Riverside Holiday Park

Riverside Holiday Park sits just outside Southport, Lancashire, offering caravan and camping pitches for those after a proper base for exploring the North West coast. It's the sort of place where you pitch up, unhitch, and settle in for a few days rather than a quick stop-off. The park itself caters to caravans and motorhomes, with the usual facilities you'd expect - though specific amenities depend on current management and season, so phoning ahead is wise before you book.

For families, this works best if you've got your own transport or are happy staying put between trips to Southport's seafront and the Pine Wood Forest walks nearby. Solo travellers and couples might find it quieter than busier holiday parks, which is either a selling point or a drawback depending on your mood. Children will appreciate the space to move about without the amusement arcade crush of some larger sites.

The real appeal is the location. You're close enough to Southport's sandy beaches and Victorian pier without being trapped in seafront traffic, yet still have access to Lancashire's quieter inland attractions. The nearby Leisure Lakes Caravan and Camping Centre - just under a mile away - offers similar facilities if Riverside's full, and Four Seasons Glamping provides a fancier alternative if you fancy glamping over traditional caravanning.

Admission and specific opening information would need confirming directly, as details weren't current at our last check. Allow a couple of days minimum to make the most of the surrounding area.