The 2026 Southport Heritage Open Days Festival returns this weekend, with 10 days of events celebrating Southport’s fascinating heritage and the stories of the people behind them.
You can enjoy a series of FREE events throughout the festival, with some popular attractions back on the list again, along with the opportunity to explore some exciting new additions.
Discover details of the events taking place in the list below, with more details available vis the Heritage Open Days website
Some events require pre-booking while others are open to all, just turn up.
Read More: Holy Trinity Church in Southport to welcome visitors at Heritage Open Days Festival
Friday 11th September 2026
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport (1pm-2pm)
‘Where do you get your local news from?’ A talk by Dr Julia Paul as part of Heritage Open Days Festival.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (10am-12pm & 3pm-6pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Saturday 12th September 2026
Southport Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1LS. (11am-4pm, last tour 3.30pm).
A rare opportunity to tour one of Southport’s hidden gems. Located on the corner of Duke Street and King Street.
Southport Masonic Hall, 13 Duke Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1LS. (5pm)
A history of Town Criers and the local history of Southport’s Criers.
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DB. 11am-3pm
Get up close and explore items from The Atkinson’s social history collection.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (10.00-12.00 & 15.00-18.00)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Sunday 13th September 2026
Southport & District Temperance Institute
Temperance Institute, 65 London Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0TH. (2pm-4pm)
Standing proudly as the country’s last remaining Temperance Hall still being used for its original purpose, come and learn more about this magnificent building and the people who have shaped it.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (5pm-7pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
Tuesday 15th September 2026
Lord Street West United Church Open Day
Lord Street West United Church, Lord Street West, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BH. (1pm-5pm)
Lord Street West United Church in Southport is a Methodist and United Reformed Church partnership. Originally built in 1862 as West End Congregational Church, it is a Grade II listed building with a rich history. Today, it serves the local community.
Southport Heritage Interior Styling Workshop
The Junction, Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NY. (11am-1pm).
Mills Interiors presents an engaging Heritage Open Days workshop celebrating the town’s iconic architecture and cultural influence through interior styling and creative design. Visitors will take part in mood board creation, heritage colour palette exploration inspired by Victorian, Art Nouveau and seaside architecture.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (2pm-4pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
Wednesday 16th September 2026
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (4pm-6pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Thursday 17th September 2026
‘Railway Recollections Around Southport’ – Heritage Talk
S&B, Trafalgar Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2HF. 7.30pm
Join Keith Hick at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club on Trafalgar Road for an illustrated talk about the history of Southport’s railways.
The Bowden Lodge Guest House a Victorian Villa
18 Albert Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0LE. 2pm-4.30pm.
The Bowden Lodge was built as a family home around 1865. It has undergone many many guises since then to become what it is today, a guest house with a private function room. It has sleeping capacity for up to 24 guests over 10 letting rooms. The function room can sit up to 34 people at banqueting tables and is ideal for intimate gatherings.
Come and learn about past owners of the property, see original features such as decorative cornices and architrave and experience the quality of Victorian construction.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (12pm-2pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Friday 18th September 2026
Silcock’s Stories of Southport – Heritage Talks
Silcock’s Pier Restaurant, Pier Forecourt, Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1QX. Serena 10:30am, Graham 11am, Justin 11:30am
With over 130 years of history as one of Southport’s longest established leisure companies, the name ‘Silcock’ is synonymous with Southport’s tourism industry. Join us to hear more stories from the Silcock family’s history in the town.
“Southport Scenes” pop-up gallery (10am-4pm).
Southport Community Centre, 99 Norwood Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6HQ
Secret Sand Land & Brighter Living Partnership present “Southport Scenes” a pop-up art gallery, displaying artwork inspired by and featuring scenes from across Southport.
Saturday 19th September 2026
The Bowden Lodge Guest House a Victorian Villa
18 Albert Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0LE. 2pm-4.30pm.
The Bowden Lodge was built as a family home around 1865. It has undergone many many guises since then to become what it is today, a guest house with a private function room. It has sleeping capacity for up to 24 guests over 10 letting rooms. The function room can sit up to 34 people at banqueting tables and is ideal for intimate gatherings.
Come and learn about past owners of the property, see original features such as decorative cornices and architrave and experience the quality of Victorian construction.
Lord Street West United Church Open Day
Lord Street West United Church, Lord Street West, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BH. (9am-midday)
Lord Street West United Church in Southport is a Methodist and United Reformed Church partnership. Originally built in 1862 as West End Congregational Church, it is a Grade II listed building with a rich history. Today, it serves the local community.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (11am-6pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Saturday 19th September 2026
Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NY. (10am-4pm)
With over 30 years in the industry, Sunday Best Vintage Clothes has amassed an incredible collection of Victorian garments, as well as clothing from Southport shops from yesteryear.
Come along to see their display of garments from the 1890s, a selection of clothes from old Southport shops, and a large display of hosiery and undergarments from the 1940s.
Holy Trinity Parish Church, Manchester Road/Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0PN. (10am-4pm)
Come and discover the history, music, stained glass, architecture and community life of Holy Trinity.
Event programme:
10am – Welcome & introduction by the Church Wardens
10:15am – Organ recital
10:30am – Poetry reading
10:45am – Presentation by Holy Trinity school pupils
11:15am – Flower arranging demonstration / guided tour of the church
12pm – Poetry reading
1pm – Guided tour of the church
1:30pm – 2:15pm – Organ recital and church choir
2:15pm – Flower arranging demonstration/guided tour of the church
4pm – Closing remarks and thanks
The Lost Street – Uncovering Southport’s Victorian Past
Top of Nevill Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DR. (10am-4pm)
Discover the buried Victorian street that once bustled with seaside visitors on their way to the beach – thanks to the magic of 3D artist Joe Hill.
St Cuthbert’s Church
St. Cuthberts Church, St. Cuthberts Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 7NN
St. Cuthberts Church, St. Cuthberts Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 7NN. (11am – 3.30pm)
Visit Southport’s oldest Church, there has been a Church here since 1178.
View the stained glass windows, the wooden carving (reredos) behind the altar and altar rails, originally from St Peter’s Church Liverpool, which was used as a procathedral church prior to the current Anglican Cathedral being built.
There are also coronation chairs from the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Whilst in the Churchyard, see the graves of the seven fishermen who were lost in the fog disaster of 1869, as well as the grave of George Richard Masters, known as George, VC holder.
Union Club, 2 Bath Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DA. (2:30pm – 4:30pm). Guided tours 3pm & 4pm
Established in 1869 as a club for local gentlemen, the Union Club on Bath Street is the oldest club in Southport.
St Philip & St Paul with Wesley, Southport
St Philip and St Paul with Wesley is a Grade II listed building designed by the Manchester-based architect R.F. Tolson. It has stunning stained glass windows, woodwork, and alabaster font & pulpit. Building contains the best of old and new.
The Bowden Lodge Guest House a Victorian Villa
18 Albert Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0LE. 2pm-4.30pm.
The Bowden Lodge was built as a family home around 1865. It has undergone many many guises since then to become what it is today, a guest house with a private function room. It has sleeping capacity for up to 24 guests over 10 letting rooms. The function room can sit up to 34 people at banqueting tables and is ideal for intimate gatherings.
Come and learn about past owners of the property, see original features such as decorative cornices and architrave and experience the quality of Victorian construction.
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DB. 11am-3pm
Get up close and explore items from The Atkinson’s social history collection.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (10am-12pm & 3pm-6pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Sunday 20th September 2026
Adjacent to 176 Marshside Road, Marshside, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9SZ. (10am-2pm).
Opportunity to see and learn about the history of this small but unique building with a fascinating history, now in the stewardship of NW Heritage and currently being restored.
Holy Family Catholic Church Southport
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Brompton Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6AS (1pm-5pm)
Come and see inside our Church, formally opened in 1912. You can learn more about the everyday people who have contributed to the story of Holy Family Church. You can also take part in a heritage trail.
St Philip & St Paul with Wesley, Southport
St Philip & St Paul with Wesley, Scarisbrick New Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6QF. (2pm-5pm).
St Philip and St Paul with Wesley is a Grade II listed building designed by the Manchester-based architect R.F. Tolson. It has stunning stained glass windows, woodwork, and alabaster font & pulpit. The building contains the best of old and new.
Southport & District Temperance Institute
Temperance Institute, 65 London Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0TH. (2pm-4pm)
Standing proudly as the country’s last remaining Temperance Hall still being used for its original purpose, come and learn more about this magnificent building and the people who have shaped it.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Southport
Preston New Road, Crossens, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 8QX. (6pm-7pm)
Explore histories of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, those who built the chapel, on Preston New Road, and those who worship there now. Discover the free FamilySearch Library.
Wine & Words by Watson, 423-427 Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90AG. (7:30am-10pm)
Wine & Words by Watson is a modern venture situated in a building on Lord Street that was once the entrance to the Manchester & County Bank, connecting our present-day venue with Southport’s commercial and financial heritage.
Friday 11th September to 20th September 2026
361-363, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1NH
Information, covering building history, surrounding location, connection to other buildings & a business history, including the Book Shop & Tropical Shell Shop.
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture of where we live.
It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook said:
“Last year was my first year organising the festival and I was really determined for it to be successful, with places that people wanted to visit.
“It went really well! We had a fantastic response from visitors. Many of them were from Southport but we also saw lots of people travelling in to learn more about our town too.
“Some of the events were extremely popular and were fully booked – if there are any you’d like to book in for, please do it sooner rather than later!
“Pre-booking is required for some, but not all events.
“Great things happen when you celebrate what you’ve got on your doorstep!”
- For more details about Southport Heritage Open Days please email Heather Cook at: emailing: [email protected]
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
