Date spot in Southport and the Sefton Coast
The Atkinson
Wander the free museum and art gallery in the Atkinson, from Southport's own history to its Ancient Egypt collection, and check what's on in its theatre.
Lord Street, town centre
Address: The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Why it's a good date: The town's arts centre packs a lot under one clock tower, and the galleries cost nothing. Make a day of it with a show in the evening. It's closed on Sundays, so go on a weekday or a Saturday.
Photo: Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
More from our Southport and the Sefton Coast guide
King's Gardens and Marine Lake
The Promenade, by the pier
Address: King's Gardens, Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Walk the restored seafront gardens between the promenade and Marine Lake, across the Venetian-style bridge and round the water.
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)
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)
From our guide to date ideas in Southport and the Sefton Coast