Fernley Drinking Fountain, opposite 34 Promenade

The Fernley Drinking Fountain, located opposite 34 Promenade in Southport, is a Grade II listed structure built in 1861. This Victorian-style fountain features eclectic design elements, including some Gothic details. It stands approximately 1 meter square and 3 meters high, consisting of a square pillar surrounded by free-standing colonettes made of polished granite, which have white marble feet and foliated sandstone capitals. The entire structure is set on a low plinth.

The colonettes support a solid stone, semi-circular canopy with deep cornicing and a fish-scaled roof, topped by a large central finial. Each face of the central pillar has a sunken panel, with the east side featuring a projecting semi-circular marble bowl. The north face displays a deeply carved lily, with bands that carry the inscription: "The gift of / John Fernley / for the use of the / lifeboat crew / & fishermen / of Southport / erected AD 1861." The fountain is elevated on a square pavement about 2 meters square, which is enclosed by reproduction iron railings based on a historic photograph.

Originally, the pillar also supported a thermometer, weathervane, and barometer, and it was first located about 110 meters to the northeast of its current position, directly opposite the entrance to the pier, in what is now the middle of the road. The fountain also bears an inscription noting its restoration in 1995.