Just to the north of the town centre of Southport is the lovely village of Churchtown. One of the major places to visit is the Botanic Gardens which date back to 1874. I often go for a stroll through the gardens when I’m visiting Southport. There are various pathways, a narrow lake, an aviary and a fernery. There is also a museum but I haven’t made it in there yet as I am always outside! In the spring it is nice to see all the birds and other wildlife starting new families for the season. The beds of flowers near the fernery are a riot of colour. One year I took a lot of photographs to make a calendar for my father as it had been many years since he had been back for a visit.
There is something there for all ages – I have visited the gardens with family members from the age of 2 to 70+. There is a café on site but you can also head around the corner to the right into Churchtown where you will find a couple of pubs and Claude’s Patisserie, along with other venues. A couple of years ago, my cousin and I went to the gardens with her toddler and when we saw what was on offer in the café we opted to go next door to the Hesketh Arms for a better, fresher selection for the same price.
If you do not want to take your vehicle – there is a car park behind the gardens – the #49 bus from town stops right outside the gardens. Best of all, entrance to the gardens is free. If you like music in the open air there are brass band concerts on summer Sunday afternoons.
“Check out the Southport website”:http://www.visitsouthport.com/things-to-do/botanic-gardens-p56922 to find out what is happening at the Botanic Gardens and elsewhere. The website also offers a little guided tour around the village.
