Southport is a lively seaside resort on the North West coast of England in the country of Merseyside not too far from Liverpool and within reasonable reach of Blackpool (an extremely popular resort). These facts, together with the fact that the town has a rich Victorian heritage, work to make Southport extremely popular with young and old alike. In the following hub I will introduce you to some of the more sedate aspects of the town and would hope that my writing inspires you to spend some time in this fantastic little seaside town.

Lord Street is the most famous street in Southport and it is the main shopping street in the town. In May 1846 Napoléon III of France (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte) lived just off Lord Street and the ornate Victorian covered walkways and arcades, together with the rows of fine trees, had a profound effect upon him. So much was the impact of this beautiful English street that Napoléon is said to have implemented many of the ideas into the design of the Champs Elysées in Paris, France.

While walking along Lord Street you will find a couple of covered arcades leading off from the main street. The most noteable of these is Wayfarer's Arcade where you will find the most beautiful little shopping area in the town. The arcade is a great place to get something to eat away from the main crowds of tourists!

Southport is a very floral seaside town, besides the annual Southport Flower Show you will find that much of the town is richly decorated with flowers and trees. For almost all of Lord Street, along one side, you will find areas of flower beds, water features, an elaborate War Memorial and even a Victorian styled bandstand with regular performances. All along Southport Promenade you find even more pretty flower beds and gardens as well as the marina but if you are prepared to travel further from the town centre you will find even more exciting parks and gardens.

Of all the parks and gardens in Southport the two most memorable are Hesketh Park (at the end of Lord Street) and the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown (pictured above courtesy of Southport Hotels).  Hesketh Park is a richly wooded and interestingly landscaped garden with a large lake at its centre. Around the park you will find, almost hidden, small gardens and a large greenhouse/hothouse/glasshouse as well as a small playpark and picnic area. The Botanic Gardens are vastly different and very Victorian in nature. As you can see, from the photo above, the gardens have a very large water feature upon which you can go boating (for a small fee). Near to the main entrance you will find a museum and cafe together with a small "pets corner" which has such things as rabbits and peacocks to keep the kids entertained.