Southport in the borough of Sefton, Merseyside, is a classic British seaside town with traditional charm mixed with modern architecture. The area is commonly referred to as England's golfing capital, and this is due to the fact that the area has the highest concentration of championship link golf courses in the country. South of the town, there are sand dunes which run from Birkdale to Woodvale, and which stretch for miles. These sand dunes have been designated as a National Nature Reserve.
Southport has several attractions for tourists or holiday makers. There is an annual air show held in the city that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see traditional warplanes and modern air displays at the Southport Air Show. The Splash World Waterpark is an ideal location for a family day out and there are various slides and pools to suit visitors of all ages.
The Royal Birkdale Golf Club has hosted two Ryder Cups along with the nearby Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club. The seaside location of Ainsdale, which is to the south of the town, has seen the area become a popular place for those who like to take part in the sport of kite-surfing.
Southport has long been a traditional seaside town, and in the past the main industries have been traditional coastal jobs, mainly fishing and fish markets. The late 18th century saw the awakening of Southport as a tourist location, and tourism has become a major part of the local economy in the intervening years.