New homes in Southport

Whether you’re walking along the beach, taking in the view from the pier or seeing a show at the theatre, the seaside town of Southport has plenty to offer the whole family. Just a short drive or train journey north of Liverpool, a new home in Southport is perfect if you’re looking for good commuter links, a family-focused community and lots to do in the local area.

A quick history

Southport is a relatively ‘new’ town, starting life in the late 18th century when a bathing house was built on the coast. It quickly became a popular seaside destination, with a village growing around the hotel. By the 1820s, Southport had grown considerably, and when the train network connected the town to Liverpool and Manchester in the mid 19th century, the population boomed. 

Southam’s pier was built in 1860, and by the time the town was one hundred years old, more than 30,000 people lived there. The UK’s first electric trains started at the turn of the century between Liverpool and Southport, and today the town is still thriving, with Pleasureland and Splash World built in 2007.

Business and industry

As a tourist destination, Southport has a large number of retail and leisure businesses, including restaurants, cafes and shops. The town is also home to Fletchers Solicitors, which was named in the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’ in 2017.

In nearby Liverpool, major employers include European Metal Recycling, Princes, Bibby Line Group, TJ Morris trading as Home Bargains, Matalan, and the city’s two football clubs Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C.

Things to do in the area

If you love getting out and about in the great outdoors, Southport is a great place to live. You can take a walk along the promenade, go to Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve, or visit one of the many local beaches, including Southport Beach.

Crosby Beach is home to the ‘Another Place’ cast iron art installation, while family-friendly Formby Beach has natural dunes and panoramic views out to sea. Ainsdale Beach is popular with watersports enthusiasts, including kitesurfers.

Southport hosts a number of events throughout the year including Southport Air Show, Southport Flower Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship and the Food and Drink Festival. Other attractions include Pleasureland, Southport Model Railway Village, Splash World indoor water park and Southport Theatre.

Travel and commuting

Southport has good transport connections by both road and rail, ideal if you’re commuting to work or taking regular trips to visit friends and family. The town is a 35-minute drive away from Preston, and 40 minutes from Liverpool by car or train. The journey to Wigan takes 45 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train, while Manchester can be reached in one hour five minutes by both car and train.

If you’re travelling to London, the quickest way to get there is by train. The journey from Southport to London Euston takes just two hours 45 minutes, with one change in Wigan. When you’re going on holiday, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is only a 45-minute drive from Southport.