More than 100 years of fun

Adventure Coast Southport, previously known as Southport Pleasureland, is a historic amusement park, that’s still going strong.

Today, Adventure Coast Southport is a much-loved theme park with four themed lands and a host of family attractions.

But did you know that its history stretches back to the late 1800s?

That’s right. we are one of the UK’s oldest seaside amusement parks – and it’s still going strong more than 100 years later.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and learn how we became the happiest family theme park in the UK.

Meet the family who made Southport history

When Norman Wallis took over the park that was previously known as Southport Pleasureland in 2007, he had a big job on his hands. The historic amusement park had been left in a sorry state. In his words, it was little more than a

“blackened and burned-out husk”.

But Norman had experience on his side. Not only is he a seasoned leisure consultant in his own right, but he also has a family history of showmanship that stretches back for generations.

Norman’s ancestors were travelling photographers. In the 1800s, they moved from Spitalfields in London to Liverpool. Here, they became early adopters of the Bioscope: a type of hand-cranked portable cinema. While primitive by today’s standards, it was cutting edge at the time.

More rides followed, including a carousel that became a fixture of the funfair beside Southport’s Marine Lake. Before long, the Wallis family had made their name as full-fledged travelling showmen.

Generations of entertainers

One of the most notable was Henry James Wallis: Norman’s great-great-grandfather. Born in 1854, he became known as the “Seaforth Barnum” after the great American showman P.T. Barnum.

And so the baton passed from generation to generation. Norman’s great-grandfather, grandfather and father were also showmen – with the latter earning the nicknames “Livewire” and “Flash Harry”.

Maria Proctor, who in 1888 became the UK’s first female circus proprietor, is also related by marriage. As is pioneering puppeteer Richard Codman. He was the mastermind behind the UK’s longest-running Punch and Judy show, which began in 1860 and is still performed in Llandudno to this day.

Norman and his team have worked hard to restore Adventure Coast to its former glory. But with a heritage like this, it’s no wonder he succeeded. Here’s to another five generations of fun!

Adventure Coast Today

Your enjoyment – and safety – are our priorities.

When you visit Adventure Coast Southport today, you can expect great value and a full day of family fun.

Our seaside amusement park has bounced back – and we’re proud to say it’s better than ever.

That’s because we’ve worked hard to deliver a truly unforgettable day out. We want you to make memories that last a lifetime and won’t cost the earth.

And we’re looking forward to an even brighter future. We’re constantly investing in staff training, safety technologies and new attractions to make your next visit all the more enjoyable.