Coach holidays to Southport by Alfa Travel

Oct. 20, 2008 - PRLog -- Southport, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the North West’, is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most elegant seaside resorts. It was founded in the late 18th century by William Sutton who established a sea-bathing house among the dunes on the unique Sefton coastline and it has since developed into one of the North West’s classiest towns. Browse the vast array of shops on the famous Lord Street whose broad tree-lined boulevard with its covered walkways and arcades inspired Prince Louis Napoleon to remodel Paris along similar lines in the mid-nineteenth century. Take a stroll in one of Southport’s award winning gardens and parks which provide the stage for the world famous Southport Flower Show every August. Marvel at the stunning views available from Southport’s pier, the longest overland pier in Great Britain. For golfing enthusiasts, Southport also offers some of the best facilities in the country, including the renowned Royal Birkdale course which hosts some of the most important tournaments in the golfing calendar. It certainly is a wonderful place to spend a few relaxing days and it also provides the ideal base for excursions to other places of interest in the North-West such as vibrant Liverpool and historic Chester.

Hotels
Alfa Travel use the Prince of Wales Hotel which is situated in the heart of the town on fabulous Lord Street.

Town Centre
Lord Street, with its mile long boulevard packed with designer and specialist shops, is the undisputed heart of Southport, a veritable shopping Mecca. There are plenty more opportunities to shop on Chapel Street, Eastbank Street, Tulketh Street, Wesley Street and King Street, as well as in the renowned glass vaulted arcades such as Wayfarers and Cambridge arcades.

Beach and Gardens
The Southport and Sefton coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches and those at Southport, Formby and Ainsdale frequently win awards for cleanliness and for good access for the disabled and mobility impaired, as well as offering superb panoramic views of the coastline. At least as famous as its beaches are Southport’s fantastic gardens which include Hesketh Park, a beautiful Victorian Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, with a Grade 2 listed conservatory, aviary and rock features and the tranquil Victoria Park, the venue for the world-famous Southport Flower Show.

Activities and Attractions
Tourist Information
Southport Arts Centre
Offers a varied programme of comedy, drama, musicals, theatre, dance and film throughout the year.

Atkinson Art Gallery
Houses a superb collection of nineteenth and twentieth century watercolours and oil paintings.

Southport Model Railway Village
Attracting both enthusiasts and observers alike, the village offers 1½ acres of beautiful miniature landscape, with 5 model trains running continuously on more than 500 metres of track.

Dunes Splashworld
Southport's new all-weather state of the art leisure pool has slides and water rides aplenty.

Southport Theatre and Floral Hall Tel:01704 540454
Regularly plays host to some top showbiz names.

Silcock’s Funland
Open all year, the Silcock family provide fun for all ages on Southport’s grand pier.

Meols Hall
Southport’s historic manor house dating back to the early 12th century is set in one hundred acres of private land near the pretty village of Churchtown.

Botanic Gardens and Museum

Nationally renowned for its exotic floral displays, the attraction has achieved Green Flag status for excellence.

Rufford Old Hall
One of Lancashire's finest Tudor buildings, a young Shakespeare is said to have performed in the Great Hall.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club
One of the country's premier golf courses which has hosted the Open Tournament on numerous occasions.

Southport Marine Lake
Offers various watersports including water-skiing and sailing, including trips on the Southport Belle, a Mississippi paddle steamer which cruises along Southport’s historic Victorian sea-front.

Events
Southport Flower Show
Held in August annually and set in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, this is one of the country's most renowned floral exhibitions.

Summer Classics – Music in the Park

Held every July in Victoria Park and including performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A popular classical music concert accompanied by a spectacular firework finale.
North West Historic Motor Show
Held over a weekend in June, the show features hundreds of vintage and modern vehicles.

British Musical Fireworks Championship

Held in a weekend in September annually. One of Southport’s most spectacular events.

Woodvale Rally Tel:01706 852286
Held on the first weekend in August annually, there are collections of classic cars and model aircraft displays, plus car boot sales and various entertainments.

Southport Food & Drink Festival Southport's newest festival will feature stalls, demonstrations, a real ale festival and a superb range of food and drink.

Southport Comedy Week is staged in October and features comedy from local and national performers.

Southport International Jazz festival

Held in June annually. Arguably the biggest and best celebration of jazz in the North West of England.

Southport Air Show and Military Display

Includes the Red Arrows, RAF jets and World War II fighters and bombers, as well as a huge array of stalls and exhibitions. A fantastic day out for all the family.


For more specific times and dates see Alfa Travel website at www.alfatravel.co.uk

Excursions from Southport
The details below are intended as a general guide only. For specific tour details, first check Availability and then follow the link from the Tour Description.

Liverpool The 2008 European Capital of Culture with its iconic waterfront, superb museums, excellent shopping facilities and exciting programme of events is a brilliant place to visit on a day-trip from Southport.

Chester Tourist information
Beloved of the Romans and Samuel Johnson, Chester is the historic county town of Cheshire. One of the many highlights are the ‘Rows’ of double decked Tudor style shops which are unique to Chester.

Blackpool Tourist information
Britain’s most popular seaside resort with the world famous Tower, three piers, miles of golden sands and the spectacular Pleasure Beach. Blackpool has a vibrant atmosphere and attractions for all ages.

Manchester Tourist Information
Alfa Travel, one of the UK's largest and fastest growing coach holiday company is offering fantastic  coach holiday deals throughout UK and Europe to various destinations includung Southport.

A city which offers a wonderful blend of the past, the present and the future. With some fantastic shopping and award-winning museums, as well as two premiership football clubs, there is something for everybody.

Formby Red Squirrel Reserve
Attractive pine woods situated on one of the North West's most spectacular coastlines. Home to one of Britain's last thriving colonies of red squirrels.

Ormskirk is a busy market town of Viking origins. The Parish Church of St Peter and Paul is interesting since it is one of only three in England to have both a tower and a spire. Ormskirk is also home to one of the oldest markets in Britain - the twice weekly market has been held here since the 13th century.

(Visit www.alfatravel.co.uk for all coach holiday offers)