Southport

Southport, town, administrative centre of Sefton borough, in the metropolitan county of Merseyside, north-western England, on the Irish Sea near Liverpool. It is a seaside resort with a variety of light industry. Points of interest include an art gallery, botanical gardens, a seafront promenade, and the first pier built for recreation rather than utility. Known for its famous Royal Birkdale golf course, Southport developed as a resort in the 19th century, and is renowned for its Victorian architecture. Population 90,959 (1991).