Author: Simon Edward

By car

Here’s a great benefit of being on the coast – if you’re travelling by car, you can’t miss us!

There are two major routes into Southport: one from the north and one from the south. Both start on the M6 motorway.

If you’re travelling from the north, exit the M6 at junction 31 and head towards Preston. From there, take the A59 and follow the signs. If the traffic treats you nicely, the journey from Preston to Southport should take 35 minutes to an hour.

If you’re travelling from the south, exit the M6 at junction 26 to join the M58. After you pass Skelmersdale, join the A570, which will take you all the way to Southport. This leg should take 30 to 40 minutes in moderate traffic.

Finally, if you’re travelling from the east, you should take the M62 or M65 instead.

And one last tip for drivers who are visiting us here at Adventure Coast Southport. The postcode we list on our website doesn’t play nicely with satnavs, so don’t use this to find us.

Instead, tap in “Marine Drive” or “Esplanade”. This is where our car parks are located. Follow the directions from your satnav and you’ll soon find them.

By rail

Travelling to Southport by train is a great way to avoid the traffic and get straight into the heart of the action.

Yes, Southport’s railway station is conveniently located in the centre of town, so you’ll be close to all our major attractions from the moment you step onto the platform. From the station, it’s just an eight-minute walk to Lord Street and about 20 minutes to Adventure Coast Southport.

The station is served by two rail lines: the Manchester-Southport Line and a branch of the Northern Line that connects to Liverpool.

These lines connect Southport to most parts of Merseyside. And, because Liverpool and Manchester are major travel interchanges, they allow for easy access to the rest of the UK rail network.

With a few connecting trains, you can get from London to Southport by rail in three to four hours.

For local rail updates, check the Merseyrail website.

By coach

If you want an affordable journey and no frills, coach travel is always a safe bet.

National Express coaches run regularly to Liverpool, where you can catch a connecting train or bus service to Southport.

Another affordable option is megabus. This provider serves Preston and Manchester, both of which offer frequent connecting services to Southport.

Finally, you could consider a coach holiday package from a specialist tour operator. These are typically sold as a bundle that includes coach travel, accommodation, excursions and other perks.

By plane

Are you flying in for a holiday in Britain? Or perhaps you’re a UK resident who wants the luxury of a domestic flight?

Either way, we have good news for you: Southport is within easy reach of two major airports.

The closest is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), which is roughly 22 miles away. This airport hosts flights to and from Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Naples, Rome and Dublin, among other cities. It also operates services for the Isle of Man and Guernsey.

To reach Southport from Liverpool Airport, simply grab a taxi or take one of the following public transport routes:

 

• Take the 81A bus to Hunts Cross station then a direct train to Southport.
• Take the 82A bus to Cressington station then a direct train to Southport.
• Take the 86A bus to Liverpool South Parkway station then a direct train to Southport.
• Take the 500 bus to Brunswick station then a direct train to Southport.

In any case, the journey should take you around an hour and a half.

The other option for flyers is Manchester Airport (MAN). This serves many of the same cities as Liverpool Airport, while also catering to a few further-flung locations like Cairo, Dubai, Florida, New York and Hong Kong. Most domestic flights will also take you to this airport.

Manchester Airport is a little further away than Liverpool – but it’s just as easy to reach Southport when you land. The airport has its own train station, so it’s as simple as taking a couple of trains.

The shortest route is from the airport to Manchester Oxford Road, where you can change to a local train that will take you all the way to Southport.

All in all, the journey from the airport should take around one hour and 45 minutes.

By sea

That’s right – you can make like a sea captain and arrive into Southport by boat if you like.

Well, not quite. There are daily ferry services from the Isle of Man, Dublin and Belfast. But you’ll actually weigh anchor in Liverpool, so you’ll have to take a quick connecting train to reach us.

Still, it’s a viable and relatively affordable option if you happen to be travelling from one of these locations.

By taxi

There are several Southport-based taxi firms that offer long-distance rides and airport transfers. TripAdvisor is a good place to find them.

Southport is also served by the popular taxi-hailing app Uber.

What to do when you get here

Southport is a treat for anyone who loves historic architecture, fantastic food or classic seaside fun.

There’s a host of restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities here – including Lord Street, which has been a bargain hunters’ paradise for more than a century.

Why not come for one of our famous events, like the Southport Air Show or the British Musical Fireworks Championship? Or you could just take a stroll around town and take in the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous architecture.

Looking for some family fun? Southport is also home to Pleasureland: the happiest family theme park in England.

Our park has more than 30 family rides to enjoy along with four themed lands to explore. If you’re looking for a great-value family day out, you can’t beat it.

Ready for an adventure? Start by exploring the many attractions and rides at Adventure Coast Southport – or secure your booking and buy tickets online today.