CANARY WHARF
DURHAM
PORTSMOUTH
EXETER
SOUTHPORT
KETTERING
PETERBOROUGH
STOKE-ON-TRENT
CHESTER
WOKING
Southport | 08.06.10
Southport’s stunning coastal setting, architectural heritage and quality shopping and dining have helped develop a growing reputation as ‘England’s Classic Resort.’ The town is located in the borough of Sefton which boasts 22 miles of coastline and the largest area of undeveloped pinewoods and sand dunes in the UK. At the same time, the resort is within easy commuting distance to Liverpool in the south (20 miles) and Preston to the north (17 miles.)
Southport and Sefton are well-accustomed to major sporting events. The borough is home to the world famous Grand National steeplechase at Aintree while Royal Birkdale Golf Club is a regular venue for golf’s Open Championship. Indeed, Southport is widely regarded as ‘England’s Golfing Capital’ with six championship courses within 20 minutes drive of the town centre. Meanwhile, Crosby beach - around 15 miles away - is home to Antony Gormley's stunning 'Another Place' artwork, known locally as the 'Iron Men.'
Often referred to as Southport’s ‘jewel in the crown,’ the Victorian Lord Street shopping boulevard features covered walkways on one side and stunning buildings and gardens opposite. It is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque and elegant shopping streets in Britain.
The resort is one of the top conference destinations in the UK and boasts the recently-refurbished Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which includes a 1,600 seat auditorium, 2,000 sq metres of exhibition space and a new 133-bedroom, four star hotel. There is also a wealth of other quality hotels ranging from the modern boutique to Victorian grandeur.
Southport boasts a thriving major events programme including the Food and Drink Festival (May), International Jazz Festival (June), Summer Classics - Music In The Park (July), Flower Show (August), Airshow (September), 24-Hour Yacht Race (September), British Musical Fireworks Championships (October) and Comedy Week (October.) Work is also underway to create a state-of-the-art Cultural Centre incorporating the town’s original Arts Centre, Atkinson Art Gallery and Library.
In 2008, Southport was named as one of Cycling England’s official Cycling Town’s and initiatives are underway to develop a cycling culture throughout the resort. The following year, Southport became the first Cycling Town in the UK to launch a major cycle hire scheme for all visitors and residents. The initiative features more than 100 bikes available at hotels and other venues including the Cycle Hub at the Eco Centre on the Esplanade Park & Ride site. There are also regular cycle training courses for residents and visitors, together with a programme of led rides several times a week.
A range of free cycle maps are now available to suggest convenient routes, which can be used to get from ‘A to B’, or for a leisurely cycle ride around town. Southport promenade is an ideal starting point from which to explore over 22 miles of coast beaches and woodland. The resort is also home to the western end of the Trans Pennine Trail - which crosses England to Hull and Hornsea on the North Sea.
For more information about Southport go to www.visitsouthport.com or for cycling town updates, visit www.southportcycletown.gov.uk
Southport and Sefton are well-accustomed to major sporting events. The borough is home to the world famous Grand National steeplechase at Aintree while Royal Birkdale Golf Club is a regular venue for golf’s Open Championship. Indeed, Southport is widely regarded as ‘England’s Golfing Capital’ with six championship courses within 20 minutes drive of the town centre. Meanwhile, Crosby beach - around 15 miles away - is home to Antony Gormley's stunning 'Another Place' artwork, known locally as the 'Iron Men.'
Often referred to as Southport’s ‘jewel in the crown,’ the Victorian Lord Street shopping boulevard features covered walkways on one side and stunning buildings and gardens opposite. It is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque and elegant shopping streets in Britain.
The resort is one of the top conference destinations in the UK and boasts the recently-refurbished Southport Theatre and Convention Centre which includes a 1,600 seat auditorium, 2,000 sq metres of exhibition space and a new 133-bedroom, four star hotel. There is also a wealth of other quality hotels ranging from the modern boutique to Victorian grandeur.
Southport boasts a thriving major events programme including the Food and Drink Festival (May), International Jazz Festival (June), Summer Classics - Music In The Park (July), Flower Show (August), Airshow (September), 24-Hour Yacht Race (September), British Musical Fireworks Championships (October) and Comedy Week (October.) Work is also underway to create a state-of-the-art Cultural Centre incorporating the town’s original Arts Centre, Atkinson Art Gallery and Library.
In 2008, Southport was named as one of Cycling England’s official Cycling Town’s and initiatives are underway to develop a cycling culture throughout the resort. The following year, Southport became the first Cycling Town in the UK to launch a major cycle hire scheme for all visitors and residents. The initiative features more than 100 bikes available at hotels and other venues including the Cycle Hub at the Eco Centre on the Esplanade Park & Ride site. There are also regular cycle training courses for residents and visitors, together with a programme of led rides several times a week.
A range of free cycle maps are now available to suggest convenient routes, which can be used to get from ‘A to B’, or for a leisurely cycle ride around town. Southport promenade is an ideal starting point from which to explore over 22 miles of coast beaches and woodland. The resort is also home to the western end of the Trans Pennine Trail - which crosses England to Hull and Hornsea on the North Sea.
For more information about Southport go to www.visitsouthport.com or for cycling town updates, visit www.southportcycletown.gov.uk
