Date spot in Southport and the Sefton Coast
King's Gardens and Marine Lake
Walk the restored seafront gardens between the promenade and Marine Lake, across the Venetian-style bridge and round the water.
The Promenade, by the pier
Address: King's Gardens, Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Why it's a good date: Old-fashioned seaside at its best: flower beds, shelters to sit in, a café, and the lake glittering in the evening. Dogs can come off the lead on most of the lawns, but not in the playground or on the bowling green.
Photo: Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
More from our Southport and the Sefton Coast guide
Southport beach at sunset
Marine Drive, by the pier
Address: Marine Drive, Southport PR8 1SB- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Romantic
Walk out across the huge flat sands beyond the pier and watch the sun go down over the Irish Sea.
Why it's a good date: The tide goes out a very long way, so you get a whole sky to yourselves. The pier is shut while it's restored, so stick to the sand. Dogs are welcome, apart from 1 May to 30 September, when the stretch from the pier south towards Adventure Coast is dog-free.
Photo: Peter McDermott, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Hesketh Park
Park Crescent, north of the town centre
Address: Hesketh Park, Park Crescent, Southport PR9 9LF- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
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.
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)
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)
From our guide to date ideas in Southport and the Sefton Coast