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Southport, a large seaside town on the coast of Merseyside, is famous for its traditional Victorian elegance and its title as 'England's Classic Resort'. The town boasts Lord Street, a magnificent, tree-lined boulevard often cited as the inspiration for the Champs-Élysées, filled with elegant shops and dining options. The seafront is dominated by Southport Pier, the oldest iron pier in Britain, which stretches out over the vast sands.
You can enjoy classic seaside fun at Southport Pleasureland, stroll through the restored Victorian King's Gardens, or explore the natural beauty of the nearby dunes. With its mix of historic grandeur, vibrant attractions, and a beautiful coastline, Southport offers a truly memorable traditional British seaside holiday.
The best hotel locations in Southport offer a choice between the elegant town centre and the bustling seafront and pier area.
The area around Lord Street and the Town Centre is the ideal choice for first-time visitors and those who appreciate elegance and shopping. Staying here places you near the town's most iconic street, the Atkinson Museum and Theatre, and the main hub of dining. This district offers a range of historic hotels and modern accommodations.
The Seafront and Promenade area is perfect for those who want to be close to the attractions, including Southport Pier, the Marine Lake, and Pleasureland. Hotels here offer easy access to the seaside entertainment and often boast sea views, providing a lively base for your stay.
For a quieter, more tranquil base, consider the area around the Botanic Gardens, slightly outside the immediate centre in the historic village of Churchtown. This district offers a charming retreat with traditional guesthouses and a peaceful atmosphere, while still being a short bus or taxi ride from the centre.
Southport is served by two train stations, Southport and Birkdale, with excellent connections to Liverpool and other northern cities. The nearest major airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), with onward travel via rail. The town centre and seafront are easily walkable, and a good local bus service connects all the main areas.
To find the most competitive hotel rates in Southport, you must book outside of the peak summer season, which sees prices surge due to the school holidays. As a major northern resort, weekend breaks are consistently the most expensive time to visit.
A great tip for securing an affordable rate is to look for stays that include a Sunday night, which is generally the cheapest night of the week. A unique factor to watch out for in Southport is the Royal Birkdale Golf Club schedule. Any major golf tournament held here, particularly The Open Championship, causes a massive, short-term surge in hotel prices and a complete lack of availability in the town and surrounding areas. Planning your trip well outside of any major golf event will ensure you find the most favourable rates.