Southport
Southport is a popular seaside resort on the Irish Sea coast, in the part of Merseyside that used to be Lancashire, and 16 miles from Liverpool.
The town has retained its air of Victorian elegance, while becoming a shoppers` paradise. Lord Street, with wide pavements and wrought iron arcades, and lined with trees and hanging baskets, is the main shopping street and is almost a mile long.
Southport Pier is one of the longest in the country, although part of its length is over beautifully kept gardens.
The Marine Lake is the largest in Britain. There is a very popular amusement park, and 7 miles of beach.
The Atkinson Art Gallery has collections of British art and Chinese porcelain.
St. Cuthbert`s Church has a spire and clock dated 1739, and is in the original settlement of North Meols, now known as Churchtown.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the vicinity, including Royal Birkdale.
Among the notable people born at Southport are Lucy Boston, children`s author; Dora Bryan, actress; and Miranda Richardson, actress.