Formby Beach
- Jennifer Kozyra
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
If you're looking for one of the best beach days in the North West, Formby Beach should be high on your list. Just a short drive from Liverpool, this beautiful stretch of coastline feels a world away from city life. With miles of golden sand, dramatic dunes, coastal pine woods and breathtaking views across the Irish Sea, it's easy to see why so many families return year after year
Sandy Beach, Red Squirrels and Pack a Picnic
Top Info
🏖️Sandy beach: Yes
🚻Toilets: Yes, near the main car parks
☕Café: Food and drink outlets are in the car parks during peak periods
🥪 Bring a picnic
🚗Parking: Pay-and-display parking available, free for National Trust members
🕐Arrive early on a sunny day as car parks get full
🏄♂️Lifeguard: No
🐕Dog friendly: Yes, seasonal restrictions may apply in some areas to protect wildlife and nesting birds
🌍Formby Bypass, Liverpool L37 8
📍Roughly 1 hour from Knutsford
🚗Where to Park
📍National Trust Car Park Victoria Road, Formby, L37 1YH
If the main car park if full try street parking on Victoria Road: limited, fills early on busy days. Walk from the road to the beach is about 20 minutes on the path.
Download the NT app to pre book parking ahead of time.
Formby Beach pops into most people's minds when wanting a simple beach day. It has a real natural beauty that makes it feel like you've stepped off a plane in a far-flung destination rather than arrived at a beach just outside Liverpool. It feels a world away from the traditional seaside resorts on this list. There are no piers, arcades or fairground rides here, just towering sand dunes, pine woods and a vast stretch of beach.
Managed by the National Trust, Formby is easy to access and, despite its popularity on sunny days, there's usually plenty of room to find your own spot. Part of the appeal is the journey from the car park. A walk through the dunes and pine forest creates a sense of escape long before you reach the shoreline. Keep an eye out for the area's famous red squirrels as you make your way through the woods.
Once you emerge onto the beach, you'll find sweeping coastal views, lapping waves and endless space for paddling, kite flying, beach games or simply relaxing in the sunshine.
What I love most about Formby is its simplicity. Our children have spent hours digging in the sand, jumping over the waves and inventing games of their own. As a parent, there's something special about watching them enjoy a day that doesn't rely on expensive attractions or elaborate plans. Sometimes the simplest days out are the most memorable, and Formby is a perfect example.
Must-do activity
Pack a picnic and make a day of it. There are no cafés directly on the beach, so a cool box, blanket and plenty of snacks are essential. Bring a good book, don't forget the bucket and spade, and settle in for a few hours by the sea.
During peak season you'll usually find food and drink vans near the main car parks, perfect for grabbing a coffee, ice cream or light bite before or after your beach visit. On warm days, it's worth arriving early as the car parks can fill up quickly.
Check out my Full Guide of Beaches within 90 mins from Cheshire Click Here
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