We all know how beautiful Southport can be. We have our amazing Southport Pier; Southport Pleasureland; the Victorian Lord Street; wonderful parks; great hotels; and much more besides.
Our town enjoyed over 9 million visitors last year and it’s no wonder!
When the Coronavirus outbreak is over, Southport is the first place in the UK where you should all come.
But although the Easter holidays are now beginning, and warm weather is forecast, we are asking you to please stay away – at least until the need for social distancing is over.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier today that staying at home this weekend is an instruction and “not a request”, as he updated the country on Coronavirus.
He said: “We cannot relax our discipline now. If we do, people will die. Stay at home, protect lives and then you will be doing your part.”
1 – Southport Pier is closed
Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The Grade II Listed Southport Pier is the oldest iron pier in the country, standing for over 150 years. The 1,000 metre long structure is the second longest in the country, a walk to the end boasts magnificent views.
A walk to the end will give you views across the North West and on a clear day you can see Blackpool and even the North Wales coast.
But the gates have been locked to keep visitors away for now.
When the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, make sure this is top of your must-visit list.
Southport Pier closed to keep people safe during Coronavirus
2 – Rides at Southport Pleasureland are on hold
Southport Pleasureland
Southport Pleasureland is a magnificent day out! Owner Norman Wallis has invested a huge amount into the site over the past 12 years. You can enjoy rides suitable for all ages, from fast thrill-seekers to more gentle rides for younger visitors.
There are exciting expansion plans too, with the park set to grow significantly over the next few years. Make sure you book a date to come!
And don’t miss the new Festival taking place here on September 20.
But for now, the park is closed, after Mr Wallis closed the park to keep visitors safe until it is time to re-open.
Closing Pleasureland during Coronavirus was right decision
3 – You’ll have to wait to see our spectacular new space
The brand new event space, Room, at Bliss Hotel in Southport
Millions of pounds has been invested at the new Waterfront area in Southport.
It includes the stunning Bliss Hotel, which boasts the UK’s first room service robot!
Bliss has also been working on its new Bliss Room, a new events space with stunning views across the coastline. It was due to officially open at the end of March – but you will have to wait a little longer to enjoy your first look.
Make sure you book your stay here, we are looking forward to seeing them re-open.
Bliss Hotel closes as it urges Southport to ‘stick together’
4 – There is nowhere to park
Ocean Plaza in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Southport seafront is a magnificent place to visit. Southport Beach, Southport Pier, Ocean Plaza and its amenities, the sea air – you can’t beat it! Make sure you mark it in our diary for when we are all allowed out again.
Sefton Council has closed all of the seafront car parks while the Coronavirus lockdown is on.
But come back and park at the seafront and enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
Play areas car parks and toilets closed during Coronavirus crisis
5 – You can’t even get a pint!
The Imperial pub in Southport
Southport’s nightlife is exceptional. There is such a wide variety of venues for people of all ages.
Want to party into the small hours? Try the lively bars in the West End area of town with their live music and party atmosphere along Waverley Street, West Street and Scarisbrick Avenue.
There is also a flourishing nightlife scene along and around the Northern Quarter of Lord Street, with the likes of The Bold Hotel, Punch Tarmeys, Peaky Blinders, The Guest House, The Windmill, Sacre Bleu, The Dog House, Coopers, Corridor and many more.
Southport’s villages are now hubs in their own right too. You can enjoy a great night out in the likes of Birkdale, Churchtown, Ainsdale and Hillside with some superb venues to spend your time.
Make a date for when they all re-open! But for now, the Government has ordered them all to close.
Beer Connoisseurs say Southport pubs are simply the best
6 A bite to eat will have to wait
One of the desserts at the Bistrot Verite restaurant in Birkdale in Southport
You can dine around the world in Southport! Italian, French, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, even Nepalese – every cuisine is here!
No two meals will ever be the same, and you can also enjoy our annual Southport Food & Drink Festival too. Sadly, our restaurants, cafes and bars have all been told to close, for now.
Make sure you book a table for when all this is over, you won’t be disappointed.
Party’s over as Southport pubs, cafes and restaurants told to shut
7 Come on you Yellows!
Paul Newnham has donated £10,000 to Southport FC to help the club during the Coronavirus outbreak. He is pictured with manager Liam Watson
Do you love your football? Head down to Haig Avenue and enjoy watching the mighty Sandgrounders!
Fans favourite Liam Watson is back leading the side as they bid to gain promotion back into the National League.
Sadly the league is suspended for now, with no date yet for when it will resume.
In the meantime, fans are urged to give whatever support they can to their club.
Southport FC given £10,000 to help with Coronavirus impact
8 – The police are patrolling the trains
Southport Train Station. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
There are lots of ways to get to Southport. We have regular trains from Liverpool, Manchester and beyond, buses and cars. Southport is perfect for cyclists, being one end of the famous Trans-Pennine Trail.
But please don’t travel to Southport this weekend. Police will be on the trains making sure only key workers are travelling.
Police patrol trains to pick out non-essential travellers
9 – Visit our wonderful parks another time
Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport
Southport’s famous parks were created during the Victorian era and are a destination in themselves.
Hesketh Park and Victoria Park are both favourite family destinations.
You could while away a whole day at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown with its beautiful lake, bridges, ferner, thousands of flowers, children’s playground and a crazy golf course.
But Sefton Council has now removed all the play equipment from the children’s playground as they urge visitors to please stay away, stay home and stay safe, until it’s safe to return.
Playground rides removed after parents ignore Covid-19 warnings
10 – Police will be patrolling our beauty spots
Police officers based at Southport Police Station have patrolled local beauty spots in Southport and Formby, urging people to stay at home to stop the spread of Coronavirus
Escape the big city , breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors in Southport’s many natural outdoor spaces.
You can stroll along Southport Pier; lose yourself in Ainsdale Pinewoods; walk along the long sandy Ainsdale Beach; or admire the wildlife at Marshside Nature Reserve.
All of these are great places to return when all this is over.
But for now, please don’t come – and if you do, then the police will be watching.
Police patrol Southport beauty spots in bid to deter visitors
Southport is a wonderful town which is always friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Please make sure you make a date to return when the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted!
But this weekend, and in the meantime, please stay away, please stay home, and please keep yourself, and others safe.
We look forward to seeing you all back in Southport very soon.
For more details of what you can enjoy in Southport please go onto: VisitSouthport.com
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