Southport Marine Lake and Seafront Walk: The Local's Complete Guide

The Marine Lake is one of those Southport things that visitors walk straight past on their way to the beach, and locals take entirely for granted. It shouldn't be either. It's a tidal seawater lake enclosed by a sea wall on the Promenade, about a mile long, and on a calm sunny day it's one of the more peaceful places in this town.

The Walk — Marine Drive to the Pier, Round the Lake

The full loop from Marine Drive car park, round the lake, up to the Pier and back is about two miles. Takes around 45 minutes at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop. Do it anti-clockwise: park at Marine Drive, walk north along the lake edge with the water on your left, continue up to the Pier end, then back along the Promenade on the seaward side.

In spring and summer the lake is used by watersports — windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding. The Southport Sailing Club operates at the northern end. The dinghy activity gives the walk something to look at that isn't just water and sky, which matters when you're convincing kids that this is a proper outing.

Watersports and Activities

The Marine Lake is where Southport does its watersports. Paddleboarding hire is available at the lake in the warmer months. The calm, enclosed water makes it far better for beginners than the open sea. My kids have been out on paddleboards here twice — the younger two capsized within five minutes, the older two managed forty minutes before getting bored. Standard.

Ainsdale Adventure Park, at the far northern end of the lake, has pedal boats and other family activities in the summer season.

The Pier — Worth Combining With the Lake Walk

Walk to the Pier end of the lake and you're ten minutes from the Pier entrance. At 1.1km, it's the second longest in England. The tram runs the length — return ticket is a few pounds, worthwhile with younger kids. Walk out, take the tram back, or walk both ways if the weather's cooperating.

At the Pier head there are views west over the Irish Sea and on a clear day you can see the Welsh hills across the water. It's the furthest you can get from town without actually leaving. The Pier Pavilion at the end has a cafe.

What to Bring

• →Layers. The lake is exposed to any westerly wind coming off the sea.
• →A flask. There are cafes near the Pier but options along the lake itself are limited.
• →Binoculars if you have them — the birdlife on the lake margins is worth looking at in spring. Little Egrets are regulars.
• →Dogs welcome along the full route.

When to Go

Spring and summer mornings before 10am, when the car parks haven't filled and the lake has the best light. The walk is east-facing, so morning light hits the water well. Avoid Sunday afternoons in summer — everyone else has the same idea and Marine Drive becomes a car park queue.