bring back for you?
The first picture presents a superb view of Southport fairground. Prominent is the historic Cyclone wooden rollercoaster, which was tragically demolished by owners Blackpool Pleasure Beach when they shut the park.
Do you recognise the other rollercoaster behind it?
To the right of the picture is the old Southport Baths, with its iconic swimmer logo, where Splash World now stands.
Behind that, it looks like building work is taking place to construct the new Morrisons supermarket.
Also in the picture are The Kingsway nightclub – which burned down 15 years ago – and The Royal Clifton Hotel.
Picture two shows the iconic Southport Sea Bathing Lake, which was demolished to make way for the shops, restaurants and leisure facilities of Ocean Plaza.
Also visible is Southport Pier and the old Victorian bridge over Marine Lake, with Southport fairground and Princes Park also in the frame.
In the third picture, do you remember Peter Pan’s Playground?
A popular destination with local residents and tourists alike, the popular Lakeside Miniature Railway connected the area with Southport fairground.
Picture four shows the construction of Maritime Court on the corner of Nevill Street and The promenade after the demolition of the hotel which stood on the site before it.
Across the road is the former Dixieland Showbar, which is now Silcock’s Funland; and next to what is now Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant serving some of the best fish and chips in town.
One landmark missing from this shot is the famous Silcock’s Carousel, built in 1901, which has entertained generations of families over the years. The Carousel was moved to its present site here in the 1990s.
You can also see the Masters Putting Green (Southport Crazy Golf), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
The Queen Victoria statue – which has had several different homes – can be seen proudly standing at the top of Nevill Street.
Do you remember the building at the entrance to Southport Pier?
The fifth photo is another great view of Southport fairground. Do you remember the Helter Skelter? Did you brave The Cyclone?
Southport Baths is again in the background.
Picture six is a mystery – do you recognise where this is?
Mike Winters has kindly identified it for us, saying: “The mystery aerial shot in your Southport nostalgia article looks down at the junction of Stanley Avenue, Blundell Drive and Hartley Road in Birkdale.”
Please email and let me know where you think it is – and please contact me with your memories and photos of life in Southport from years gone by.mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com or message me via Facebook.
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