Local Attractions
Southport has long been known as the UK's number one seaside resort famous for its floral decorations. Its new seawall features dramatic sculptures overlooking a superb clean sandy beach. The seafront in Southport incorporates a variety of parks and gardens including one of the largest marine lakes in the country. Many fine restaurants and hotels are located in close proximity to the Seafront. Within a short walking distance is the elegant tree-lined Lord Street Shopping Boulevard, Southport's main shopping area situated right in the heart of the town center. There are a number of excellent covered shopping centers including the Wayfarers Arcade, Cambridge Walks and Marble Place as well as stores catering for all tastes and styles. One of Southports biggest attractions is Pleasureland amusement park offering family fun and white-knuckle rides.
Southport is renowned as "England's Golfing Capital", Southport's stunning coastline is studded with a wealth of superb links courses - six of which are classed to be in the top 100 in the world. There are 15 courses within a half-hour drive and a staggering 160 within an hours drive including three Royal courses that regularly host the British Open Championships.
But Southport's reputation for being England's golfing Capital is not just based on Royal Birkdale. It boasts another five championship standard courses within 15 minutes drive from the town centre and a sixth only half an hour away.
Hillside, Formby, Hesketh, Southport & Ainsdale, Formby Hall and West Lancashire Golf Clubs are all superb courses providing a challenge to the most accomplished golfer. And with plenty of accommodation in and around Southport, there's no excuse not to stay and try several of them in one visit.
Ocean Plaza is a major new entertainment and retail destination that boasts a 7-screen cinema, ten-pin bowling and retail outlets such as Matalan, Brantano and other well known stores.
Connected to the promenade and conference centre by the new pier and recently by a new easy access bridge, the Ocean Plaza is within 2 minutes walk from The Clifton Villa Hotel.