Welcome to the definitive online guide to Southport.

Southport is a seaside town on the Lancashire coast in the North West of England. The town was founded in 1792 by William Sutton.

Southport has a population of almost 100,000 people and is the 12th largest town in the North West of England. Liverpool is 16 miles to the south and Preston 14 miles to the north.

The Irish Sea forms the coastline of Southport with the River Ribble to the north and the River Mersey to the south a distance of approximately 22 miles.

Lord Street

Lord Street is one of the most famous boulevards in the country stretching almost a mile from end to end with much of the pavement under cover it's an ideal place to eat, drink and shop.

Visitors coming to Southport can shop at the majority of national chain stores situated at the Ocean Plaza or Central 12 retail parks along with many speciality shops in the town centre.

Southport Theatre

Conference facilities are provided at the recently opened Southport Theatre and Convention Centre located on the Promenade.

New hotels have been built to provide accommodation for the increasing number of visitors these include The Vincent Hotel a Premier Inn and The Ramada Plaza.

A variety of events take place in Southport during the year. The Flower Show is held every August in Victoria Park and has been established for over 70 years making it one of the country's most popular horticultural shows.

Other events that attract large numbers of people to Southport are the Southport Air Show, Music and Comedy festivals along with the monthly Farmers Market and the Continental Market that is held several times a year.

Fireworks also play a big part in the events taking place during the year with the British Musical Firework Championships being held every autumn in the Kings Gardens at the Marine Lake.

Southport is on the roster for the most prestigious golf tournament in the UK the Men's British Open which is held at Royal Birkdale the last time in 2008. The Women's open was held there in 2010.

Southport Pier

The Pier at Southport is the second longest and second oldest in the UK is also a major attraction along with Hesketh Park and the Botanic Gardens.

Red Rum the three times winner of the world's greatest steeplechase The Grand National was trained on Southport beach by Ginger McCain. The Grand National is held every year at the nearby Aintree Racecourse and attracts thousands of visitors to the town.

Sailing is also a popular pastime in Southport with the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24hr race a prestigious event attracting many competitors from around the country in early September.

At Christmas Lord Street is decorated with lights in the trees and market stalls selling traditional fayre.

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