A trip to the coast may not be the first thing which springs to mind when you think of a festive day out. Yet there’s one seaside town just over an hour away from Greater Manchester which promises a visit full of Christmas cheer.
Southport is hosting a range of family-friendly activities throughout December, from magical carriage rides to free light trails. It’s a great place for a spot of Christmas shopping too thanks to the town’s independent shops.
It's the perfect alternative if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s Christmas Markets. You can even combine the festive activities with an invigorating walk overlooking the beach.