The prestigious English Grand National is one of the toughest tests of horse and jockey in the world. It’s three days of excitement and drama but also a great excuse for some superb days out at this grand social occasion.

Grand National

Thursday 03rd April – Liverpool Day. A day to celebrate Liverpool-inspired entertainment, sport and music.

Friday 04th April – Ladies’ Day. The North West’s biggest social and fashion day out. Races include the John Smith’s Topham chase over the Grand National course and the John Smith’s Melling Steeple chase.

Saturday 05th April – John Smith’s Grand National Day. All eyes will be watching at 4.15pm as around forty horses line-up to race four & a half miles and jump 30 fences at the arduous Aintree course.

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Lighting up Kings Gardens, over three nights, seven competitors all battle it out with their firework displays set to music to amaze the audience and the judges and be crowned the champion of the competition.

Find out more here.

The Southport Air Show is two days of packed entertainment for the entire family.

Each year the flying programme showcases fast jets, military and historical aircraft, daring aerobatics much more. This year the Red Arrows will appear on Saturday 14th September – wowing the audience each year the Red Arrows fly overhead and complete a full display, showing us why they are still a firm favourite in the hearts of the nation.

In between displays you can attempt an assault course, a climbing wall or experience the next best thing to flying a fast jet in one of the many flight simulators in the Air Show Village. We have many military vehicles and aircraft for your to have a look at, the Northern Brickworks with their brilliant lego displays, tiny tanks and much more.

Visit the show site for more information, or read reviews here.

Southport Flower Show has a reputation as one of the largest, most diverse and friendliest shows in the country. Whether you are a gifted amateur, professional or just starting out, there is something of interest for everyone of all ages.

Southport Flower Show 2013

It provides a horticultural hotbed of activity for the beautiful seaside resort and held in 34 acres of beautiful Victoria Park is transformed into a haven for those wanting a memorable day out.

Visit the offical flower show site by clicking here.

This long established rally returns in it’s new venue: Southport’s Victoria Park. Exibitions of classic Motorcycles and Vehicles, model trains, cars, boats and airplanes along with stationary engines.

With lots of entertainment, a great family weekend.

See more details here.

The way to our hearts is through our stomach, but what about yours? The Southport Food and Drink Festival has an abundance of fresh produce, a wealth of local restaurants, plenty to drink along away plus a selection of the regions finest chefs demonstrating their kitchen skills. Let us work our way to your heart with our weekend dedicated to food and drink…see you there!

Find out more here.

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, known as S&A, was founded in 1906 and is a championship links course designed by James Braid.

Southport and Ainsdale

Set amongst the dunes on the North West coastline to the south of Southport, S&A is a typical links course. It is covered in heather and gorse, which provides splashes of colour in Spring and Autumn, but which also makes the course quite challenging, especially when the sea breeze comes into play. The sixteenth hole, with its hill and bunkers lined with railway sleepers, is probably the best known. It is called ‘Gumbleys’, after one gentleman who spent a lot of time in there. Players need to beware here because the hole can trap a poor second shot.

The course ensures that both experienced players and beginners get pleasure from an immensely enjoyable experience.

S&A Clubhouse

The club has hosted two Ryder Cup matches and has been voted by one golf magazine as among the top 50 courses in Great Britain.

The clubhouse has been refurbished to coincide with S&A’s centenary in 2006

The main lounge and patio area at the front provide stunning views across the course including the 18th green and 1st tee.
You can take a course of lessons with S&A’s experienced professional Jim Payne. Jim and his assistants offer first class coaching to experienced players and beginners alike. The Pro Shop sells golf fashion wear and golfing accessories, and provides a club repair service

S&A has been named as the Local Final Qualifying Course for the 2012 Open which will be held at Royal Lytham St. Annes.

3-5 February: Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend

4- 6 April: John Smith’s Grand National

10-12 May: Southport International Jazz Festival

31 May-2 June: Southport Food and Drink Festival (TBC)

25-28 July: 2013 British Senior Open Golf Championship

3-4 August: Woodvale Rally (TBC)

15-18 August: Southport Flower Show

25-26 August: Mathew Street Festival

14-15 September: Southport Air Show

4-6 October: British Musical Fireworks Championships

Visit the British seaside at family friendly Southport.

Whether strolling along the historic pier, visiting the Splash-World water park, the New Pleasureland or shopping on the famous Lord Street there’s plenty to do here for all the family.

Southport has a miniature railway running around the public Marine Lake, and also boasts a Model Railway Village.

For those seeking something more off the wall, why not visit the unique British Lawnmower Museum?

Also nearby is Farmer Ted’s farm park, ideal for introducing young children to rural life.

Should rain strike there are also plenty of indoors amusements including a Cinema and Bowling alley on the waterfront along with plenty of restaurants, bars and traditional pubs.

Find out more details on the Visit Southport website.

Famous for “the Angel of the North”, Anthony Gormley is well known for his stunning sculptures on a grand scale. We are lucky to have one of his masterpieces only a few miles away, easily accessible by road, bus and train.

The piece “Another Place” on nearby Crosby beach consists of around one hundred cast-iron figures. These are spread along 3km of the waterfront from Crosby to Waterloo.

Find out more here.