Les Dodd Pool Room

Pool halls aren't everyone's idea of a holiday highlight, but Les Dodd Pool Room in Southport is the real deal if you're after an evening of proper cue sport. It's a straightforward venue - tables, cues, chalk, and the kind of atmosphere you get in a locals' spot that's been going for years. The setup is unpretentious: you turn up, book a table, and settle in for a few frames.

This works best for groups or mates who actually play pool rather than families hoping for entertainment. Serious players will appreciate the table quality and the fact it's not some gimmicky bar with dodgy equipment. Casual players might find it a bit no-frills, but that's partly the charm. You'll want to ring ahead to check opening hours and book in advance, especially weekends.

If you're staying at Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just half a mile away, or at Riverside Holiday Park a bit further out, this gives you something to do on an evening that doesn't revolve around the amusement arcades or seafront. It's the sort of place you'd slot in after tea rather than plan your whole day around. Honest, local, and exactly what it promises - no pretence.