North Island, Southport Marine Lake

Right, so North Island on the Marine Lake... it's basically a little man-made island right in the middle of Southport. You can't miss it if you're down by the seafront. It's nothing fancy, but the kids love it, and it's a decent spot to chill for a bit. Google reviews reckon it's a 4.7 out of 5, based on 17 reviews, which isn't bad going.

It's technically a beach and a park, but don't go expecting golden sands or anything. It's more of a grassy area with a bit of sand around the edges. Still, it's right on the Marine Lake, so you get nice views, and it's completely free, which is always a bonus. It's open 24/7, so you can go anytime you fancy.

It's definitely family-friendly – plenty of space for the little ones to run around and let off steam. Plus, you're right next to Silcock's Amusements and all the other stuff on the Promenade, so you can easily make a day of it. I wouldn't go out of your way to visit, but if you're already down by the Marine Lake, it's worth a quick look.

Just a heads up, parking can be a nightmare down there, especially in the summer. Try the car park near the pier, but get there early!