Beyond the fairways: Why Southport should be your next UK coastal escape

While the historic town of Southport may be in the spotlight as the host of this year’s Open Championship – the world’s oldest and most prestigious golf tournament – the diverse, year-round appeal of this hidden gem destination makes it a must-visit long after the winner is crowned.

The Open itself takes place at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, widely regarded as the best links course in England. It’s just one of several championship venues within easy reach of Southport, helping cement the town’s reputation as England’s golfing capital. Throughout the year, players travel from across the UK and beyond to experience its scenic coastal courses, renowned for their rolling dunes, challenging layouts and spectacular sea views.

However, Southport has much to offer beyond the fairways, with 22 miles of nature-rich coastline, sweeping golden sand beaches and breathtaking nature reserves made for exploring. While away from the water, a historic town centre and charming villages are home to historic architecture and an abundance of independent boutiques and restaurants.

Why Liverpool is the ideal base for a Southport city-and-coast break

Located just a stone’s throw from Liverpool, Southport makes an ideal city-and-coast break during The Open, with Merseyrail services departing every 10-15 minutes. This means visitors can bunker down in the city and enjoy Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene – from touring world-class football stadiums and learning the story of The Beatles, to visiting museums and galleries or exploring the iconic Royal Albert Dock – before being at Royal Birkdale, strolling along Southport’s beaches, playing a round of golf, or attending the flower or air show in under an hour.

Thanks to Liverpool’s extensive accommodation offer, visitors also have an exceptional choice of places to stay, from stylish boutique hotels such as Hope Street Hotel and The Resident Liverpool, to internationally recognised brands including Maldron, Novotel and INNSiDE by Meliá, through to luxury stays at The Municipal Hotel & Spa, Titanic Hotel Liverpool and The Halyard, with an option for every style of traveller.

Whether you’re planning a summer staycation, a long weekend or an extended coastal escape, Southport combines easy accessibility with an impressive mix of outdoor adventures, rich history and a thriving culinary scene. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your visit.

Delve into Southport’s best beaches and watersports

Whether you prefer to dip your toes in the sea or you’re a watersports enthusiast, Southport’s lengthy coastline has something for every water baby. For a traditional seaside visit, grab your bucket and spade and head to Southport Beach for family fun and all the facilities, or opt for the dog-friendly Formby Beach with its picturesque dunes, whilst adventurous types will love the kitesurfing, windsurfing and the more chilled out atmosphere at Ainsdale Beach.

Adjacent to Southport Beach is the 140-acre Marine Lake, one of England’s largest man-made leisure lakes. Its calm, sheltered waters are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, alongside swan pedalos, rowing boats and self-drive motorboats, while the Southport Jet boat ride offers thrill seekers a high-speed, white-knuckle ride.

For something more relaxing, the 17-acre King’s Gardens is located alongside Marine Lake, where peaceful strolls amongst the colourful flower beds and ornate bridges await – or give your legs a rest and enjoy the Lakeside Miniature Railway.

Explore the walkways, cycleways, and nature trails of the Sefton Coast

Nature and wildlife are at the heart of Southport’s offering and they couldn’t be easier to access. Walk the length of the Sefton Coastal Path – many parts can be cycled too – a haven for biodiversity that stretches 21-miles across sandy beaches, dunes, pine woodlands and estuaries that offer panoramas across the Irish Sea and views of North Wales and Snowdonia.

The route passes through the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve and Formby National Trust Reserve, home to protected sand lizards, rare Natterjack toads, and native red squirrels. For culture vultures, it also takes you to artist Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation of 100 cast-iron figures spread out across Crosby Beach – which can also be directly accessed via a scenic cycling trail. The mostly flat terrain of the Sefton Coastal Path can be walked from start to finish over a weekend or broken down into sections, which are easily accessible from Southport’s neighbouring villages of Birkdale, Ainsdale and leafy Hillside.

Other cycling routes include the squirrel spotting path from Southport to Formby via Ainsdale Sand Dunes Nature Reserve, The Shrimp and Swan Routes – both starting at Marine Lake – the traffic-free section of the Trans-Pennine Trail, which runs from Southport to Yorkshire, and numerous shorter rides through woodlands and meadows near the coast.

Find the pathways to local cuisine and culture in Southport's historic neighbouring villages

Southport and the surrounding villages are part of the ancient parish of North Meols, which is listed in the Domesday Book and dates back to early Anglo-Saxon times. Much of this history is captured in the Between Land and Sea permanent museum exhibition at The Atkinson arts, heritage, and cultural centre. It’s located on the famous Lord Street, a mile-long Victorian shopping boulevard, believed to be the inspiration behind the iconic wide, tree-lined avenues of Paris, after Napoléon Bonaparte stayed near here during his UK exile in the 1840s. Wander along walkways with cast-iron and glass canopies, peruse the boutiques, gardens and War Memorial Fountains before choosing from an array of atmospheric dining spots – the award-winning, family-run Volare caters for fans of Italian home cooking, while JT Akshaya serves award-winning Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine.

For village vibes away from Southport town centre, head to Churchtown, where thatched-roof cottages, chocolate-box charm and a designated conservation area await. Explore the Victorian fernery, floral gardens, boating lake, aviary and café at the Botanic Gardens, then take the few steps to Botanic Road, where you can taste homemade chocolates and Churchtown Cheddar and visit whisky and cigar specialist The Dram. Shop at antique, artisan and craft stores before settling at one of Churchtown’s many cafés, restaurants or bubs – unique café bar Remedy is a must.

While Ainsdale is well known for its beach, nature reserves and golf course, the village is also well worth a visit for fashion boutiques and a bite to eat or drink. The Farmhouse Kitchen – owned by ‘Southport’s first family of pies’ and winners of best small producer and dessert pie categories at the 2026 British Pie Awards – is the top place to grab lunch.

Experience nature, fine dining and culture in Birkdale

Beyond its world-class golf heritage, the village of Birkdale offers nature, culture and gastronomic delights. Explore the woodlands, dunes and shoreline of Birkdale and Ainsdale Sandhills Nature Reserve, visit the family-friendly Model Boating Lake, then wander through the village centre, where elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture creates a timeless backdrop.

Birkdale is also a hotspot for fine dining and nightlife, catering for foodies of all tastes and budgets. Highlights include Samuels and Co, which serves coffee and delicious baked treats by day and is a vibing wine bar by night, the Michelin guide’s Bistrot Vérité – offering delicious, home-cooked French dishes using seasonal ingredients – or head to the stunning outdoor terrace at Coast Birkdale for cocktails and fish curry.

Whether you’re visiting for The Open or planning a relaxing UK getaway, Southport is a destination that rewards repeat discovery. From golden beaches and wildlife-rich landscapes to historic villages, independent eateries and vibrant culture, it offers an experience-rich coastal escape for every kind of traveller.

Start planning your trip now with Visit Southport