Southport, Liverpool & Blackpool Illuminations

Vibrant, leafy and historic, Liverpool has lots to offer. A metropolitan hive of culture and music due to its association with iconic bands throughout the years, the city is home to an array of interactive museums, including the British Music Experience and The Beatles Story. Liverpool is steeped in history and has several impressive buildings, including St George’s Hall, often used by author Charles Dickens as a venue for public readings. If shopping is on the agenda, the variety won’t disappoint, from quirky independent shops selling unique gifts to well-known high street retailers and stylish centres. 

Southport, Liverpool & Blackpool Illuminations

Our wonderful day out begins with a trip to one of the UK’s most traditional and well-loved outdoor markets, Ormskirk Market. The pedestrianised streets around the famous Clock Tower come alive with around 100 stalls offering a huge variety of goods. From clothing. cosmetics, stationary, household goods and hardware to fresh local Lancashire products – there’s something here for everyone.

Later, we head to Blackpool for an illuminations drive along the Golden Mile to witness the famous light show and millions of twinkling lights, floats and the occasional lit-up tram!

Southport, Liverpool & Blackpool Illuminations

On our optional excursion, take in the scenic views as we journey to the Lake District, offering some of the UK’s most magnificent landscapes. We stop in Bowness-on-Windermere, a charming enclave on the banks of Lake Windermere, which offers lovely panoramic views of the lake plus plenty of craft and gift shops, lakeside cafés and tea rooms. 

Experience the spectacle of the Blackpool Illuminations as your coach drives the Golden Mile, passing glowing tableaux, shimmering arches and the floodlit silhouette of Blackpool Tower. Expect colour-washed trams, animated characters and a carnival atmosphere along the Promenade.

First switched on in 1879, this late-season festival stretches for nearly six miles, transforming the coast from Starr Gate to Bispham. The tradition showcases seaside showmanship and community craft; it’s an uplifting way to end an evening and pause for photos and reflection beneath twinkling lights.

Discover England’s mountain-and-lake heart on an optional excursion to Bowness-on-Windermere (additional cost, bookable on tour). Stroll the jetties and lanes beside Lake Windermere, browse independent boutiques and galleries, and unwind in tearooms as fells rise beyond the water in classic Lakeland scenery.

This charming resort hints at literary and artistic connections, from Wordsworth’s Romantic visions to Beatrix Potter country across the lake. You may choose to take a boat cruise or simply linger on the shore with an ice cream, watching wooden launches and swans drift by.

Browse one of Lancashire’s liveliest street markets as Ormskirk Market spills through the pedestrian lanes around the Victorian Clock Tower. Around 100 stalls sell fresh local produce, cheeses and pies, seasonal flowers, crafts, clothing and household wares, with friendly traders and a proper market-town bustle.

Trading here for centuries, Ormskirk holds a historic market charter and retains narrow alleys leading to the twin-towered church of St Peter and St Paul. Pause for coffee, sample regional specialities, and pick up gifts direct from makers — a snapshot of West Lancashire life.

Explore Liverpool on a concise city orientation taking in the Royal Albert Dock, the Pier Head and the Three Graces, and waterfront views along the Mersey. The route highlights compact districts perfect for museums, shopping and cafés.

Discover a port shaped by transatlantic trade and music. Admire neoclassical St George’s Hall and trace the city’s Beatles heritage in the Cavern Quarter. During your time in Liverpool, you may visit The Beatles Story or the British Music Experience at your own pace.