Wayfarers Arcade, Victorian shopping arcade on Lord Street, Southport, England.
Wayfarers Arcade is a two-story shopping center with a glass roof and decorative ironwork located on Lord Street in Southport. The building houses around thirty retail spaces with mahogany fronts across both levels, bathing the interior in natural light and creating a unified sense of space.
The building originally opened in 1898 under the name Leyland Arcade and served as a modern shopping center for its time. During World War II, the roof was painted dark to prevent bomb damage, showing how the location adapted to wartime challenges.
The building's name reflects its origins as a meeting place for travelers and merchants moving through Southport. Visitors today encounter a blend of preserved Victorian details and contemporary shops that work together to create a feeling of thoughtfully maintained commerce.
The building sits on a main street and is easy to reach on foot, with parking nearby for those arriving by car. The glass roof means the space feels bright and open in good weather while still offering shelter during rainy days.
The floor was refreshed with restored mosaic patterns made of terrazzo tiles during a major renovation, replacing the earlier asphalt layers. This handcrafted detail beneath visitors' feet connects the original design language with modern restoration techniques.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
