VisitingHaig AvenueThe Complete Southport FC Visitor Guide
Everything you need to know before visiting Haig Avenue for the first time. Parking, pubs, getting there by train, what the away end is like, and what Southport has to offer before and after the match.
Terry's Take
What to Expect at Haig Avenue
Haig Avenue is a proper old non-league ground, built in 1905 and updated over the years in the way that lower-league clubs update things — a stand here, some floodlights there. It has character. It is not modern. It is a football ground in the way that football grounds used to be, and that is not a complaint from me.
If you are visiting as an away fan, the things that actually matter: there is no car park, so sort your travel before you arrive. The away end (the Blowick End, at the south) is an open terrace and Southport in winter is on the coast, which means wind. Dress for it. The Thatch and Thistle at the bottom of Haig Avenue is the default option for a pre-match drink near the ground. It is fine. If you have more time and want something better, the town centre has it.
Southport as a town is worth spending some time in. Lord Street is genuinely one of the better shopping streets in the North West. The beach is enormous. The market is good. If you are making a day of it and arriving a couple of hours before kick-off, you will find things to do.
Travel
Getting to Haig Avenue
Satnav postcode: PR8 6JZ. No car park at the ground.
By Train
RecommendedBy Car
On the Day
Parking Options
| Option |
|---|
| Haig Avenue (street) |
| Surrounding residential streets |
| Town centre car parks |
Pre-Match
Pubs Near Haig Avenue
Options close to the ground are limited. If you have two or more hours before kick-off, the town centre is the better choice.
Near the Ground
Grandstand Bar
At the stadium
The bar inside Haig Avenue behind the main stand. Real ale on tap. Gets crowded before big games and may limit away fan entry close to kick-off. Go early if you want to use it.
Thatch and Thistle
Haig Avenue / Norwood Road junction
The default option for away fans — right at the bottom of the road leading to the ground. Sky Sports, food, functional. Nothing special but it works. Gets busy for popular games.
The Richmond
Scarisbrick New Road
A short walk from the ground on Scarisbrick New Road. Slightly less hectic than the Thatch and Thistle for bigger fixtures. A reasonable alternative if you want more space.
Town Centre (if arriving early)
Southport town centre is about a mile and a half from Haig Avenue — 25–30 minutes on foot or a short bus ride on the number 44. If you are arriving two or more hours before kick-off, this is the better option for a pre-match drink. The pubs are significantly better than the options right by the ground.
Tap and Bottles
CAMRA award-winning. One of the better pubs in Southport for real ale. Worth making the effort for.
The Guest House
Popular town centre pub. Good atmosphere for a pre-match if you are in the area.
Inn Beer Shop
Independent bottle shop and bar. If you are a beer enthusiast, worth knowing about.
Haig Avenue
The Ground
Capacity
6,008 total. 1,537 seated in the main Grandstand. 4,471 standing across the three terraced ends.
Away End
The Blowick End — south terrace, open and uncovered. Irish Sea wind is a real factor. Bring a waterproof and layers regardless of the forecast.
Refreshments
The Grandstand Bar serves real ale and is behind the main stand. A cheeseburger and a pint on a matchday at this level is part of the appeal.
The Club
Founded 1881. National League North (sixth tier). Nickname: The Sandgrounders. Colours: black and amber. Ground built 1905.
Tickets
Adult standing tickets are typically around £13–£15. Seated options in the Grandstand are available at a small premium. Hospitality packages (the club pushes these and they are decent value for the level — around £47 per person) include catering and a reserved seat. Check the official Southport FC website for confirmed prices and availability for each fixture, as cup games and high-profile visitors may be priced differently.
Tickets — southportfc.netSouthport
Making a Day of It
Southport is a proper Victorian seaside town. Most away fans arriving for a 3pm kick-off have a couple of hours to fill. Here is what is worth your time.
Lord Street
Mile-long Victorian boulevard with glass canopies, independent shops, restaurants, and cafés. About 20 minutes walk from Haig Avenue. Worth an hour before a match.
Southport Beach
One of England's widest beaches. Easy access from Marine Drive. In autumn and winter it is bracing — good for a short walk if you dress for it.
Southport Market
Street food and independents on Market Street in the town centre. Good for lunch if you are arriving early.
Restaurants
Southport has proper dining options on Lord Street and in Birkdale village. Book ahead for an evening meal — particularly at weekends.
Cafés
Independent coffee shops in the town centre and on Lord Street. Good for a sit-down before the match if the pubs are not calling.
Hotels
If you are making a weekend of it, Southport has a range of accommodation from town centre hotels to Birkdale B&Bs.
Common Questions
Haig Avenue — FAQs
What is the postcode for Haig Avenue?
The postcode for Haig Avenue Stadium is PR8 6JZ. There is no car park at the stadium — you'll be looking for street parking on Haig Avenue and the surrounding residential streets.
Which train station is nearest to Haig Avenue?
Meols Cop is the closest station at about a 10-minute walk. Exit the station, turn left onto Norwood Road, walk down to the Thatch and Thistle pub at the bottom, and Haig Avenue is directly opposite. Southport station (town centre) is also an option — a 20-minute walk or take the number 44 bus from Eastbank Street.
Is there a car park at Haig Avenue?
There is no dedicated car park at the stadium. Street parking on Haig Avenue and surrounding residential streets is the main option. For popular fixtures this fills up well before kick-off — arrive early or park in the town centre and bus/walk.
Which pubs near Haig Avenue are good for away fans?
The Thatch and Thistle at the bottom of Haig Avenue (at the Norwood Road junction) is the closest option — straightforward pub with Sky Sports. The Richmond on Scarisbrick New Road is a short walk and slightly more relaxed. The Grandstand Bar at the ground itself is worth trying early on. If you have more time, Southport town centre has significantly better options — a mile and a half away, worth it if you arrive 2+ hours early.
What is the away end like at Haig Avenue?
Away supporters are in the Blowick End — an open, uncovered terrace at the south end of the ground. The Irish Sea wind can be significant on an exposed terrace. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof regardless of the forecast. The sightlines are fine.
How much are tickets at Southport FC?
Adult standing tickets are typically around £13–£15, with seated options in the Grandstand at a slight premium. Hospitality packages are also available and are good value for the level. Check southportfc.net for confirmed prices — they vary by fixture and competition.
What is there to do in Southport before or after the match?
More than most people expect. Lord Street is a genuinely impressive Victorian boulevard with independent shops and restaurants — about a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from Haig Avenue. Southport Market is good for lunch. The beach and pier are worth seeing if you arrive early enough. If the weather is poor, The Atkinson on Lord Street (arts centre, gallery, café) is one of the better rainy-day options in the North West.
Is Southport FC in the National League?
Southport FC currently compete in the National League North — the sixth tier of English football. Home games at Haig Avenue typically draw attendances in the hundreds to low thousands, rising significantly for cup fixtures and high-profile visitors.
Check Fixtures and Tickets
Southport FC publish fixtures, ticket prices, and hospitality information on their official website. For cup fixtures and high-profile visitors, check availability early.
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