Location Reviews: Southport
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very boring place for spotting. The most entertaining thing you can do here is get on a 156 and bash it to the Manchester Airport.
Range of units unremarkable - mainly DMUs (142s, 150s, 156s, occasional 158s) on the Southport/Wigan/Manchester line (Northern Rail services) and EMUs (507s, 508s) on the Southport/Hunts Cross (Merseyrail) line.
Plenty of departures: Merseyrail services departing every 15mins Mon-Sat until about 2300 hours; Northern Rail services departing about twice an hour Mon-Sat. On the station itself, best viewing probably to be found on platforms 2-4.
Ample but expensive parking in the NCP adjacent to the station. For cheaper parking try nearby Asda or Waitrose car parks, but you might have to buy something to get free parking! Location indicated here: http://www.merseyrail.org/images/areamaps/60.gif
Access: as with most major Merseyrail-operated stations now, access to platforms is by TICKET-OPERATED BARRIER ONLY (unless you have a travel pass/dog/pram etc). This includes getting off the platform as well as on.
Alternative viewing to be found on the roof level of Waitrose car park (access via Tulketh Street), from where you'll get a "bird's eye" view of the station. You may need a pair of binoculars if you're taking numbers though.
Catering: Southport station is on Chapel Street - one of Southport's major shopping streets. In the station itself is access to Marks & Spencer, Wilkinson, Holland and Barret. Nearby is Waterfield's bakery (London Road) for excellent pastries. Also nearby are KFC and McDonalds (Eastbank Street), numerous respectable pubs (O'Neils - London Road; The Albert - opposite station taxi rank). Chippy to be found opposite station taxi rank. Facilities in the station itself are fairly poor - a couple of cash points, some disgraceful toilets etc.
Other notes: if you want some more interesting spotting opportunities take the train to Wigan Wallgate and walk over to Wigan North Western. Similarly, take the train to Liverpool Moorfields, change for Lime Street - lots more interesting units there.