Day in a seaside town was perfect except for one thing
No British summer feels complete without a jaunt to the seaside. The weather might not always cooperate and the sea isn't exactly Mediterranean-warm, but our coastline possesses a unique charm that you simply won't find in Spain, Greece, or Turkey.
After all, seaside trips are the original holiday destination – the Victorians were enjoying summer breaks on the coast long before we even contemplated jetting off abroad.
There's nothing quite like tucking into fish and chips by the sea, strolling along the beach, and spending a few pennies in the arcades. It gives you that holiday vibe without needing to step onto a plane.
In an era when we're all mindful of our spending, a day trip to the coast can offer an affordable escape. So, as the mercury rose across the nation, I decided to spend the day in Southport, hopping on the direct train from Manchester Victoria.
With single fares starting at just £3.10 and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes, it's a wallet-friendly day out option for anyone this summer. Here's a glimpse into my day.
Visit a quirky museum
My day began on a slightly bumpy note due to an engine fault on the train, which added an extra 20 minutes to my journey. Fortunately, the lovely views of the passing Lancashire countryside and the cool breeze from the open windows more than made up for it.
Upon reaching Southport station (and musing over whether Merseyrail and the Bee Network use the same paint supplier), I made my way to my first stop, which was quite an unexpected one.
The British Lawnmower Museum, a peculiar attraction dedicated to all things lawnmower, is not something you'd typically associate with a seaside town. Yet, it's tucked away from the main town centre.
I stumbled upon it while planning my day out and, seeing the numerous five-star reviews, I knew I had to check it out. The museum can be accessed through Stanley's Security, a hardware shop on Shakespeare Street.
Entry costs £3, and the museum spans several rooms; a large L-shaped space on the ground floor, three rooms on the first floor, and exhibits on the landing. While I don't have a particular interest in lawnmowers, I was genuinely impressed by the museum's collection.
Each room was filled with dozens of lawnmowers of all shapes and sizes, spanning various decades, from the earliest models to solar-powered robot cutters. Not into machinery or gardening?
If pop culture is more your cup of tea, the museum houses lawnmowers that once belonged to a host of celebrities, including Paul O'Grady, King (then Prince) Charles and Princess Diana, Brian May, Hilda Ogden, and even hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Several items in its collection have featured in films and TV shows, including Downton Abbey.
It's more than just a museum dedicated to lawn mowers; it's a reflection of our evolving social history and our engineering triumphs. Plus, it's delightfully surreal in a quintessentially British way.
Time for a chippy lunch
Emerging from the verdant depths of the British Lawnmower Museum with a rumbling stomach, I knew that fish and chips were on the cards. Being by the seaside, I was spoilt for choice, so I opted for a cod and chips (£9.50) from The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street.
With my takeaway in hand, I crossed over to King's Gardens and found a spot by the Marine Lake. It wasn't quite the sea view I had envisioned to accompany my lunch (more on that later), but it was still waterside.
Under the watchful eye of a peckish seagull, I dug into my meal, occasionally snapping the lid of the box shut to safeguard my lunch.
The fish and chips were spot on: the batter was light and crispy, the fish beautifully flaky, and the chips cooked to perfection. Even the balance of salt and vinegar was just right.
I savoured every mouthful and can confidently say the seagull didn't get a crumb.
Take a leisurely walk through stunning gardens
Like any self-respecting traditional seaside town, Southport boasts many features that hark back to its Victorian tourism heyday. Among these are the stunning Kings Gardens, which centre around the vast marine lake.
Feeling the need for a stroll after lunch, I meandered through the gardens, which stretch over 17 acres along the promenade. The place is brimming with Victorian splendour, featuring ornate Grade II-listed shelters and a stunning Venetian Bridge spanning the lake.
I strolled past a rather large crazy golf course, which was surprisingly bustling even though it was a Monday. Unfortunately, the pedalos were not in operation during my visit.
There was a sizeable playground for children, and I also noticed a model railway village - sadly closed - but I would be amazed if it was anything like the one I visited in Blackpool.
Situated on the edge of the gardens is the Marine Lake Cafe and Bar, where I paused for an ice cream (£3). It boasts a vast outdoor seating area, which was fairly busy, and there was even live entertainment from a singer, contributing to the holiday vibe as people enjoyed their beers in the sunshine.
Head to the beach
Now, this is where things take a turn for the worse. Leaving the gardens, I embarked on a quest to see the sea. I crossed Princes Park (essentially a large field), traversed Marine Drive, and prepared myself to see waves lapping against the sand.
Well, that's not exactly what I encountered. I was aware that Southport was a tidal beach, but I hadn't realised just how far out the sea retreats - you'd need binoculars to even glimpse the waves.
To add insult to injury, Southport's iconic pier was closed for refurbishment, further dampening my spirits.
Despite this, the walk alongside the beach was enjoyable, and there was something quite striking about the expansive views across the sand - I could even spot the rollercoasters of Blackpool in the distance. However, it didn't quite hit the mark for me as a classic seaside experience.
Try your luck at the arcades
Feeling a bit deflated, I decided to lift my spirits by gambling away a quid's worth of 2p coins. A trip to an arcade is a fundamental part of any seaside day out, and Southport boasts a massive one at the start of the pier, Silcock's Funland.
It's been ages since I've used a 2p slot machine and I was slightly disappointed to discover they no longer have the prizes in the machines themselves. Instead, you have to keep playing for the machine to spit out a long string of tickets which you can exchange at the prize booth.
It doesn't quite offer the same excitement as trying to knock off a keyring from its precarious 2p perch, but still, it was satisfying to see the long stream of tickets produced by my machine. This feeling was short-lived though when I discovered my tickets amounted to 10 points, which earned me the rather paltry prize of two Maoam sweets. Still, there's always next time.
The beach may not have lived up to expectations, but everything else about Southport did. It felt like a nostalgic day at the seaside and reminded me of childhood trips to the coast - not bad at all for a £3 train ticket.
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