Article by: Matthew Inglis (Advertisement Manager, Coach Tours UK)
Steve Reed Tourism recently held their latest
familiarisation trip, alongside Southport Tourism (TEL: 01704 395510), with a
three day visit to the seaside resort of Southport, a superb coach friendly destination
with plenty to offer, and ideally situated for your group to take in other
major attractions in nearby Liverpool and Preston.
The Group stayed over the course of the weekend at the
Ramada Plaza Hotel Southport (TEL 01704 516220) a 4 star Hotel, offering 133
luxury bedrooms, with some providing beautiful views across the Marine Lake.
Steve Reed had again put on a superb three day visit to the area to showcase
what Southport can offer groups. The trip started on Saturday 17th
August, with around 25 people arriving at the Hotel before having the
opportunity to visit Genting Casino in the afternoon, and the chance to win big
and start the weekend off on a high!
Following on from the afternoon, the group visited The
Best Western Royal Clifton Hotel (TEL 01704 533771) for an evening meal. The
Royal Clifton Hotel is ideally situated if taking your group to Southport.
Based on the Promenade, the Hotel is a stone’s throw away from Lord Street, the
main shopping area of Southport, which itself is steeped in history. The Hotel
has superb accommodation options and can suit almost any requirements.
Sunday was a busy day for the Group as they headed off
for a look around the Britannia Prince of Wales Hotel, another coach friendly
Hotel for your group to consider. Situated on Lord Street, the Hotel has an
incredible 154 en suite rooms, and is ideal for a quiet stay by the sea (TEL 0871 222 0039) The group then went onto the superb annual
Southport Flower Show, held at Victoria Park. The Show offers an enjoyable and
excellent day out, with superb colourful displays, Show Garden Results,
Competitions, as well as the opportunity to see Chef Demo’s, Book Signings,
meet celebrity guests, and purchase a massive range of plants, flowers, and
locally grown fruit and vegetables. The show usually runs over several days,
for more information visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk
I joined up with the group for the final day of the trip,
leaving the Ramada Plaza early on Monday morning and boarding the waiting coach
for a trip around Southport, with transport provided by Belle Vue Coaches, and
Julia Fahey from Southport Tourism on Board. Our coach drive around Southport
gave a real insight as to what the resort has to offer, including learning the
history of the town which was founded back in 1792. Southport is booming in the
current climate, with new developments opening, and many shopping opportunities.
The town has two main coach drop off points, Neville Street, and one in the
Promenade, making it easy for your coach group to be dropped off in two of the
main areas. A meet and greet service can also be offered at Neville Street
three days a week.
Southport has plenty to keep your group entertained, with
Splashworld Water Park (TEL 01704 537160) and the Southport Pleasureland giving
the traditional attractions you would expect from a British Seaside Resort.
Upon completion of our trip on the coach, we headed off to our first visit of
the day to look around The Atkinson, a cultural centre offering theatre, dance,
ballet and cinema. The Atkinson’s main Theatre offers a wide range of
performances throughout the year with seating for 440 people, and full disabled
access. The building also has an excellent new art gallery opening in September
this year, as well as hosting the towns Library, Tourist information centre,
and on level 3 of the Grade II listed building, a museum which will be open to
the public in June 2014. For more information on The Atkinson and what they can
offer you group (TEL: 01704 533 333)
Southport Pier is well worth a visit. The 2nd
longest pier runs at ¾ mile long, and for those not keen to take the walk, a
tram service runs along the pier all year, and a road train throughout the main
season.
Our group then headed onto Frankie & Benny’s for
lunch. The New York Italian Restaurant and Bar offers a wide menu with all tastes
catered for, ranging from wraps and pizza’s, to the more traditional fish and
chip lunch. Your group can take in a full three course lunch, or simply opt for
the Lunch menu and a lighter snack. The Restaurant is bright, with some great
music playing, and your group can be sure of a warm welcome from the team.
Coach parking is provided close to the Restaurant entrance. Further details
(TEL: 01704 547152)
The group then headed back
onto the coach, visiting the wonderful and tranquil Churtown Botanical Gardens,
situated just outside of Southport. Churtown is pretty village, with some
wonderful old shops, and traditional pubs, and the Botanic Gardens are set in
stunning grounds with colourful flower beds, an aviary housing over 200 birds,
a Museum and Café, Crazy Golf, and, if visiting during the summer months, be
sure to visit the Gardens on a Sunday when you can relax with a picnic and
listen to the Brass Bands playing in the grounds. Entry to the Garden’s is
free, for further details (TEL: 01704 214164)
Our final visit of the day was to
visit the Courtyard at Tarleton, originally Webster’s of Tarleton. The
Courtyard hosts Whittles Farm Restaurant and coffee shop which serves an
excellent selection of homemade food, whilst the retail side of the Yard is looked
after by two gentlemen who also run the nearby Ena Mill. The shopping side of
the Courtyard is currently being refurbished, and will be open to the public late
September. Further information on the Courtyard can be obtained by calling TEL:
01772 812249
Traditional Christmas
festivities begin on the farm this year with the well-known Ashford Sings Choir
returning to perform their lively repertoire for all our visitors on Saturday 7th
December from 1pm. This sing-a-long takes place in the Children’s Barn with the
animals, Christmas tree and nativity scene and is not to be missed…mulled wine
(non-alcoholic for those driving) and mince pies will be served to keep you
warm!
