Holiday homes & rentals in Southport

There's more to Southport than the ocean, as you'll discover from its leafy Victorian boulevards, theatres, museums and England's oldest pier. Moreover, the town is a short bus or train ride from Manchester and Liverpool, perfect for time-pressed travellers looking to escape city life. Self-catering Southport accommodation is the ideal way to discover this easygoing coastal town.

What to eat on your holiday in Southport

Southport boasts a high concentration of independent eateries that use fresh local produce. Gourmands can pick from traditional British cuisines, Mediterranean, American or New Age global offerings. Don't miss local delicacies such as Southport tomatoes, potted shrimps and Formby asparagus, best enjoyed with craft ales by a roaring fireside. A classic British pub experience indeed.

The quirky Hungry Monk Ale House & Kitchen specialises in steaks, live music, theatre and comedy nights. For calming views across Marina Lake, Marine Brasserie, Lounge & Bar delivers in style. How about some classic breads, ice creams and French-English cuisine served amidst antique French mirrors and crystal chandeliers? Auberge Brasserie is the to-go place in that case.

With its appetising soups, mains and desserts, the taster menu at Bistro21 has diners in a tizzy. Finally, sample the 'best chippy' in town at Fylde Fish Bar which serves everything from cod, haddock, calamari and scampi to kidney pie.

Culture and the arts in Southport

Southport keeps the culture traveller happy with its legion of theatres, museums and art galleries. Come watch a model train chug through 1.5 acres of landscapes at the tastefully laid-out Model Railway Village. They even have a quiz, coffee and cake.

No visitor should miss the ambient Southport Pier (England's second-longest), perfect for an invigorating walk and some traditional amusement arcade fun. Another gem is Crosby Beach which houses Another Place, a series of surreal sculptures of men gazing into the horizon. Created by artist Antony Gormley, these figures are entrenched into the sea, and stretch almost a kilometre out. How fantastical is that?

Get back to nature in Southport

Spend an afternoon at the Victorian-era Botanic Gardens, bursting with meandering pathways and bright floral displays. There's a lake, aviary and cafe serving home-made food here. Golfers, note that Southport boasts over 14 golf courses, so take your pick.

A fun day out awaits at Marine Lake, the country's largest man-made lake with thoughtful kiddie play areas, pedal boats and waterfront cafes. For expansive views of the Irish Sea, climb the natural dunes at Formy Beach. Ainsdale Beach meanwhile is the UK's premier kite surfing spot. While here, pop into the informative Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve.

Hardcore nature enthusiasts should definitely consider exploring the dunes, grasslands and pinewoods of Sefton’s Natural Coast – you can start from Lifeboat Road. Ravenmeols Sandhills is perfect for a reclusive off-the-beaten track stroll. Come back and relax at your Southport accommodation.

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