Accessible Britain

information on path gradients, kissing gates (which can be bypassed, if necessary)
and the location of hides and steps.
FOOD & DRINK aa The bright, spacious restaurant in the Visitor Village offers fresh,
locally sourced (and reasonably priced) food, low-level serving counters and lovely
views across the lake.
104 Southport Pier, Merseyside
Address: Southport, Merseyside PR8 1QX Web: www.visitsouthport.com Tel: Tourist Information Centre
01704 533333 Hours: daily 11am–5pm; bank hols & school summer hols 10am–6pm Dates: closed 25
Dec & during Southport Air Show Entry: pier free; road train £2 return (£1.50 child)
THE NORTHWEST
Billing itself, with some justification, as “England’s classic resort”, Southport is the
proud possessor of the country’s second-oldest, second-longest pier, as well as a 22-mile
stretch of beautiful coastline and a beachside town centre featuring some handsome
Victorian architecture.
The main event here is the great iron pier, built in 1860 and extending two thirds of a
mile out to sea – or at least towards the sea, which in low tide it falls well short of. Indeed,
a peculiarity of the pier is that it crosses an ornamental lake, a miniature railway and a
road before it even gets to the beach. Those who journey its length – whether walking,
wheeling or on the road train that once took steamer passengers out to meet their boats
– can enjoy traditional seaside treats such as fish and chips, ice cream and candy floss,
and play on the antique penny arcade machines (using authentic old pennies) in the
new pavilion at the pier head. The pavilion also houses a new interactive display and
exhibition on the local wildlife and coastline. Back on land, why not take a trip on the
boating lake or miniature railway, or explore the nearby sand dunes? Time your visit
right and you can also take in the Southport Flower Show (late August), though the pier
is closed during the celebrated Southport Air Show (September). The pier is also closed
on Christmas Day, but a Boxing Day stroll along its length is something of a tradition for
many local families. At the entrance to the pier is Silcock’s Funland, a family amusement
centre, with video games and amusements and, just around the corner, New Pleasureland
has traditional fairground rides including dodgems, waltzers and rollercoasters.
There’s plenty of generously spaced parking on Marine Parade, much of it very close
to the pier. If you feel daunted at the prospect of tackling the full length of the pier under
your own steam, take advantage of the road train that travels its length every half-hour,
with space for wheelchairs and powered scooters. Alternatively, there’s ramped access
halfway along the pier from the car park below. Once you’re up there, you’ll find plenty
of rest seats and a smooth, level surface that’s perfect for wheelchairs – though bear
in mind that you’re very exposed to the elements, so wrap up warm against the wind.
FOOD & DRINK aa There’s a decent café and bar in the pavilion at the end of the pier, which
both offer superb views over the sea. Besides this, there’s a traditional fish and chip
restaurant at the pier’s entrance, and any number of seaside snack bars and restaurants
along Southport’s promenade.
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