It rains in Southport. I know, shocking for a seaside town in the north of England. The good news is that after 41 years here, I've got the rainy day plan locked in. The bad news is that 'it's raining, let's go to the beach anyway' is genuinely not the worst option — the beach in the rain has its own bleak charm. But if you'd rather stay dry, read on.
The Atkinson
The Atkinson on Lord Street is Southport's arts and culture centre — gallery, theatre, café, and museum all under one roof. It's genuinely excellent for a rainy afternoon. The current exhibitions rotate throughout the year, the café is a solid stop for lunch, and the building itself is worth looking at.
They have regular events, screenings, comedy nights, and family activities. It's the kind of place that makes you proud to live somewhere. Check what's on before you visit — the programme changes and there's usually something worth seeing.
Silcock's Funland and the amusements
This is the old-school option and it absolutely delivers. Silcock's is a proper seaside amusement arcade — not the polished, sanitised kind, the real thing. Penny falls, grabber machines, kids losing their minds over 2p coins. If you've got children, budget £10 in coins and you'll buy yourself an hour of chaos that everyone secretly enjoys.
Wayfarers Arcade
The Victorian shopping arcade off Lord Street. It's covered, which is the main practical advantage on a wet day. But it's also genuinely beautiful — ornate ironwork, glass roof, independent shops. Even if you're not buying anything, it's worth walking through. One of those Southport things that visitors discover and locals take for granted.
Cinema
Southport has two options. Vue Cinema at Ocean Plaza for the big releases — standard multiplex, perfectly decent. The Southport Bijou Cinema is the more interesting choice — an independent cinema that shows classic films, hosts film clubs, and has the kind of atmosphere you don't get in a chain. I take my eldest there for proper film nights. Worth supporting.
Southport Market
Indoor, covered, and full of food stalls, independent traders, and regular events. Good for lunch, good for browsing, and the events programme includes live music and food festivals throughout the year. Perfect rainy afternoon material.
☔A rainy day in Southport isn't a ruined day. The Atkinson, the Arcade, and a long lunch covers it beautifully. Embrace the seaside greyness — it's part of the charm.
The honest advice
Dress for the weather and don't let it ruin the day. The best version of Southport in the rain is: morning at The Atkinson, lunch at Southport Market, afternoon in the arcade with the kids. That's a good day.
Looking for more to do in Southport beyond rainy days? We've covered every beach, attraction, golf course, and hidden gem in one place.
The Complete Things to Do in Southport Guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
