Southport is a cheerful seaside town, just south along the coast from Blackpool, and offering a similar theme of Victorian charm, bucket-and-spade nostalgia, and colourfully friendly nightlife. Though many people argue that the architecture is prettier, especially around the centre of town and Lord Street, a wide, tree-lined boulevard, with Regency-era architecture and hidden shopping arcades. Fans also claim Southport’s beaches are more perfect, long and wide, with acres of soft, golden sand. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Southport are a good collection of picks for a fun break, or a more peaceful family holiday, all centrally located for beach and nightlife.

Southport’s charms include a rather elegant iron pier — the UK’s oldest and second longest — with an arcade on its tip. It also has Model Railway Village, a water park, The British Lawnmower Museum and a fantastic history of dramatic shipwrecks and rescues. Miles of sand dunes roll out of town in each direction, which will be a paradise for anyone who loves a beach. Southport will also appeal to golfers — there are a number of excellent courses here and Royal Birkdale regularly hosts The Open — kitesurfers and surfers, and cyclists — Southport is the start of the spectacular Trans Pennine Route.

Liverpool is just 17 miles to the south, so the best places to stay in Southport can make a great base for exploring the charms of both Liverpool and Blackpool, while always having a long stretch of beach to come back to at the end of your day. But the town has plenty of its own events to shout about including an annual air show, a huge flower show and the British Musical Fireworks Championships.

The Best Places to Stay in Southport

For a Fun Break

• The Vincent is a chic hotel in the middle of Southport, with a lively bar and restaurant, and a hip little deli. Above are 59 rooms and suites, decorated with contemporary style. Expect moody lighting, indulgent bathrooms, and a fun atmosphere.
• The Bold is a historic pub that's undergone a smart upgrade. You can expect contemporary style rooms with Egyptian cotton bed linens and indulgent bathrooms.The lively pub serves local ales and classic food. A fun base in the heart of town.
• Small and stylish, the Lord Street Hotel is another great choice if you’re looking for a lively Southport crash pad. The bar has a roof terrace, Prosecco bar, and a sports bar, in season. And guests are invited to dine at the restaurant of a sister hotel just across the road. The rooms and suites are decorated in icy greys, with plush fabrics and romantic lighting.

For Great Value

• N'Ista Boutique Rooms is a village cafe-with-rooms. The setting is the peaceful and pretty village of Birkdale — in a convenient spot for local golf courses. There are just four rooms above the cafe, decorated in a palette of contemporary greys. Space for a family too, and the promise of a great breakfast in the cafe when you wake up.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Southport’s railway station is on the Northern Line of the Merseryrail network, and the Northern Trains, Manchester Line. It’s well connected to Manchester and Liverpool. Southport is a three hour journey from London, leaving Euston, and changing in Wigan. If you’re travelling from further afield than London even you may want to consider air travel. Liverpool Airport is about 40minutes away by car or taxi, or just under two hours by public transport; and Manchester Airport is about an hour away from Southport by car or taxi, or two hours by rail, via Bolton.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Southport is a beach town, popular with bucket-and-spade holidaymakers, surfers and kitesurfers, so it’s naturally busier during the summer. At the end of summer, Southport hosts an annual two say air show - the largest in the North West, and a big drawer for thousands of people. Southport also hosts an annual flower show over four days in August; the British Musical Fireworks Championships; and, on occasion, the Golf Open Championships. The scenic route along Southport’s coast is popular with cyclists - it’s also the start of the Trans Pennine Route, which is best cycled in cool, but dry weather. Southport is a popular spot for a golfing holiday too, and the best time for that is probably spring or autumn.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search and consider our Gurus picks for the best places to stay in Lancashire? or Merseyside?
• or consider some of Southport’s neighbours? Blackpool, being the obvious one?
• Or you could refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just the best pubs-with-rooms in Lancashire?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.