If you’re planning a day trip to Southport, there are a few non-negotiables. A stroll along the pier, a wander around Lord Street, maybe an ice cream if the weather behaves. But for us, no visit to this classic seaside town is complete without proper, traditional fish and chips, and that’s where The Swan comes in. If you want proof of its sheer deliciousness, it was voted the Best Fish & Chip Shop in the North in 2025 by Delicious magazine.
Tucked away just off the main drag, The Swan Fish and Chip Shop in Southport is exactly the kind of place day-trippers hope to discover. It’s not flashy, it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, and it definitely isn’t interested in small portions or fancy gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing very well: excellent, old-school fish and chips.
A Classic Chippy Experience in Southport
From the moment you walk in, The Swan feels reassuringly familiar. The smell of fresh batter, the hum of conversation, the clink of vinegar bottles .This is a traditional British chip shop through and through. For visitors exploring the North West coast, that authenticity is part of the appeal.
This is the kind of place where locals queue alongside tourists, which is always a good sign when you’re deciding where to eat on a day out. There’s no sense of being rushed, even when it’s busy, and the staff are friendly in that no-nonsense chippy way that feels refreshingly genuine.
The Fish: Fresh, Crispy, and Generous
Let’s get straight to the star of the show: the fish. The Swan serves up beautifully cooked cod and haddock, coated in a light, crispy batter that’s golden rather than greasy. Crack it open and you’ll find flaky, steaming fish inside – exactly what you want after a bracing walk along the seafront.
Portion sizes are generous (another win for hungry day-trippers), and the fish holds its crunch even if you decide to take it away and eat it on the promenade. That’s no small feat in the world of takeaway fish and chips.
Chips Done the Right Way
A fish supper lives or dies by its chips, and The Swan doesn’t disappoint. These are proper chippy chips – thick-cut, fluffy in the middle, and just crisp enough on the outside. They’re clearly freshly cooked, not reheated or sitting around, and they soak up salt and vinegar beautifully.
If you’re visiting Southport with family, the portion sizes make The Swan particularly appealing. One large chips can easily be shared, making it a great value stop during a full day of exploring.
Traditional Extras That Complete the Meal
One of the joys of visiting a traditional fish and chip shop in Southport is indulging in the extras, and The Swan ticks all the right boxes. Mushy peas are rich and comforting, gravy is thick and satisfying, and curry sauce fans won’t be disappointed either.
There’s also a solid range of classic chippy favourites beyond fish such as sausages, fish cakes, and pies, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for groups with different tastes.
Perfect for a Southport Day Trip
What really makes The Swan stand out for us at NorthWestDayTrips is how well it fits into a Southport day out itinerary. It’s close enough to the town centre to be convenient, but far enough from the busiest tourist spots to feel like a genuine local find.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch between attractions or picking up tea before heading home, it’s an ideal stop that doesn’t eat into your exploring time. Take it away, find a bench near the marine lake or beach, and you’ve got yourself one of the simplest and best seaside meals going.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit Chippy in Southport
If you’re searching for the best fish and chips in Southport, The Swan absolutely deserves a place on your list. It delivers everything you want from a traditional British fish and chip shop: quality ingredients, generous portions, friendly service, and that comforting sense of nostalgia that pairs perfectly with a seaside day trip.
For North West day-trippers who believe a visit to the coast should always include fish and chips done properly, The Swan is well worth the stop. No fuss, no frills, just great food and a reminder of why this classic dish never goes out of style.
The Swan Fish and Chip Shop, 52-54 Stanley St, Southport PR9 0BS
North West Day Trips 