King's Gardens, Southport

Southport's showpiece gardens, opened by George V in 1913 and given a £5 million restoration that finished in 2014. The result is that rare thing, a Victorian park that actually works for children: the Venetian Bridge arching over Marine Lake, pedalos for hire from the lake ticket office, crazy golf, and Tree Top Towers, an adventure playground with slides, climbing structures and a wire tunnel that is up with the best in the region.

It is all free to walk in and flat enough for scooters and buggies end to end. Boats and golf cost extra, and on a windy day the seafront takes no prisoners, so pack accordingly. Pay and display parking sits along the Promenade and the town centre is a few minutes on foot.

The Grade II listed shelters and the fernery are the clue that this was once serious Victorian showing off. Your children will not care, but the bridge photograph is obligatory.

What it costs: The gardens are free. Boat hire, crazy golf and the Model Railway Village next door all charge separately.

Know before you go

Do the Venetian Bridge and a lap of Marine Lake first, then release them into Tree Top Towers - once they are in the playground you will not get them out for the scenery.
The Model Railway Village sits within the gardens and is a solid add-on for under-eights, but it charges and keeps its own season.

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