It’s an old joke that Southport is the only seaside resort where you can’t see the sea. It’s true the sea doesn’t often come close to the sea wall but the upside of this is that there is usually lots of beach – 22 miles of it – to enjoy, including watching the thousands of birds that return at the end of summer, as well as soaking up the gorgeous views. As the gateway to the coast and to the Ribble Estuary, it’s a unique environment where the coast and countryside meet.
Southport has a reputation has a town that has many events throughout the year, including food and music festivals. People come from far and wide to enjoy the Southport Flower Show, which takes place in Victoria Park every August
September sees the town host the exciting National Musical Fireworks Championships and the Southport Comedy Festival runs from September 27 to October 13, featuring upcoming and established names such as Jo Caulfield and Hal Cruttenden.
Southport, founded by William Sutton – aka The Mad Duke – is known for its elegant streets. Emperor Napoleon III admired Lord Street so much that he is said to have based the Champs Elysees upon it. There might not be many emperors or dukes – mad or otherwise – in Southport today but the town retains its touch of elegance. Wide tree-lined streets such as the famous Lord Street, with its graceful arcades, are perfect for shopping. The Wesley Street area, known as The Village in the Town, is crammed full of colourful independent shops, enhanced by floral displays.
If you’re visiting Southport as part of a romantic weekend, remember the town is known for jewellers, making it the perfect place to buy that special piece.
Southport has plenty to offer golfers, too, with four courses close by, including the prestigious Royal Birkdale and Southport and Ainsdale. If you prefer to walk without a golf club, visit one of the town’s many parks such as King’s Gardens or Hesketh Park, with its restored fountains and historic astronomical observatory. If you prefer a serious hike, try the 33km Sefton Coastal Path.
However you decide to spend your time, remember Southport has its own micro-climate so, even if it’s gloomy where you are, there’s a chance that the sun might be shining on this delightful town by the sea.
When Joan and Jimmy O’Shaughnessy – aka The Two Jays – met in a dance hall in 1970, they didn’t dream that over 50 years later, their dancing would have gained them over four million followers on social media.
‘During Covid, we couldn’t go out to dance,’ says Joan. ‘We discovered that some dances trended on TikTok so, for fun, we did one in the garden, uploaded it and forgot it. When I eventually looked, I did a double take – there were amazing comments. So, we did another, then another and it snowballed.’
They then did a version of a dance the Beckhams had done which David Beckham re-posted, it went viral and media outlets from across the world got touch.
‘It’s wonderful to be interviewed in America and Australia, but they often refer us as living in Liverpool so hopefully, we’re doing our bit to put Southport on the map,’ says Jimmy.
Today, the list of admirers includes Coldplay, Beyonce and her mum, Take That and Katy Perry.
‘Sometimes, we are asked to do a particular song and we always oblige, within our limitations. After all, our camera is fixed and we are at home, not on a massive stage,’ says Joan.
‘When it took off, we thought it might provide enough funds for the occasional weekend but now travel firms gift us holidays and, recently we’ve had an official offer of a trip to China,’ says Joan.
So what next?
‘Keep dancing! We’ve also been nominated for an influencer award which is exciting,’ says Jimmy who is still delighted to be labelled as ‘cute’ by his fans.
FELINE GOOD
The most discerning hotel guests have a list of things they simply can’t do without. Must haves such as flat screen televisions, music provided by Bose sound systems, luxurious beds, garden views, private patios, mood lighting and top notch exercise facilities.
It’s no different for the guests at Greenacre Hotel, except the guests are exclusively cats.
‘They say cats have staff. It’s true and that’s why I ensure our guests have their every whim catered for,’ says owner and chief housekeeper, Gemma Gregory.
‘Some people book two years in advance if they have a specific date in mind and others ask for our availability before booking their own holiday dates,’ says Gemma who keeps extensive notes on each guest: details of likes and dislikes; preferred sleeping arrangements – hammock or cat bed – food preferences and when they like to dine; medical records and whether or not it is permissible to stroke them.
But do the cats appreciate all this luxury?
‘They certainly do,’ Gemma adds. ‘One cat was placed in a junior suite, while we prepared his usual garden suite and he gave us the silent treatment. As soon as he was in his preferred suite, he was friendly again. Another refused to come out of bed until her TV, showing aquariums, had been repaired.
‘One downside to running a luxury cat hotel is that I rarely go on holiday. I do have help but even going out for the evening requires organising.’
PAINTING THE TOWN
Ruth Ryder – an architectural artist and Southport native based in The Engine Room in Wayfarers Arcade – is on a mission to make us look at local buildings afresh, by using her talent for architectural sketching and colour. Ruth’s colourful works have become so popular that last year she was asked to publish a book called Southport Illustrated.
‘I really do want people to look again at the fantastic buildings we have here in Southport. Every time I look at a shop front in Wayfarers Arcade, for example, I am always struck by a new detail such as the fact that there is a different carving on each door. I sketch the original building and then add people, dogs and colour,’ says Ruth whose book – and individual prints – have sold all over Europe, Australia and America.
This year, Ruth has been commissioned to produce a special artwork map of the Southport Flower Show. It’s a busy year for Ruth, as she has also begun holding monthly classes and has produced four wonderful images inside the Arcade.
‘In late summer, those images will be published, with others, in a special concertina book called Parade Along the Arcade,’ says Ruth who always researches the history of a building before producing an image of it.
‘That’s a danger for me. Southport has such a fascinating history that it’s all too easy to fall down a rabbit hole researching it, but it benefits my work so I can justify it.’
FOUR THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHPORT
The Atkinson
This cultural hub offers a range of events. In August, there’s a production of Pride and Prejudice, a Tea Dance and plenty of children’s activities. Don’t miss the super collection of paintings, the famous Egyptology Gallery and make time to visit A Great Little Place, the Atkinson’s award-winning café.
The Lawnmower Museum
Probably one of the quirkiest museums, it’s worth seeing – especially if you’re looking for inspiration to mow the lawn. Exhibits include vintage machines, some of the most expensive mowers in the world and tiny mowers. There are also mowers of the rich and famous, including King Charles and Alan Titchmarsh.
Southport Marine Lake
Created in 1887, it caters for every taste. If you simply want to enjoy a sedate cruise, you can do so from the comfort of a converted lifeboat ferry or maybe hire a pedalo or motorboat-both dog friendly. For those who want an adrenaline rush, try the Southport Jet... you’re advised to hold on!
Model Railway Village
The very first one of its type in the UK, this gorgeous model village is set in one and a half acres, with a miniature railway running through it. It also includes a waterway connecting two natural ponds which are often teeming with wild birds. Bring a picnic and relax.
THREE PLACES TO STAY
The Bold
Built in 1832, this award-winning boutique hotel has been sensitively refurbished. It has 23 rooms, including suites and family rooms, with several having views over Lord Street. There is a traditional carvery and a bar.
The Ambassador Townhouse
A stylish Victorian property which has been the recipient of several awards, including one for its breakfasts. There are eight individually styled and well-appointed bedrooms, as well as a sitting room for guests to enjoy.
The Waterfront
Located on the Marine Lake, there is a good selection of double and twin rooms. The rooftop dining domes are superb for private dining, while enjoying wonderful views of the coastline and there is also the choice of the Marina Restaurant or Sun Terrace and Bar.
HOW TO GET THERE
Southport is well served by rail. Mersey Rail runs frequent trains from Liverpool and Northern Rail offers services from Manchester, Bolton and Wigan.
If you prefer to drive – from the south, take the M58 to Ormskirk and the A570. From the north, take the A59 from Preston and follow signs to Southport. It’s an hour from Blackburn and 80 minutes from Lancaster.
