A ‘world class’ water park resort is set to be built in the Merseyside town of Southport, which will create over one hundred jobs and add millions to the North West economy.
And it’s only just over an our away from Greater Manchester.
The Southport Cove Resort – which is the joint project of Go Surfand Sefton Council – is set to be a state-of-the-art seafront space, which will open all year round through what the council has called a “world class wave pool at its heart”.
The surf pool will use innovative technology to create waves that are taller than two metres for accomplished surfers, and 50cm waves for those looking for a more relaxed day out, or are keen to get their practice in.
A 250-metre long beach will also be created with a 360-degree boardwalk and planted gardens.
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That’s not all though, as the resort will also be home to a wellness and spa facility, with four-star accommodation, restaurants and cafes, and indoor leisure facilities too.
A total of 120 new jobs are expected to be created, with more an annual £20 million boost to the local economy through an expected 150,000 yearly visitors.
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Southport Cove / Sefton Council
Cllr Marion Atkinson – Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills at Sefton Council – said: “Many people will remember that in 1989 the much-loved open-air swimming bath on the seafront next to Princes Park closed its doors to the public for the very last time.
“When we were doing the consultation around the Southport Town Deal, it was clear that many people still had memories of the Lido in Southport.
“This project will, in many ways, bring back a viable facility with all year-round broad visitor appeal, and strike a balance between the memory of this well-loved former attraction and a new, modern, family-oriented offer that will be unique to the region.”
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Southport Cove / Sefton Council
A spokesperson for Go Surf also said that Southport’s location and existing facilities already “lend themselves perfectly to the town becoming a true haven for water sports, indoor and outdoor attractions, and wellness”.
They added: “The town benefits greatly from the successful integration of its town centre, marine lake and seafront [so] we’re taking a world class surf pool and building a resort around it that’s far more than just a place for catching waves,
“Something that all visitors and members can enjoy on any given day of the year.
“Our aim is to create a perfect environment where people meet with friends and family, be it to lounge on the beach or in the gardens, catch some waves, relax in the spa, or just grab a coffee and a bite to eat.”
An opening date for Southport Cove is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 3 – 9 November 2025
Emily Sergeant
November is here, and the festive season is on its way.
Can you believe we’ve left October behind last week? Now that spooky season has been and gone, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Greater Manchester – especially as the annual Manchester Christmas Markets get underway this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Land of Lights 2025
Gulliver’s World
Monday 3 November – onwards
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
Alongside returning favourites, visitors can now experience all-new lanterns filled with light and colour inspired by the wonders of nature.
Skate Manchester 2025 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens, and skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
The Oast House’s popular teepee draped in twinkling lights is back for the festive season.
Complete with two roaring fires, twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws, The Teepee is made up of four tents joined together to create a huge open hub, complete with a stage area for guests to dance the night away in festive spirit.
It’s all sounding set to be a popular spot for locals and those who’ve finished a hard day at work during the autumn and winter months.
One of the greatest British sitcoms of all time is back, but this time, on stage.
50 years since it first graced our TV screens, Fawlty Towers is now a brand-new stage play adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, and it’s arriving in Manchester this week to take over the iconic Opera House stage.
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Fresh from a sold-out West End season, this laugh-out-loud production is set to bring sharp wit, chaos, and calamity at every turn.
Feeling brave? Halloween may be over but Scare City has returned to the North West with yet another ‘immersive’ horror experience, and you’ve just got one weekend left to visit.
Taking over the grounds of the abandoned Camelot Theme Park for ‘another year of terror’, just as it has done for the past four years, this year’s event features a selection of terrifying zones to weave your way through – some familiar, some brand new.
Tickets are now available to book for the last weekend at £29.50 for standard entry, or £44.50 for the ‘Gold Entry’ (both plus a booking free).
Find out more and grab tickets to this year’s event here.
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets open for 2025 this week.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites all set to line the streets of our city this year.
Visitors will be able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
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Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here.
Remembrance Sunday 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester is set to remember the fallen during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
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Just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has revealed the details of how the city will mark this important occasion.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Find out all the parade plans and road closures here.
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Meet Dr Chris at Operation Ouch!
Science and Industry Museum
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Sunday 9 November
Meet Dr Chris at Operation Ouch! / Credit: The Manc Group | Science Museum Group
Got a curious kid on your hands? Well, you can take them to meet the star of one of their favourite TV shows at the Science and Industry Museum this weekend.
In case you hadn’t heard, Operation Ouch! is back in Manchester again with a fresh new experience for 2025, and this time around, visitors can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
And now, Dr Chris Van Tulleken will be at the museum to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.
Did you see that Manchester’s libraries are set to become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi this winter?
After millions of local residents have visited the ‘stigma-free safe spaces’ to escape and take refuge from the cold each year since they were first introduced in 2022, Manchester City Council has decided to reintroduce its popular ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ scheme once again this year.
All 22 of Manchester’s public libraries are, once again, taking part in the scheme this time around.
Designed to ‘provide support to people who need it’ over some of the most challenging months of the year when temperatures drop, the Council’s scheme is offering a range of different services – and they’re all for free of charge.
Free hot drinks, WiFi and internet access, data SIM cards, and newspapers are just some of the things people can make the most of inside these ‘warm spaces’, as well as get access to information, advice, and extra signposting to other support services they made need in the city.
Just choose the base item you want to personalise, then go to town picking your favourite patches and designs from their huge selection. Once you’ve found your favourites, head over to the till to get your chosen patches ironed onto your item all ready for you to use.
This is perfect for gifting or a fun activity with friends.
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Fancy a roast dinner? Tis the season, after all.
Summer may be over, but guess what? Now that autumn is well and truly here, that means we get to wear layers, cosy up in our favourite places, and eat heartwarming plates piled high with all the major food groups.
Whether you want the likes of Banyan’s bottomless Yorkshire puddings bigger than your head, or swapping your meat out for a pie (you heard us), we’ve got something to suit everyone… you can even get dog roasts too, if you ask The Refuge nicely.
Check out our top 25 best places to head to for a perfect roast in Greater Manchester here.
Roast dinners / Credit: The Manc Group
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Roast dinner not your thing? Well how about an autumnal pizza menu instead.
The Northern Quarter’s legendary Neapolitan pizzeria Ciaooo has just released its autumn menu, and it’s everything we’ve been missing and more.
Think that signature thick crust, but topped with classic faves such as lasagne, boscaiola, and the spicy ‘King’ (which is one for the heat lovers out there). Also did we mention there’s a garlic bread fully-loaded with an entire wheel of camembert?
To make it even better, Ciaooo will be offering 30% off for the first week of November, so book in and get your pizza fix for less.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council | The Manc Group | Skate Manchester
What's On
A rave in a chippy is happening in Greater Manchester this weekend
Daisy Jackson
We have always loved a weekend trip to the chippy, but that trip might look a little different this week – because there’s a rave going on inside.
A collective of local DJs will be putting their decks alongside the fryers at one of Manchester’s top-rated fish and chip shops, Chips @ No. 8 in Prestwich.
The one-off event is part of the latest instalment of Love Dose, which has been hosting parties all over the North for more than a decade.
This week, Love Dose will be upstairs in Cuckoo until the early hours, with a number of DJs playing alongside special guest Simba.
Before the main event kicks off in Cuckoo though, they’ve announced a pre-party at Chips @ No. 8 to get warmed up.
“You’ve seen the recent trend of parties popping over in coffee shops, why not a chippy!?” they said.
Kerrie DJing at a previous Love Dose rave
Love Dose was founded back in 2012 and is run by Ste Evans, Ste Nalty and Pete Asiaw, DJs who all live around Prestwich.
They said: “We’ve always loved the vibe at Chips@No8 and thought it would be a great pre party spot.”
Previous Love Dose events have taken place everywhere from warehouses and rooftops to disused car garages and even a prison.
They’ve also appeared in legendary local venues like Hidden, Ramona and The White Hotel (before it was known as The White Hotel).
Once they finish with the chippy rave, it’ll be over to Cuckoo to dance into the early hours.
Love Dose is promising quality beats to go with your batter from 5pm til 8pm on Saturday 1 November.
Emily Sergeant -
29th October 2020 
