Southport Beach
A vast seaside destination known for its expansive sandy beaches and the iconic Southport Pier, offering stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views & Blackpool Tower spotting
Southport Beach
Best Time
Best for views & Blackpool Tower spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast seaside destination known for its expansive sandy beaches and the iconic Southport Pier, offering stunning coastal views.
"Miles of mud and sand as far as the eye can see, but still a really gorgeous place with a stunning pier."
Check Tide Times 🌊
The sea recedes for miles at low tide; check times to be near the water.
Pier Status 🚶
Verify if Southport Pier is open before your visit for the best experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Southport Pier
Southport Beach
A magnificent, lengthy pier offering panoramic views of the Irish Sea and coastline.
Expansive Sandy Beaches
Southport Beach
Miles of golden sand perfect for long walks, shell collecting, and enjoying the open sky.
Coastal Scenery
Southport Beach
Enjoy breathtaking views, especially on clear days when Blackpool Tower is visible in the distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tides and Terrain
Pier Access & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times 🌊
The sea recedes for miles at low tide; check times to be near the water.
Pier Status 🚶
Verify if Southport Pier is open before your visit for the best experience.
Seaside Eats 🍟
Enjoy fish and chips and explore local cafes like Whistle Stop Cafe.
Dog-Friendly Walks 🐕
Southport Beach welcomes dogs, making it great for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times 🌊
The sea recedes for miles at low tide; check times to be near the water.
Pier Status 🚶
Verify if Southport Pier is open before your visit for the best experience.
Seaside Eats 🍟
Enjoy fish and chips and explore local cafes like Whistle Stop Cafe.
Dog-Friendly Walks 🐕
Southport Beach welcomes dogs, making it great for pet owners.
Scenic Drives 🚗
Popular with motorcyclists on nice days for scenic coastal rides.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Southport Beach for its vast sandy expanse and the impressive length of its pier, offering great views. However, many note the extreme low tides mean the sea is often miles away, making it less suitable for swimming. The pier's potential closure can also be a drawback for some.
"Great beach, unfortunately pier wasn’t open but as the tide was so far out, we got to stand right underneath it."
Fish Tank
"Wonderful beach only stopped for a quick visit with my son recommend to anyone visiting the area Wonderful to walk lots of shells and nice sand ."
Calvyn Kemp
"It's a running joke that you never see the sea at Southport beach for good reason lol, miles of mud and sand as far as the eye can see were what I was greeted with. However it's still a really gorgeous place, I enjoyed a nice walk on the sandy part, and with lovely expanses of clear blue skies, and as the weather on my visit was beautiful I could even spot Blackpool tower in the distance. The pier was sadly closed when I visited, but it looks amazing. it's super long and I can imagine taking a leisurely walk to the end would be gorgeous."
Adrian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southport Beach is accessible by car with several parking areas along the promenade. Public transport options include trains to Southport station, followed by a bus or a walk to the beach.
Yes, there are multiple parking locations available along the promenade, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Southport Beach, especially for those exploring the coastline.
The most common way is by train, with frequent services running between Liverpool and Southport.
Ainsdale Beach, located between Southport and Formby, is accessible via public transport, often involving a train to Ainsdale station followed by a walk or local bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Southport Beach itself is free to enter. There may be charges for parking.
Generally, there is no ticket required to walk on Southport Pier, but it's advisable to check for any temporary closures or special event pricing.
Southport Pier is typically open to the public, but hours can vary, and it may close for maintenance or bad weather. It's best to check locally.
While the beach and pier are free, nearby attractions like the Southport Pleasure Beach may have separate admission fees and ride prices.
Southport Beach is generally accessible at all times, but it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy long walks on the sand, explore the pier, collect shells, and take in the coastal views. It's also a popular spot for fishing.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the extreme low tides and vast mudflats. The sea can be miles away.
Yes, Southport Beach is dog-friendly, making it a great destination for visitors with pets.
The pier, the vast sandy expanse, and the coastline offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Southport Beach is known for its extreme tidal range, with the sea receding for miles at low tide, revealing extensive sandbanks and mudflats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several pubs along the promenade, and the Southport Market offers a variety of food options. Local cafes like Whistle Stop Cafe and Walkers are also recommended.
Yes, Southport offers great seafood options, with many restaurants along the coast and in the town center.
Absolutely! Fish and chips are a seaside classic, and you'll find plenty of places serving them near the beach and promenade.
Yes, Southport has a range of family-friendly eateries, including casual cafes and restaurants with diverse menus.
Travelers recommend Whistle Stop Cafe, Walkers on Wesley Street, and A Great Little Place for breakfast and lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Clear days provide expansive views, and low tide can create unique photographic opportunities on the sandbanks.
The iconic Southport Pier, the vast sandy shores, and the distant views of Blackpool Tower are prime subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and aviation authority guidelines before flying a drone over Southport Beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant landmarks like Blackpool Tower.
Fishing tournaments, like the US Open King Tournament, can offer dynamic action shots, though they can also be unpredictable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more structured family experience, the nearby Southport Pleasure Beach amusement park offers rides and entertainment.
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
It's advisable to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements before you go. While the beach itself offers opportunities, the pier provides a more stable and accessible platform for fishing. The vastness of the beach at low tide can also present unique fishing conditions, though it's crucial to be aware of the rapidly changing tides.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Southport's Tides
This extreme tidal movement also influences the beach's character. While it might not be ideal for traditional seaside swimming, it offers a different kind of beauty and activity. The exposed sandbanks can be fascinating to explore, and the sheer scale of the beach is impressive. It's a reminder of the powerful natural forces shaping the coastline.
For those interested in marine life, the tide pools left behind can be a treasure trove of small creatures. However, it's important to be mindful of the incoming tide and not venture too far onto the mudflats without understanding the risks.
The Iconic Southport Pier
Walking the length of the pier provides a different perspective of the beach and the town. It's a place for leisurely strolls, enjoying the sea breeze, and observing the natural environment. While it's a major attraction, it's worth noting that the pier can sometimes be closed for maintenance or due to weather conditions, so it's advisable to check its status before your visit.
The pier's structure itself is also noteworthy, and its presence adds to the charm of the Southport seafront. It's a focal point for many visitors, whether they're looking for a scenic walk, a spot to fish, or simply to admire the engineering feat.
Southport as a Filming Location
This connection to the show has boosted tourism, with visitors seeking out the picturesque spots that served as backdrops for the beloved characters. The coastal scenery, including the beaches and the town's aesthetic, provides a perfect setting for the show's narrative.
Beyond 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' Southport's picturesque seafront and pier have also been featured in other productions, highlighting its appeal as a scenic and versatile filming destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit