Southport Flower Show: the ultimate 2025 guide (dates, tickets, parking, dog‑friendly tips & more)

Southport Flower Show 2025

If you’re planning a summer day out, Southport Flower Show is one of the UK’s must‑visit events—four days of spectacular show gardens, the Grand Floral Marquee, celebrity chefs and garden experts, family entertainment, and hundreds of shopping stalls right by the coast. In 2025 the show runs Thursday 14th August to Sunday 17th August at Victoria Park, Southport, with public opening 10:00–18:00 (Sunday until 17:00).

Southport Flower Show is widely recognised as the UK’s largest independent flower show, with roots back to 1924 and run today by a registered charity—proof that this is a serious celebration of gardening with a big community heart.


Southport Flower Show 2025 dates & opening times (any‑day tickets explained)

  • Dates: Thu 14th – Sun 17th August 2025

  • Times: 10:00–18:00 (Thu–Sat), 10:00–17:00 (Sun)

  • Flexible tickets: Any‑day tickets can be used on one show day of your choice.
    These details come directly from the show’s 2025 information. Always check the official site before you travel for late changes.


Southport Flower Show tickets 2025 (prices, kids go free, local discounts)

  • Under‑16s go FREE with a paying adult—no ticket required for the child.

  • Any‑day / early‑bird tickets are sold online; on‑the‑gate prices are higher.

  • Local residents (PR8/PR9) can buy discounted tickets in advance from selected Southport outlets (e.g., The Atkinson).
    For 2025, the show and local partners confirm free entry for children and resident discount details; buy early to save.


Is Southport Flower Show dog‑friendly in 2025?

Yes. The show has confirmed it’s dog‑friendly this year. Well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and the show’s social channels have stated up to two dogs per booking. If your pet is nervous in crowds, consider quieter times (early or late).


How to get to Southport Flower Show (train, shuttle, walk, parking & park & ride)

Getting to Southport Flower Show by train (Merseyrail, nearest stations)

  • Merseyrail runs frequent services to Southport from Liverpool. On show days there’s a Route 27 shuttle bus from Southport station to the showground running about every 15 minutes.

  • Birkdale station is actually the closest station to Victoria Park—about an 8–10 minute walk if you prefer to skip the shuttle.
    These transport options are updated each year by operators—check on the day for final timings.

Southport Flower Show parking & park and ride (Princes Park & Birkdale Common)

Event parking is clearly signposted on approach to Southport, with park & ride style public parking traditionally operated at Princes Park and Birkdale Common for a fixed day rate. Pricing and locations can vary year‑to‑year, so follow the live event signage and official guidance on arrival.

Coach & accessible parking

Coach parking is beside the Southport Eco Visitor Centre, and the site works with Event Mobility to provide pre‑bookable mobility scooter and wheelchair hire (collection at the Eco Centre / disabled car park). Book early as slots go quickly.


Where is Southport Flower Show held? (address & entrances)

  • Venue: Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport PR8 2BZ (park address).

  • You’ll also see PR8 1RX associated with the show—this is used in some official contacts and is the Eco Centre / parking postcode for arrivals.
    Look for event wayfinding and steward directions around Rotten Row and the Marine Drive end of town.


What to see at Southport Flower Show 2025 (highlights & not‑to‑miss areas)

Show gardens & the Grand Floral Marquee (best photo spots)

The show gardens deliver the wow factor—compact, high‑impact designs judged across the four days—while the Grand Floral Marquee gathers specialist growers with rare plants, expert advice and prize‑winning displays. Expect hands‑on tips from TV gardeners and popular presenters each day.

Celebrity chefs, cookery theatre & food village

From TV favourites to local culinary stars, the Cookery Theatre serves up demos and tastings throughout the weekend, with a bustling food marquee and artisan producers to browse between sessions.

Family entertainment & kids’ activities (under‑16s go free)

Beyond flowers, families will find arena entertainment (from falconry to dog displays and show‑jumping), live music and a growing programme just for children—including a children’s trail in 2025. With under‑16s free, it’s one of the region’s best‑value summer days out.

Shopping village (plants, home & garden, gifts)

Bring a foldable trolley if you plan to buy plants—300+ traders typically attend, covering plants, tools, decor and unique gifts you won’t find on the high street. Many traders can arrange plant creche or collection later in the day.


Accessibility at Southport Flower Show (flat site, facilities & hire)

Victoria Park is predominantly flat with wide pathways and step‑free access across the showground. Accessible toilets are provided, and Event Mobility runs pre‑bookable scooter and wheelchair hire on site. If you require close‑drop parking, follow the disabled parking signage to the Eco Centre area on arrival.


Food & drink at the show (bring a water bottle!)

You’ll find plenty of food options—from street‑food and artisan stalls to sit‑down areas near the main marquees. There’s also a dedicated food marquee where independent producers sell everything from cheeses to bakes and preserves. Refillable water bottles are helpful for August heat.


Is Southport Flower Show covered if it rains?

A substantial portion of the experience is under marquee cover (including the Grand Floral Marquee and large indoor areas), which makes the show enjoyable even in changeable weather—handy for British summers.


One‑day itinerary: how to see the best bits

  1. Be there for opening (10:00) to beat queues and get marquee photos before it’s busy.

  2. Head straight to the Show Gardens for morning light and shorter lines.

  3. Grand Floral Marquee late morning for expert chats, then lunch near the Cookery Theatre.

  4. Afternoon: Arena entertainment / Garden Theatre session, then shopping village for plants and gifts.

  5. Last hour: Plant pick‑ups and golden‑hour photos around Rotten Row.


Practical tips for 2025 visitors

  • Book tickets in advance to save money; kids under 16 go free with an adult.

  • Use Merseyrail + shuttle to avoid traffic; or walk from Birkdale (≈8–10 minutes).

  • Dog‑friendly this year: keep dogs on a short lead and bring water/booties if it’s hot.

  • Mobility support: pre‑book scooters/wheelchairs with Event Mobility.

  • Check parking signs on the day for Princes Park/Birkdale Common options and day rates.


Where to stay near Southport Flower Show (walkable picks)

Southport has a spread of hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of Victoria Park and Lord Street. For those basing in Liverpool, hotels promote the show as an easy day trip by train via Merseyrail.


Final checks before you go

  1. Tickets on your phone (and photo ID if using a resident discount). 2) Comfy shoes for grass and paths. 3) Reusable bottle and sunscreen. 4) Fold‑flat tote or plant trolley for purchases. 5) Lead, water & shade plan if you’re bringing a dog.

Have a brilliant time—see you among the dahlias!


Southport Flower Show 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Southport Flower Show 2025 and where is it held?
A: Southport Flower Show 2025 runs from Thursday 14 August to Sunday 17 August at Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport (PR8).

Q: What time does Southport Flower Show open and close each day?
A: Gates typically open from 10:00 and close around 18:00 (Sunday often finishes earlier). Always check the official schedule before travelling.

Q: How much are Southport Flower Show tickets and do prices increase on the gate?
A: Buying tickets online in advance is usually cheaper; gate prices are often higher and subject to availability.

Q: Do children go free at Southport Flower Show?
A: Yes—under‑16s generally go free with a paying adult (confirm the year’s policy on the official site before you visit).

Q: Is Southport Flower Show dog‑friendly?
A: Yes—well‑behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Bring water and plan shade breaks during hot weather.

Q: What’s the best day to visit Southport Flower Show to avoid crowds?
A: Mornings on Thursday and Friday are typically quieter than peak times on Saturday and Sunday.

Q: How do I get to Southport Flower Show by train or public transport?
A: Take Merseyrail or Northern services to Southport; shuttle buses usually run from the station. Birkdale station is also within walking distance of Victoria Park.

Q: Where can I park for Southport Flower Show and is there park & ride?
A: Event parking and signposted park‑and‑ride options are provided around the showground. Follow event signage and check live updates on the day.

Q: Is Southport Flower Show accessible for wheelchair users and is mobility scooter hire available?
A: The site is largely flat with accessible facilities. Pre‑book mobility scooter or wheelchair hire where available, as slots can sell out.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drink into Southport Flower Show?
A: Picnics are generally allowed, but there are also plenty of food stalls and a food village on site.

Q: Can I leave Southport Flower Show and re‑enter later in the day?
A: Same‑day re‑entry is often allowed with a valid hand‑stamp/wristband—confirm at the gate when you arrive.

Q: What can I see at Southport Flower Show—what are the highlights?
A: Show gardens, the Grand Floral Marquee, gardening talks, celebrity chefs, arena entertainment, family activities and a large shopping village.

Q: Are there plant crèche or collection points for purchases?
A: A plant crèche/collection service is typically provided so you can shop hands‑free and collect items later.

Q: What should I wear to Southport Flower Show and what should I bring?
A: Comfortable shoes for grass and pathways, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen/rain jacket depending on the forecast, and a foldable tote or plant trolley.

Q: Does Southport Flower Show go ahead if it rains?
A: Yes—many areas are under cover (especially the Grand Floral Marquee), so the show is enjoyable in mixed weather.

Q: Do traders take cash or card at Southport Flower Show?
A: Most accept cards, but bring a small amount of cash as a backup for smaller stalls.

Q: Are there baby‑changing and family facilities at Southport Flower Show?
A: Yes—look for family facilities on the site map and ask stewards for the nearest baby‑changing points.

Q: Can I get a refund or change the day on my Southport Flower Show ticket?
A: Refunds and exchanges depend on the year’s ticket terms; check the official ticket policy before purchasing.

Q: What hotels are near Southport Flower Show and can I walk from town?
A: Many hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance of Victoria Park and Lord Street; book early for the best rates.

Q: What else can I do in Southport after the Flower Show?
A: Explore the Pier and Promenade, Marine Lake activities, Lord Street shopping and the beach—great for making a full day or weekend of it.

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