You can't beat a good day out with the family and the chance to make some treasured memories together.
Luckily, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Merseyside - meaning you don't have to travel far to enjoy a memorable day out. With an expansive coastline to explore, a selection of independent restaurants and all the fun of the seaside, Southport is a great choice for a trip out.
If you're in need of inspiration, we've listed six great places to visit in and around Southport. Have a read through our list and get planning your next family day out.
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Southport Pleasureland
Pleasureland is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun day out. There's a variety of rides and amusements to suit all ages, as well as beautiful landscaped spaces to go for a walk.
The rides on offer cater for all tastes and include roller-coasters, log flumes and family favourites such as the dodgems and waltzers. There are also plenty of fun fairground stalls offering games including the hook-a-duck and penalty shoot out. You can take a trip on a land train that will take you from the entrance of Pleasureland out to Southport Pier.
Southport Beach
Home to the country's second longest pier, Southport beach is an ideal place to enjoy impressive views of the long sandy beaches and coastline stretching 22 miles across Sefton. The beach has a large area of undeveloped dunes, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Those who enjoy walking can make the most of the many paths and trails through the dunes, whilst wildlife lovers can sit back and enjoy a spot of birdwatching. Southport offers all the traditional fun of the seaside, making it perfect for families.
Squirrel Cycle Route
Head to Southport's Eco Visitor Centre or Southport Train Station and hire a bike before setting off on a journey filled with incredible wildlife. The Squirrel Cycle Route links Southport to Formby and passes through several nature reserves.
You will make your way through Ainsdale Sand Dunes Nature Reserve, which is home to sand lizards and natterjack toads. The route finishes at the entrance of the National Trust site - famed for its red squirrel population. The route is 7.5 miles long and takes approximately 50-60 minutes to complete.
National Trust Formby
Formby is a coastal nature haven, with a variety of rare species to be found among the sand dunes. Enjoy stunning sea views, fresh air and an abundance of nature. Look out for natterjack toads, great crested newts and lizards as well as ground nesting, wading and sea birds.
Botanic Gardens
Located in the suburb of Churchtown, Southport's Botanic Gardens are full of colourful floral displays. The Victorian gardens opened in 1874 and include a multitude of pathways and tunnels for visitors to explore.
The gardens also boast an open-air aviary as well as the Victorian Fernery, which houses a variety of ferns of all shapes and sizes. After a busy day of exploring, you can refuel in the Botanic Gardens Café, which specialises in homemade food and snacks, as well as selling a selection of gifts and toys.
Hesketh Park
Situated less than a mile from Southport's Lord Street, Hesketh Park is an ideal place to go for a walk. The 12-hectare park is home to a large children's play area and mini golf course, making it a good choice for a family day out. There are also a number of nature trails to explore whilst looking out for a variety of different species of wildlife - including the lake's resident ducks.
Formby Footprints
The Formby Footprints can be found along a four kilometre stretch of the coast between Lifeboat Road and Gypsy Wood. The prints are preserved in layers of hardened mud and cover a timespan of around 8,000 years.
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