People ask me what to do in Southport all the time. I live here. I've thought about it. Here's the definitive plan for a weekend that makes the most of what this town actually does well — no padding, no tourist board nonsense. Two days, done properly.
Friday evening
Arrive, drop your bags, and go straight to dinner. Don't faff about. If you've booked well, The Swan in Churchtown or Volare on Lord Street will do it. If you're more spontaneous, walk down Lord Street and see what's on. Get a proper meal, have a drink, and get your bearings. Southport's best first impression is on foot on Lord Street on a Friday evening.
Saturday morning
Coffee first. There are good independent cafés on and around Lord Street and in Birkdale village. After coffee, go to Churchtown. Walk around the Botanic Gardens — it's free, it takes about an hour at a comfortable pace, and it's one of the loveliest places in Southport. Have a look at Churchtown village itself while you're there. The Hesketh Arms does a solid lunch if you're staying in the area.
Saturday afternoon
Beach. Specifically the pier area. Walk out on Southport Pier — it's the second longest in England and the views back toward the town from the end of it are genuinely good. Check the tide times before you go if you want to walk on the sand. The Marine Lake area is good for an afternoon wander if the weather's decent.
If you have kids with you, the amusements and Adventure Golf will absorb the afternoon perfectly. If you don't, the beach, the pier, and a wander through Wayfarers Arcade covers it beautifully.
Saturday evening
Dinner, then a proper pub or bar. Coopers Bar on a Saturday has live music that's consistently good. The Hesketh Arms has a warm, local atmosphere. End the night however feels right — Southport rewards people who settle in rather than rushing.
Sunday morning
Southport Market on a Sunday morning is underrated. Food stalls, independent sellers, occasional live music. It's a good loose structure for a Sunday when you don't want to commit to a plan. Alternatively, The Atkinson often has something on at weekends.
Sunday afternoon — extend or head home
If you're extending, Formby is 20 minutes south — squirrels, dunes, and a proper coastal walk. Crosby is 30 minutes — the Gormley iron men. If you're heading home, you've had a genuinely good weekend. That's the honest version of Southport at its best.
📅This itinerary works in most seasons. Summer gives you the beach at its best. Spring and autumn give you the town without the crowds. Winter gives you the Atkinson, the pubs, and a quieter version of everything that's still worth having.
Planning your weekend in more detail? Our full guide covers every beach, attraction, golf course, and neighbourhood — with the practical details on prices, parking, and what's actually worth your time.
Things to Do in Southport — Full Guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
