The Stamford

The clatter of gulls and the salt-laced breeze from the Irish Sea drift through Southport's elegant Victorian streets, and The Stamford sits right in the heart of it all — a proper guest house with a camping pod tucked into the grounds for those after something a bit different.

This one's for couples exploring Southport's pier and beaches, small families wanting a base near the Sefton Coast dunes, or anyone fancying the flexibility of a pod stay without straying too far from town comforts. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, so worth asking when you book if you're travelling with a four-legged friend. The year-round opening means it suits weekend breaks in any season — winter walks along the promenade or summer days on the sand.

You've got the choice between traditional guest house rooms and the pod if you prefer your own space with a camping feel but none of the canvas damp. Campfires need checking on arrival, so have a word when you get there. It's a straightforward, welcoming setup — nothing wild or remote, just a comfortable spot in a classic seaside town with good bones and plenty to potter around.