Botanic Gardens, Churchtown
Victorian gardens with an aviary, boating lake, fernery and a good playground, in Southport's prettiest village corner. Old-fashioned in the way that quietly suits small children.
RSPB Marshside
Southport, Merseyside
Marshside is an RSPB reserve on the saltmarsh just north of Southport town centre, and it is free to walk in. The main Sandgrounders' hide has a big map, a 'What's About' board and a telescope when staff or volunteers are in, which gives children something to do besides whisper loudly. In spring and summer avocets and lapwings nest on the islands; in winter pink-footed geese and wigeon arrive in huge numbers, and a passing peregrine sends the whole lot into the air.
The two hides are on level, surfaced paths a few hundred metres from the car park, and the viewing screens and raised platform are open all the time. The longer Sutton's and Rimmer's trails are two to three miles on rough ground with stiles and kissing gates, better for older walkers. There is a portable toilet by the hide and nothing else, so bring food and drink. Dogs are allowed on leads, but not in the hides.
What it costs: Entry free for everyone. Car park £1.50 up to 2 hours, £3 over 2 hours, free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders.
Know before you go
- Sandgrounders' hide is 300 metres from the car park on a level, surfaced path, so it works with a pushchair and short legs. Nel's hide is 560 metres.
- There is no cafe, shop, running water or baby change. The nearest proper facilities are about two miles away in Southport.
- Winter hours are 8.30am to 4pm from 1 November, and the car park is locked outside opening hours.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Southport?
What visitors say
★★★★★ 4.4 across 267 Google reviews.
Read all 267 reviews on Google - filter by star rating thereAlso in Southport
Adventure Coast Southport
Pleasureland with a new name and a new deal: free entry, rides from £1 pay as you go. The seaside funfair is now Adventure Coast, split into themed lands from pirate cove to steampunk thrill rides, and you only pay for what your kids actually ride.
Southport Model Railway Village
A one and a half acre miniature Lancashire with one of the biggest garden railway systems in the UK, aimed squarely at the under-8s. Open late April to late September, and the trains stop if the weather turns nasty.
King's Gardens
Seventeen acres of restored Victorian seafront gardens with the Venetian Bridge over Marine Lake, boat hire, and the Tree Top Towers playground. Free, flat and right on the Promenade, so it slots around anything else you are doing in Southport.
Playtown
Southport's main play centre, on Ocean Plaza by the marine lake, with a big frame and a drop slide. Priced by age band, so babies are almost free.
Kinderworld Playbarn
A nursery playbarn on Bispham Road that opens to the public on weekday mornings, pre-booked. Small, quiet and aimed squarely at the under fives.
What’s on near you, every Friday
One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.