Ocean Plaza Leisure Park

Ocean Plaza, right in the town centre, is your go-to if you need to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day – and let's face it, we get a few of those in Southport! You've got a Vue cinema there, a bowling alley, and a soft play area called Playtown. It’s got a decent 4.2 stars from over 5,800 Google reviews, so most people seem happy enough.

It's basically an outdoor shopping plaza but mostly undercover, with a mix of chain restaurants and a few independent places to grab a bite. Think pizza, burgers, that sort of thing. It's not exactly gourmet, but it's reliable and there's something for everyone. Plus, you can get a bit of shopping done while you're there too – Next and Dunelm are both big draws.

It’s open from 8 in the morning till 10 at night, seven days a week, so it’s pretty flexible. It can get busy, especially on weekends and school holidays. Parking's the main catch – you have to pay, and it can fill up fast.

If you're heading there for the cinema or bowling, it's worth booking ahead, especially if you're a bigger group. And maybe pack a few snacks for the kids, just in case.