Travel Trade Guide to Southport

TravelTradeGuide

With one of the best shopping centres in the North West,miles of stunning coastline and a fantastic events calendar, Southport has everything you need and muchmore besides. We have great attractions for all ages andif you venture only a little further afield you’ll find plentymore to see and do.

So, take some time to look through the guide, plan yourvisit and we look forward to welcoming you to Southportvery soon!

For more information call Julia on 01704 395510, email [email protected] or go to visitsouthport.com

WELCOME to Southport – England’s Classic Resort

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a short break, Southport has something to

offer everyone and this Travel Trade Guide will hopefully provide you with ideas and

inspiration – plus some practical advice about how to get the most out of your visit.

Lord StreetTown Gardens CaféWayfarers Arcade Botanic Gardens

Free ‘Meet & Greet’ Service

From Easter to October, Southport’s Coach Hostswill meet and greet coaches dropping off outside the oldTourist Information Centre (TIC now relocated into the stunning new Atkinson Centre – only 50 metres away!)

Each passenger will receive a Visitor Passport, containingmoney off coupons to use in selected shops and cafésthroughout the town centre.

Four Dedicated Town Centre Coach ‘Set-Down’ points

Lord Street – right outside the old Tourist Information Centreand in the heart of the town centre.

The Promenade – just by the Pier entrance, but still within easy walking distance of Lord Street and the town centre.

Nevill Street – just off the Promenade and handy for both the seafront attractions and the town centre.

Kingsway (B & M) – just off Lord Street and across the roadfrom B & M discount store.

Southport has a proud reputation for being one of the most Coach

and Group Friendly towns in the UK –here are just some of the reasons why...

To purchase event tickets, book the Coach Hosts or just have a chat about what you’re looking to do on your visit, call Julia on 01704 395510 or email [email protected]

Secure Coach Parking and Driver Facilities

Situated at the Eco Visitor-Centre, just off the Esplanade.

Coach Park monitored by CCTV.

Only £5.00 per day*

Drivers lounge, kitchen and shower.

Coach Drivers Passport Scheme

Free to join and our way of rewarding drivers who bringpassengers to Southport. Simply register your details atthe Tourist Information Centre, and each time you park atthe Coach Park, collect a sticker. When you have four, they can be redeemed for retail vouchers.

Great Discounts for Southport Events

There are fantastic discounts available for pre-bookedgroups at Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Showand the British Musical Fireworks Championships. All these events are group friendly, attracting thousands of people every year. Pre-booked groups will also receivefree coach parking – please check the enclosed insertsheet for details of this year’s dates and prices.

A Dedicated Travel Trade Officer

On hand to offer any advice, book your group tickets to anevent, arrange for the Coach Hosts to meet your coach, orsuggest suitable itineraries.

Group Literature

Regularly produced group literature including an annualnewsletter with up to date information about what’s happening in and around Southport and e-newsletters for group organisers with internet access.

COACH FRIENDLY Coach Drivers KitchenCoach Drivers LoungeSecure Coach Parking Meet and Greet Service

*price correct at time of printing

Southport Flower Show in AugustThe Southport Flower Show is one of the most inspiringand entertaining flower shows in the UK. With stunningshow gardens, the finest floral displays from some of thecountry’s top growers, over 200 trade exhibitors and a reputation for friendliness, the show constantly surprisesand brings visitors back year after year.

Southport Air Show in SeptemberThe largest Air Show in the North West takes place on theseafront at Southport, attracting thousands of spectatorsover the two day event. Both aerial and ground-basedmilitary and civilian displays, a diverse flying programmewith everything from the latest jets to vintage aircraft anda fun-packed show village are just some of the attractionsthat have earned the show a place as one of the UK’sfavourite events.


Let Southport entertain you with a

packed calendar of events to suit

everyone. There’s a full list of events

on the enclosed insert sheet,

as well as the discounts available

for pre-booked groups!

GREAT EVENTSAND FESTIVALS

John Smith’s Grand National Join Aintree Racecourse for the ultimate sportingand social event of the year. Be part of history andfeel the buzz as the most famous steeplechase inthe world unfolds right before your eyes! Heldeach April, over three days, this is a fantastic eventand there are great group incentives and discountson offer, so why not try your luck and have a flutter!

Southport Food & Drink Festival in May/JuneHeld in Southport’s Victoria Park, within easy walking distance of the town centre, the Food andDrink Festival is for anyone who ‘savours’ all things culinary! Come along and experience live cookingdemonstrations, sample food from around theworld and visit one of the many venues participating in this great festival. Added to the mix is a Producers Market offering an extensivevariety of fresh foods and many other exhibitorsselling a wide range of culinary goods.

British Musical Fireworks Championshipsin September/OctoberChoreographed to music of all genres, this event isguaranteed to light up the skies above Southport.Held in Victoria Park, there are three nights of superbpyrotechnic performances from the UK’s top fireworkcompanies, all battling it out to become champion.

Christmas in SouthportThough beautiful at any time of year, Southport reallyshines at Christmas when there’s a seasonal chill inthe air and the town is aglow with twinkling fairylights. For details of Christmas events happening inthe town, call the Tourist Information Centre on01704 533333 or visit www.visitsouthport.com


RETAIL THERAPY FOR ALL!There’s a great mix of high street

and independent stores in Southport,

making it one of the most popular

shopping centres in the North West.

Chapel Street – this is where you’ll find most of the highstreet favourites, along with the Cambridge Arcade (linking through to Lord Street) and Marble Place.

Southport Market – located on King Street, Southport’sindoor market hall has undergone a massive renovationover the last 2 years and is now fully open with a fantasticrange of stalls. There are some great niche shops onMarket Street too, so make sure to have a wander!

Wesley Street – village style shopping with pretty pastelcoloured shopfronts and a friendly welcome.

Ocean Plaza – just ten minutes walk from Lord Street,Ocean Plaza is one of Southport’s largest retail andleisure complexes. Situated on the seafront, there aresome of the nation’s favourite brands, along with great restaurants, a multi-screen cinema and ten-pin bowling alley.

Central 12 - a great mix of national high street namesand only 5 minutes walk from Southport’s train station.

Or, if you fancy travelling a little further, then the villagesof Birkdale and Churchtown have delightful shoppingcentres, packed with specialist shops and plenty of cafes,tearooms and pubs!

Lord Street – the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Southport.The beautiful tree lined boulevard is said to have inspired the Parisian walkways and offers almost amile of shops, many still framed by their original Victorian and Edwardian glass canopies. If you’relooking for antiques or collectables, then pop in tothe Royal Arcade, or visit Wayfarers Arcade with fantastic shopping on two levels and sit for a while in one of the cafés taking in the splendour of the arcade’s stunning glass vaulted roof.

Wesley Street Ocean Plaza

Whether you’re in the mood for some freshly cooked fish & chips, a three-course dinner, a bar meal in a cosy pub or just a sandwich, it’s all here in Southport.

If you’re hankering for a scrumptious treat or want to find an appetising restaurant to dine in, you’ll find a fantastic selection here.From tapas, pasta and sushi to the finest fillet steak, the town’srestaurants can satisfy the most demanding of taste buds, plus you’llfind a great choice of flavours, from a taste of the Orient to menuswith a more local flavour.

The Southport Restaurateurs Association is a group of the town’stop eateries – many of whom welcome pre-booked groups. To receive a copy of the Association’s Eating Out Guide, please call01704 533333 or download a copy from www.visitsouthport.com

EATING IN SOUTHPORT

Having a great time can be hungry work

and Southport has a great choice of

eateries, from traditional tearooms to

exclusive fine-dining restaurants.


Marine BrasserieFinos at the WaterfrontAuberge Brasserie V Café & Sushi BarBistrot VéritéTrattoria 51Lords Café Bar Pudding & Pie

HUNGRY? YOU’LL BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE!

WWT Martin Mere – just 20 minutes drive from Southport and hometo over 100 species of rare and endangered birds.Please call 01704 895181 or visit www.wwt.org.uk for further details.

New Pleasureland – all the fun of the fair’s to be found at New Pleasureland, situated on the Esplanade and just across the road from the Eco Visitor Centre, Coach Park and Splash World.Please call 01704 532717 for opening hours and group rates.

Southport Pier and Pavilion – open every day except Christmas Day, Southport Pier is the second longest and the oldest Pleasure Pier in the UK and offers spectacular views of the North West coastline. If the walk is a little too long, then take the tram to the Pavilion and stop awhile in the café which serves hot and cold food.Please call 01704 512183 for further details.

Splash World – Southport’s state of the art water park is open throughout the year with slides, rides and much more.Please call 01704 537160 for opening hours and details of discounts available for pre-booked groups

Southport has so much to do and see that it’s impossible to include

everything in this guide, but here are just a few ideas!

For a full list of attractions, visit www.visitsouthport.com

Silcocks Funland – situated at the entrance to the Pier andSouthport’s largest amusement complex. Crammed with thelatest video and slot machines, traditional seaside bingo and afish & chip restaurant, visitors can have a great time here – or maybe catch a ride on the traditional Carousel outside.Please call 01704 536733 or visit www.silcock-leisure.co.uk for further details

‘Another Place’ – affectionately known as ‘The Gormleys’, thisstunning sculpture by Antony Gormley consists of 100 lifesizeiron men gazing out to sea over Liverpool Bay. There’s freeparking available but don’t forget to check the tide times inadvance of your visit!Please visit www.seftonsnaturalcoast.com for further details.

Farmer Ted’s – great fun for younger visitors, with a playbarn,animal petting area, and café.Please call 0151 526 0002 or visit www.farmerteds.com for group rates and opening hours.

Windmill Animal Farm – only a few minutes drive away from Martin Mere, offering visitors the chance to experiencethe everyday running of an actual working farm while still having the chance to watch, feed and play with the animals.Please call 01704 892282 or visitwww.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk for further details.

Southport Theatre & Convention Centre– located on the Promenade and linking through to Southport’s new ‘Waterfront’, the STCC has a year round line-up of national and international artists, shows and pantomimes.Please call 01704 514770 or visitwww.southporttheatre.org.uk for further details.

SO MUCH TO DO!


Windmill Animal FarmAnother PlaceSilcocks Funland Southport Theatre & Convention Centre

New Pleasureland

Splash WorldSouthport Pier

British Lawnmower Museum – you’ll not find anywhere else quite like this in the UK! Home to over 300 restored exhibits of garden machinery,some of which once belonged to the rich and famous,the museum welcomes groups by arrangement.Please call 01704 501336 for further details.

Churchtown – only a couple of miles outside the town centre, this is where Southport has its origins. Mentioned inthe Domesday Book, you’ll find quaint thatched cottages, a village green, a great selection of shops, and plenty ofplaces to eat & drink – there’s even a set of stocks! Churchtown is also home to the Botanic Gardens where youcan spend hours relaxing in Southport’s most popular park.

Formby – acres of unspoiled dunes and beautifulPinewoods fringe the coastal path from Southport toFormby, creating ideal habitats for endangered species including the Natterjack Toad and Sand Lizard.

Crosby – halfway between Southport and Liverpool andhome to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’. The CrosbyLakeside Activity Centre makes a great refreshment stopand the town of Crosby itself has plenty of shops and cafes.

Ormskirk – if you’re staying in Southport for a short break,why not visit the historic market town of Ormskirk – only 20minutes drive away. Market days are Thursdays and Satur-days and it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Southport is part of the borough of Sefton and when you’re looking to explore beyond the resort you’ll find a whole lot more to see and do.

THE ATKINSON

DO MORE AND EXPLORE!

OrmskirkCrosby Lakeside Activity CentreFormby

Churchtown

Just seconds away from the coach drop off is The Atkinson,Sefton's new multi art-form venue situated in a beautiful gradeII listed building in the heart of Lord Street.

The majestic building encorporates all elements of arts andculture including a theatre, studio, the Tourist Information Centre as well as nine galleries showing a world class visual artexhibition programme, the Goodison Egyptology Collection(from June 2014) within the museum, as well as the Craft andDesign Centre that will showcase the very best the North Westhas to offer in makers. Examples of the work in the collectionssuch as the paintings. sculptures, ceramics and local historyare all on display round the building for you to enjoy on yourvisit. Let us know you are coming in advance and we can organise a tour for you!

On the stage you will be able to see top comedians, musicfrom jazz, folk, acoustic, blues and mainstream, to musicals and theatre productions, classic films and lots more.

The Bakery takes centre stage on the ground floor, so comeand enjoy the artisan breads, scrumptious cakes and light bitesand refreshments while taking in the atmosphere.

Discounts are available for party bookings of ten people ormore. Further discounts are available for larger parties, pleasespeak to our friendly box office team on (01704) 533333 tomake sure you get the best discounts available.

To find out more about the programme, events and activitiesvisit theatkinson.co.uk , or why not keep in touch by liking uson Facebook (The Atkinson) and twitter (@AtkinsonThe).

We look forward to seeing you!

Whether in town for the day or staying for a short-break, The Atkinson is a must for tourists and visitors to the coastal town of Southport.

ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTHPORT

The Scarisbrick HotelLord Street, Southport PR8 1NZ

Ideally situated in the heart of Southport's tree-linedboulevard, the Scarisbrick Hotel offers the discerningvisitor the highest standards of accommodation, cuisine and service. The hotel is one of the leadinghotels in the area with a well earned reputation forwarmth, friendliness and professionalism. Locatedclose to the Promenade and within walking distanceof Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. The ideal central venue for groups, conferences,seminars and corporate entertaining, we offer alarge function suite for up to 180 people.

All 126 bedrooms have en-suite facilties, telephoneand Wi-Fi, hospitality tray, trouser press, iron and hairdryer. Facilities include free use of the multi-gym andswimming pool and guests can dine in the fabulous Knightsbridge Restaurant overlooking LordStreet, or in neighbouring Cloisters Dining Rooms.Lunch can be taken in Maloneys Kitchen and thehotel affords numerous bars to suit every mood.

For further information: call reception on 01704 543000 or email reception [email protected]

Royal Clifton Hotel & SpaThe Promenade, Southport PR8 1RB

Situated on Southport's picturesque Promenade,overlooking The Kings Gardens The Royal CliftonHotel & Spa is one of Southport’s largest hotelsboasting 120 en-suite rooms.

Our recently refurbished Pavilion Restaurant is opendaily for breakfast and dinner, offering delightful cuisine and beautiful surroundings. The ChatsworthLounge provides restful surroundings in which totake morning coffee, afternoon tea or relax after dinner with a drink from the bar.

Our Health and Leisure Club situated within thehotel offers a superb heated swimming pool, jacuzzi,fully equipped gymnasium, sauna and steamroom.The salon offers hairdressing, pamper packages andnail treatments.

Group rates are available throughout the year andinclude a three course table d’hôte dinner, full English breakfast, use of the leisure facilities and VAT.

For further information: contact the Sales Team on 01704 533771 email [email protected] or visit www.royalclifton.co.uk

The Prince of Wales HotelLord Street, Southport PR8 1JS

The Prince of Wales Hotel has a long history of looking after groups visiting Southport. Located centrally on Lord Street, with a large car park to thefront of the hotel and easy access for loading andunloading coaches to the side. All 153 bedroomshave en-suite bathroom, direct dial telephone,colour TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, trouserpress and hair dryer. There are also bedrooms available, which are fully accessible for the disabledand ramped access to the hotel.

The Colonial Restaurant offers a hot buffet lunch anddinner and the two function suites have both beenlovingly refurbished and each have a large sprungdance floor. The hotel hosts many dance events, and can offer a private lunch with dancing for the afternoon followed by afternoon tea.

The Prince of Wales Hotel is the perfect choice for any group, whether visiting for a meal-stop or en-route to your final destination, a daytrip toSouthport or as a base for a longer trip to visit therest of the North West of England.

For more information: call reception on 01704 536688 or email reception [email protected] or visit www.britanniahotels.com

Ramada Plaza SouthportMarine Lake, Promenade, Southport PR9 0DZ

The Ramada Plaza Southport offers the finest in luxury city centre hotel accommodation at the heartof one of the UK’s most classic seaside resorts.

Enjoy all the finest state of the art facilities you’d expect in a modern Ramada Plaza Hotel, overlooking magnificent panoramic coastal views.

With comfortable bedrooms and private dining available for parties up 120, the hotel also links directly with the Southport Theatre & ConventionCentre.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of Lord Street and the town centre and the Marine Brasserie Restaurant offers imaginative cuisine, served within a superb setting overlookingthe Marine Way Bridge. Groups are welcome at the hotel with excellent rates available.

For further information: call Nicky on 01704 516200 or email [email protected] visit www.ramadaplazasouthport.co.uk

The Bold HotelLord Street, Southport PR9 0BE

Friendly, privately owned 23 bedroom hotel, open all year round, conveniently situated onLord Street Boulevard within a 5 minute walk ofthe Southport Theatre & Convention Centre,Promenade and shops.

The hotel offers an outdoor patio, resident’s late bar and car park to the rear. Excellent food served all day.

For further information: Tel. 01704 532578Email: [email protected]

The Talbot Hotel23-25 Portland Street, Southport PR8 1LR

Do you require accommodation for holidays, conferences or short breaks? Established in 1863,The Talbot has been welcoming visitors for over 140 years. Resident hosts, Gilbert and Julie Petrieprovide a value for money tariff, with an enviablereputation. Group ‘park and shop’ luncheon days.Close to the Promenade, town centre and localamenities. All-inclusive weddings and party packages.

For further information: Tel: 01704 533975Fax: 01704 530126 E-mail: [email protected] www.talbothotelsouthport.co.uk

If you’re looking for group accommodation in Southport, there’s plenty of choice so why not call the Tourist Information Centre on 01704 533333 and they’ll be happy to advise you.

visitsouthport.comInformation contained in this guide is produced in good faith and is correct at the time of going to press. Sefton MBC accepts no liability for inaccuracies orsubsequent changes to events. The businesses and organisations listed in this guide are not intended as an exhaustive list and are intended to be indicativeonly. Sefton MBC does not include those named by recommendation or otherwise and their inclusion or omission should not be taken as an endorsement bythe council as to the services offered by them.

Southport England’s Classic Resort

Travel Trade Guide to Southport

Documents

Transcript of Travel Trade Guide to Southport