When in... Southport
When in... Southport
Southport in Merseyside was one of the earliest towns to have a Neptune store. Less well known than Blackpool, its neighbour up the coast, it’s still well worth a visit. The resort’s parks and pretty shopping boulevards are a legacy of its Victorian heyday; it also has miles of sand dunes and one of the longest pleasure piers in the UK. If you’re in the area to see us, these are our favourite places to visit...
To do
Hesketh Park
Nature trails, ornate glass houses and an ornamental lake are amongst the attractions at this restored Victorian pleasure park in the centre of Southport. Children will love the waterfall and the clock garden, a timepiece planted with flowerbeds in the shape of Roman numerals.
Southport Flower Show
This annual show is heaven for garden lovers and takes place every August. Don’t miss the show gardens and the honey marquee, where you can watch bees at work and buy delicious local honey.
The Atkinson
Take in a little culture at this museum and theatre, which has been a mainstay of the town since 1875. Housed in an elegant stone building, it has a surprising mix of displays: think local history, European art and even Egyptology. The theatre hosts lunchtime classical concerts too.
Sefton Coastal Path
This is where you’ll see Southport’s beaches and sand dunes in all their glory. Take your binoculars and a picnic and hope to spot some of the wildlife, which includes wading birds and rare butterflies.
Southport Pier
On a sunny day, take a stroll down this Victorian landmark, the second longest pleasure pier in Britain. It’s so long, it has its own tram service - hop on if your legs are already tired from exploring. At the very end is a modern pavilion with café designed by Liverpool architects Shed KM, which is the best place in town to soak up sea views.
To eat
Lilibets of Paris
Trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Lilibet Connard returned to her hometown to open this pretty patisserie, which serves delicious afternoon teas (we recommend the classic tarte au citron). Lilibets is also located on Southport’s main shopping stretch, Lord Street, so it’s ideal for refuelling after a little retail therapy.
Bistrot Vérité
The Victorian village of Birkdale, just outside Southport, is home to this local favourite. It may look unassuming, but the food is amazing - just ask legendary chef Albert Roux, who gave it his seal of approval after visiting in 2015. French-style dishes cooked using local ingredients are served alongside unusual French wines.
The Vincent Hotel
Southport’s contemporary boutique hotel is a great place to eat whatever the time of day. Try the Eggs Benedict for breakfast in the V-Café & Sushi Bar, which also serves afternoon tea and sushi(although not together) later in the day; or cocktails in the Vincent Bar by night, followed by Asian fusion cooking in the mirrored Vincent Pacific restaurant.
To shop
Lord Street
This canopied boulevard in central Southport is over a century old and packed with speciality stores. Napoleon III lived here briefly before he became Emperor of France, and rumour has it that the architecture inspired him to create similar tree-lined boulevards in Paris. Perhaps the best hunting ground is the Royal Arcade, famous for antiques and collectables.
Churchtown village
An old-fashioned sweet shop and charming general store are among the attractions in this perfectly preserved village, filled with thatched cottages. While you’re there, visit the colourful Botanic Gardens, opened in 1874.
Neptune Southport
And while you're in town, we'd love for you to come see us.Store details.
