What could be better than a nostalgic day at the seaside?
The smell of fish and chips lingers in the air, bolshy seagulls squawk over flyaway bits of batter, and the jingle of arcade machines and shrieks of excited children riding a carousel can be heard all around.
But Southport has something for everyone. There's a long strip of high street stores and an impressive Waterstones I can never resist popping into on my way back to the train station. Heading towards the pier, there's countless shops selling icons of the British seaside. There's ice cream of all flavours, from Malteser, Biscoff and Snickers to Jammy Dodger, Easter Egg, Cherry Cola and even Irn-Bru.
On my first visit to Southport, a stranger said hello to me so warmly, I was sure she'd mistaken me for someone she knew, only to continue wandering about and receive similar greetings and well wishes all day. The friendliness has proved to be a trademark on every subsequent venture to Southport since.
I tossed the seagull a few from my tray and Flanders turned to me, staring at me and instantly sitting with a level of determined intensity he normally struggles with, his little moustache quivering as he tried desperately to remain still. I rewarded him with a coveted chip.
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