Date spot in Southport and the Sefton Coast
Hesketh Park
Explore the Victorian park on the north side of town, with its lake, bandstand, rockery and fountains, and an old observatory that volunteers open to visitors.
Park Crescent, north of the town centre
Address: Hesketh Park, Park Crescent, Southport PR9 9LF- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
Why it's a good date: Quieter than the seafront and lovely on a sunny afternoon, with a café for a cuppa. Look out for an open evening at the observatory if you fancy the stars. Dogs can be off the lead in most of the park, on a lead round the lake and play area.
Photo: peter robinson, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Southport and the Sefton Coast guide
The Botanic Gardens, Churchtown
Bankfield Lane, Churchtown
Address: Botanic Gardens, Bankfield Lane, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7NB- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
Wander the Victorian gardens in the old village of Churchtown, round the lake, the fernery and the bright flower beds.
Why it's a good date: A pretty, peaceful spot a short bus ride from the centre, with a café on site and the village's thatched cottages and old pubs on the doorstep. Dogs can run free over most of the gardens, on a lead by the aviary and fernery.
Photo: Rept0n1x, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Adventure Coast Southport
Marine Drive, south of the pier
Address: Adventure Coast, Marine Drive, Southport PR8 1RX- Activity
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer
- Big night
Spend an evening at the old Pleasureland on the seafront, now Adventure Coast, on the thrill rides and the old-fashioned fairground games.
Why it's a good date: It's free to get in and you only pay for the rides you go on, so it can be as cheap a date as you like. It opens at weekends and in the school holidays from spring to early September. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, though not on the rides.
Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Silcock's carousel and Funland
Pier Forecourt, the Promenade
Address: Silcock's Funland, Pier Forecourt, Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Rainy day
Ride the Golden Gallopers, a carousel well over a century old, then spend your change in the Funland arcade next door and share fish and chips.
Why it's a good date: Pure seaside silliness for a few pounds. The carousel turns under a canopy and the arcade is indoors, so it's a good shout when the weather turns.
Photo: Chris Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
From our guide to date ideas in Southport and the Sefton Coast