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Location notes
Southport is a seaside town situated north-west of Liverpool.
Railway type and traffic
Merseyrail's fleet of Class 507 and 508 EMUs operate towards Liverpool and Hunts Cross at 15-munute intervals during Monday - Saturday and on summer Sundays, although the frequency is shortened somewhat to 30-minute intervals on Sundays during winter.
Northern Rail operate trains towards Manchester and Wigan and changing intervals (normally 45-minutes). General DMUs found operating this route are: 142s, 150/1s, 150/2s and 156s.
Environment
The station is situated in the centre of the town. The general atmosphere is very safe and pleasant, however the station is extremely busy during sunny days in the summer when families come from Liverpool and Wirral for days out.
The station itself boasts 6 platforms, all of which are far longer than train lengths so photographing is easy.
Road directions
The station is situated on Chapel Street, which is just across from the towns major road, Lord Street. Finding the station concourse is straightforward.
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Parking
There is a large car park found in the Chapel Street side of the station. Parking is generally fine; spaces are rarely full.
Public transport
Merseyrail operate trains from Liverpool at 15-minute intervals. The trip from Liverpool Lime Street is slightly complex to begin with. First, head to the Merseyrail Lime Street platform, then board any Wirral line train from here (whether to New Brighton, West Kirby, Chester, Hooton, Rock Ferry, Ellesmere Port or something else) and travel one stop to Liverpool Central. Then climb the escalators to concourse level and then head down the escalators leading to the Northern Line platforms. Southport-bound trains depart from Platform 1 or 2 there.
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Amenities
Sausage Roll shops, Macdonalds, Chip shops and caf�s are available close to the station. There is an arcade within 5 minutes walk away, and a very pleasant pier to walk along.
Accommodation
There are several Bed and Breakfasts located within five minutes drive of the station.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Southport
Googly map
Streetmap links
Southport general view map
Southport close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Southport
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
Since there is an overall roof, photographing from inside the main station poses few problems. The opportunity to stand at the end of the platform which is outside the roof is better done during more dismal days as the light can cause darkened shots.
General views - All photographs © James Rawlinson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Platform 1
A unit waiting to leave for hunts Cross
Fig 2 - Looking south east
A unit arrives at Southport from Hunts Cross.
Fig 3 - Platform 3
A unit stands in Platform 4.
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