Southport

Southport was founded in 1792 when William Sutton, an innkeeper from Churchtown, built a bathing house at what is now the south end of Lord Street. At that time, the area, known as South Hawes, was sparsely populated and dominated by sand dunes. At the turn of the 19th century, the area became popular with tourists due to the easy transport links, which existed via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the coastal mud flats, and the expansion of Southport largely coincided with the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian era.

Much of the area is still covered by sand dunes to the north and south of the town. The sand dunes at Ainsdale and Ravenmeols have been designated as a national nature reserve and a Ramsar site. The town's sand dunes form part of the Sefton Coast, which is the second largest dune system in Britain. The dunes are home to a variety of wildlife, including the natterjack toad and sand lizards. The town's layout was carefully planned, with wide streets and elegant architecture. The name "Southport" was suggested by the Rev. Charles Hesketh, who was the rector of North Meols.

Southport has long been a popular seaside resort, attracting visitors from across the North West of England and beyond. The town hosts several annual events, including the Southport Flower Show, one of the largest independent flower shows in the UK, and the British Musical Fireworks Championship. Southport is also known for its golf courses, with the Royal Birkdale Golf Club having hosted the Open Championship on multiple occasions. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Wayfarers Arcade, a Victorian shopping arcade, and connections to famous racehorse Red Rum, who was trained in the area.