By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
With the summer holidays in full swing families can enjoy a fun day out at Southport’s Marine Lake, with lots of different activities on offer.
During the summer months, the team at Southport Watersports offer everything from self-drive motorboats to lake cruises.
The Marine Lake is the UK’s largest man-made pleasure lake which was created along with the surrounding King’s Gardens in 1887 and enjoyed by all ever since, with 30,000 people expected to visit this summer.
To explore the lake, Southport Watersports offer a gentle Marine Lake cruise which takes visitors around the historic sites, costing £6 for adults and £5 for children. The cruising boat was recently refurbished in May ahead of the busiest period.
With commentary from a professional captain you can see the old sea wall along the Promenade, the original Victorian boathouse that is still used today and the old Southport Hospital.
If excitement and adventure are what you are looking for you can ride the Southport Jet! Described as ‘not for the faint-hearted’ the jet has been enjoyed for many years, with the high-speed ride twisting and turning around the lake.
Kayaks and paddle boards are also available to hire with lessons available at various points throughout the year.
The Marine Lake even hosted Southport’s biggest ‘prison break’ earlier this year – when 12 daring ‘inmates’ from the Jail and Bail fundraiser, organised by Queenscourt Hospice and Stand Up For Southport, were set a series of fun challenges in a variety of pedalos as part of their fundraising!
Southport Marine Lake is also home to two sailing clubs – West Lancashire Yacht Club and Southport Sailing Club – which offer days and taster sessions for those who want to try something new.
Read More: West Lancashire Yacht Club invites people to try sailing on beMarine Lake in Southport
If adrenaline-boosting activities are not your thing, the Marine Lake is perfect for walks and picnics, with gardens, promenades and landscapes to take in.
Along your walk, you may stumble across the Southport Model Railway Village, Lakeside Miniature Railway, the Marine Lake Crazy Golf or the King’s Gardens adventure playground.
Overlooking the lake is Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant and the Balcony Bar, while families can enjoy Silcock’s Funland – Southport’s largest indoor family amusement centre – or take a ride on Silcock’s Carousel.
Other attractions such as Southport Pleasureland and Southport Splash World are also close by.
However, the Southport Belle, a famous paddle steamer, has her sailing days behind her. She is now used as a meeting and training room for staff.
Owners, Dave and Christine, say there is potential to eventually refurbish the Belle to be used as a cafe or bar but these are ‘long, long term plans’.
All in all, the Southport Marine Lake has plenty to offer for all the family and has been entertaining generations for over 100 years.
For more information you can visit their website: https://www.southportmarinelake.com/
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