Dive into the history of Southport. Discover the origins of this seaside town with our step-by-step tour.

Planning a visit to Southport or want to swing by after a visit to Adventure Coast Southport?

Good decision! Southport is rich in history and well worth exploring.

We’ve put together this step-by-step tour to help you catch the highlights and get a flavour of this northern gem.

A brief history of Southport

Before we begin our tour of Southport, let’s get our bearings by exploring the origins of this elegant seaside town.

In the late 18th century, there lived an entrepreneur and landowner with big dreams called William Sutton. He built a bathing house on a beach in the area of South Hawes (now known as Southport). Here, people could bathe in natural seawater.

This was one of the biggest health trends of the century, especially for the rich and famous. Private bath houses advertised themselves with claims that their baths could cure gout, diabetes and all skin diseases, among other things.

Southport slowly gained popularity through the years, achieving country borough status in 1915 after reaching a population of 50,000. This was thanks, in part, to its proximity and train lines to Liverpool and Manchester, as well as popular attractions like Southport Pier and The Bold Hotel. That’s where our tour will start.

The Bold Hotel

Start by checking out the earliest surviving hotel in Southport: The Bold Hotel.

This Grade II-listed property was built in 1832 by Thomas Mawdsley. Back then, it was known as “The Bold Arms”.

When you leave, make sure to take in one of the most beautiful boulevards in Britain: Lord Street. It is said to be the inspiration behind the famous tree-lined boulevards in Paris.

Turn left onto Seabank Road and then left again onto Bath Street, walking until you get to Victoria Street. Now turn right and right again and you’ll find yourself on The Promenade. Follow this street for about 400 metres to reach The Lakeside Inn.

The Lakeside Inn

Crowned the “Smallest Pub in Britain” in 1989, The Lakeside Inn is the perfect place to stop for a drink. Try to get a seat on the terrace overlooking Marine Lake.

Southport Promenade Hospital

Our next destination is literally across the road from The Lakeside Inn, so it would be foolish not to take a look.

Southport Promenade Hospital was founded in 1806 by the Southport Strangers Charity. The Grade II-listed building has housed several hospitals over the years. Note its French chateau style, which now lends itself to luxury apartments named “Marine Gate Mansions”.

Now go back the way you came, heading southwest on the Promenade for about 450 metres. After a short-ish stroll, you’ll see the Victoria Baths on your right.

Victoria Baths

The grade II-listed Victoria Baths has been a staple of Southport since it opened in 1839. An authentic Turkish-style bathhouse, it served as a luxurious hangout for the moneyed upper classes.

In 1871, it was upgraded with swimming pools divided into first, second and third classes, as well as private baths.

The Turkish baths closed in 1978 – but the building has housed many different businesses in the years since, including the popular Victoria Leisure gym.

To get to the next sight, head northwest along Marine Parade to reach the shore of the Marine Lake.

Marine Lake

If you love a nice walk around gleaming waters, the natural next step is to pay a visit to this beautiful man-made lake. It was built in the 19th century as a safe haven for boats during low tides.

You decide how much of the lake you want to explore before heading to your next destination: Princes Park. It’s easy to find – the park envelops the whole southwestern portion of the lake.

Princes Park

James Pennethorne and Joseph Paxton designed Princes Park, a quaint Victorian park that was opened in 1842.

Princes Park inspired nearby Sefton Park and Birkenhead Park. It’s well worth exploring, with its lake, carriage drive and other original features.

Now, walk towards the coast until you get to Southport Pier.

Southport Pier

The oldest iron pier in England, Southport Pier has been a top attraction since August 1860. The likes of Charlie Chaplin have walked its boards, along with other famous entertainers.

The pier was also visited by steam liners in its most popular years. Gradually, however, it became too difficult to reach and the service was stopped in 1929.

Southport Pier sadly started to deteriorate in the late 20th century, making losses each year and almost being knocked down by the local council. However, it was restored to its former glory between 2000 and 2002. The restoration cost £7.2 million and saw the pier gain a sparkly new tramway.

As of April 2024, the pier is closed due to it suffering extensive weather damage from freezing temperatures back in 2022. Funding for the repairs is being negotiated – but you can still admire it from afar and take in the history.

Now it’s back to Princes Park for our next stop: the Lakeside Miniature Railway.

Lakeside Miniature Railway

A 20th-century gem, the Lakeside Miniature Railway (LMR) opened in 1911. It used steam locomotives up until the 1950s when they were upgraded to diesel.

The best thing about it today? It runs to a station at Adventure Coast Southport – so hop on if you want to finish off your day with even more history, plus a host of family-friendly attractions.

Visit us at Adventure Coast Southport

Not to brag or anything, but we’re part of Southport history, too. Back in the early 1900s, our park opened under the name White City. It was one of the first seaside theme parks in the UK.

Nowadays, the park is better than ever. We’ve worked hard to make Adventure Coast Southport the joy-filled, family-friendly amusement park it is today. Visit us to explore four exciting themed lands, try our delectable food options and ride yourself silly on dozens of theme park classics.

Up for a day of fun? Remember, you’ll always get the best price when you book your tickets online.