No British summer is complete without a trip to the seaside. Despite the unpredictable weather and the chilly sea, our coastline possesses a unique charm that you won’t find in Spain, Greece, or Turkey.
Indeed, a trip to the seaside is the original holiday destination; the Victorians were enjoying their summer breaks on the coast long before we even dreamed of jetting off abroad. There’s nothing quite like savouring fish and chips by the sea, strolling along the beach, and spending a few pounds in the arcades. It provides that holiday feeling without the need to board a plane.
In an era when we’re all mindful of our spending, a day at the coast can offer an affordable outing. So, as the mercury rose across the nation, I decided to spend the day in Southport, catching the direct train from Manchester Victoria.
With single fares starting from just £3.10 and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly option for a summer day out.
Upon my arrival at Southport station, my first destination was a rather unexpected one – The British Lawnmower Museum. This quirky attraction, dedicated to all things lawnmower, is admittedly not something you’d typically associate with a seaside town.
Access to the museum is through Stanley’s Security, a hardware shop located on Shakespeare Street. Entry costs £3, and while I wouldn’t say I have a particular interest in lawnmowers, even I was taken aback by the museum’s collection.
Each room was brimming with dozens of lawnmowers, varying in shape and size, spanning across the decades, from the earliest models to solar-powered robot cutters.
The museum even houses lawnmowers that once belonged to a variety of celebrities, including Paul O’Grady, King Charles (then Prince Charles) and Princess Diana, Brian May, Hilda Ogden, and even one belonging to the hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
The British Lawnmower Museum is more than just a tribute to grass-cutting machinery; it’s a reflection of our evolving social history and engineering accomplishments, all wrapped up in a delightfully eccentric British package.
After exploring the verdant interior of the British Lawnmower Museum, I found myself feeling peckish. Knowing that fish and chips were the order of the day, I was spoilt for choice being on the coast. I opted for a cod and chips (£9.50) from The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street.
With my meal in hand, I made my way across to King’s Gardens and found a spot by the Marine Lake. As I enjoyed my meal, I kept a watchful eye on a hopeful seagull, occasionally securing the lid of my box to safeguard my food.
After a hearty lunch, I decided to take a stroll around the gardens. Spanning 17 acres along the promenade, these gardens are a testament to Victorian grandeur with their ornate Grade II-listed shelters and a splendid Venetian Bridge crossing the lake.
On the periphery of the gardens is the Marine Lake Cafe and Bar, where a singer provided live entertainment, contributing to the holiday atmosphere as people enjoyed their pints in the sunshine.
But this is where things took a turn for the worse; eaving the gardens behind, I embarked on a quest to see the sea. 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.
The beach may not have lived up to expectations, but Southport certainly did in every other aspect. It evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of childhood trips to the coast – not too shabby for a £3 train ticket.
