Sefton

Eighteen miles north of Liverpool is one of the key brands in the Liverpool City Region: Southport, 'England's Classic Resort', where you will find glorious sandy beaches, panoramic seafront and a Victorian pier. Described as sophisticated, cosmopolitan and vibrant, Southport is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional British seaside break, but with all the modern amenities you would expect.

As a consequence of European investment, Southport has managed to re-invent itself as a successful 'association' conference town, capitalising on its golf (host to the 2008 Open Golf) and major programme of events. Visitor spending has risen from £153m in 2000 to £374m in 2008 (STEAM data).With Royal Birkdale having hosted The Open Championship in July 2008, and 15 top courses within a 30 minutes drive from the town centre, Southport justifiably claims to be England's Golfing Capital. Southport is also one of the country's leading event destinations with an annual fun-packed programme staging some of the UK's largest and most varied events, including the Southport International Jazz Festival, Summer Classics ("Music in the Park"), Southport Flower Show and the Southport Airshow.

The Classic Conference Resort of Southport has seen thrilling times with multi-million pound investment programmes across the resort coming to fruition with recent openings of The Vincent, Southport's first boutique hotel located right in the centre of town, the £10 million investment programme at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa just outside the resort, the £40 million investment programme at Southport Theatre & Convention Centre and The Ramada Plaza hotel which forms part of the resort's exciting new Waterfront scheme.

Sefton's Natural Coast is the perfect setting for those who want to get away from it all and explore. Stretching out over 22 miles this unique and tranquil coastline in the North West of England comprises beautiful beaches, sand dunes, woodland and farmland and is a haven for flora and fauna. The Sefton coast has a number of internationally recognised natural features which are to be enhanced through better interpretation and visitor facilities.

The spectacular sculpture by Angel of the North artist Antony Gormley is on view on Crosby beach which has underlined the potential of the Sefton coast to attract large numbers of recreational visitors.Another Place consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore, stretching almost one kilometre out to sea.

The new Crosby Lakeside leisure complex to the water front location offers both indoor activities with a fully equipped fitness suite featuring the latest Fitlinx technologies and fitness classes as well as a range of outdoor water pursuits including windsurfing, rowing and canoeing. The latest edition to Sefton Councils leisure centre portfolio, the new development overlooks the Crosby waterfront ideally positioned for conferences, events and outdoor pursuits.

For further information on Sefton, please visit www.visitsouthport.com