Think of Southport and images of the traditional seaside are likely to spring to mind, writes Helen Cartwright.

And while this North West destination has all the usual trimmings, including the long and surprisingly well kept pier and fairground rides, if you look a little deeper there is far more to this resort than many of its rival seaside destinations.

With boutique bars and hotels starting to spring up and an events calendar that would keep even the most seasoned socialite busy, there really is something for anyone and everyone in the town dubbed “England’s Classic Resort”.

It boasts its own food and drink festival and international jazz festival every May, while visitors will be raising their eyes to the skies for the Southport Air Show which is expected to attract 100,000 people in September.

Lord Street in Southport

Add in a popular flower show every summer and the annual British Musical Fireworks Championships in October, and it becomes clear how much there is to do for anyone thinking of taking a trip up north – and that’s before you even think of grabbing a bag of fish and chips.

In keeping with its seaside status, there are an array of places to stay, from traditional bed and breakfasts to grand hotels facing onto the tree-lined Lord Street boulevard. But those looking for something special could do worse than look towards the Vincent Hotel, a boutique hotel which still looks as pristine today as when it first welcomed customers two years ago.

Guest rooms have impressively original features such as Japanese-style soaking baths and, instead of curtains, sliding walls with huge printed pictures.

The Ramada Hotel on the waterfront in Southport

And its restaurant, the V-Café and Sushi Bar, is a hit with hotel guests and locals alike.

As the name suggests, the unusual menu offers an eclectic range of classics such as sirloin steak and béarnaise sauce, belly of pork, fish and chips and liver and bacon with a wide range of Japanese sushi platters (including vegetarian alternatives), and the talented chefs pull off the global culinary tour with aplomb.

Indeed, it seems it is hard not to eat well in Southport. Other restaurants of note, other than the ubiquitous fish and chip restaurants, include The Wine Cellar, a tapas bar located in the former subterranean gents’ toilets on Lord Street – much nicer than it sounds – and the stylish Fifty One, offering a range of Italian-inspired fish and pasta dishes.

Suitably refreshed, there is plenty on offer for people looking to shop in Southport including the aforementioned Lord Street packed full of designer outlets and the popular Wayfarers Arcade which boasts a Victorian domed glass roof that is well worth the visit alone.

Southport's spectacular Hesketh Park

Down on the beach – because of the shifting coastline, the miles of golden sand can now be found a few hundred metres from the old promenade – visitors can try their hand at traditional penny slot machines situated at the end of the pier. At nearly a mile in length it offers spectacular views along the coast, from Blackpool to the mountains of North Wales. It is also the second longest pier in the UK, and those who don’t fancy the walk can hop on board the pier’s very own tram.

And as with any seaside resort there are plenty of modern day family amusements on offer, including the New Pleasureland which offers funfair-style rides for those daring enough to try them.

And if you tire of the beach attractions there are plenty of other options including 10-pin bowling, a miniature lakeside railway, go-karting, crazy golf and pitch and putt.

Alternatively, hop in the car (or better still, rent a bicycle – Southport is very flat) and head off to the town’s spectacular Hesketh Park or the picturesque Botanic Gardens found in the nearby Churchtown and work up an appetite for all that fine food.

Travel Facts:

• The pier is open weekdays from 11am-5pm and weekends 10am-7pm
• Rooms at the Vincent start from £79
• Southport’s Botanic Gardens are open from dawn till dusk
• See www.visitsouthport.com for more details