3-074-538 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The British Association at Southport: the Sands and Pier, 1883. 'In front of the Promenade, from the Convalescent Hospital to the Pier, besides a New Promenade, turning from it at an angle to get nearer the sea, the vast space of smooth dry sand, at low tide, is a magnificent ground for walking or riding. With a strong wind, boats on wheels sail over this sand. High tide converts it daily into a safe bathing-place, with the aid of "machines," and sea boating is then available; by the Pier, however, nearly 1500 yards long, with a spacious end platform, and with a tramway carrying passengers the whole length, one can always reach the sea. Fine distant views of the mountains of Wales, of Cumberland and Westmoreland, with sunset effects of unsurpassed brilliancy, are obtained from the Pier and from the Promenades, which latter form a continuous seaside drive of 2600 yards, wide and well paved, open to the full afternoon and evening sunshine, and quite sheltered on the eastern side, with stately buildings adjacent'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.