Formby Beach, Merseyside
Conserved by The National Trust, Formby Beach has to be seen to be believed. With fine sand, dramatic dunes and fringed by pine trees, it offers endless space, so even on busy days the beach won’t feel too overcrowded. There’s not an awful lot here other than sea and sand so come well prepared with picnic, bucket and spade and all your other beach essentials. It’s also a good idea to bring a windbreak or tent to protect you from the elements, as there is little shade to be found once you’re on the beach and it can get very windy. Don’t miss a walk through the stunning woodland; just one of the few places in the UK where you might see endangered red squirrels. Parking costs £6 (Cash only) or is free with a National Trust membership.
For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby
St. Bees Beach
A beautiful beach with pebbles, sand and rock pools.There is a short walk along a concrete path to the south but far better is to make the climb up on to St Bees Head and look out on to a spectacular, vicious Irish Sea to the north and west. Nice play park above the beach ideal for kids and an area to exercise dogs.
For more information visit http://www.stbees.org.uk/facilities/beaches.html
St Anne's Beach, Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire
St Anne’s offers all you could want for a day trip to the seaside with plenty of activities for small children and a vast sandy beach, which at low tide seems to go on forever. The Victorian Pier provides a stunning backdrop to this traditional resort and has all the usual amusements, shops and food places. A lot of money has been invested into revamping this place and it really does show. We spent a lovely spring day here earlier this year, with a picnic on the beach, paddling, trampolines, miniature train, adventure playground and a free splash pool around the bandstand – which we couldn’t get our toddler out of! Ample parking and if you can get a space on the road, there’s no charge. Exceeded all expectations.
For more information visit www.visitlythamstannes.co.uk
Ainsdale Beach, Merseyside
This is such a vast expanse of beach. So big, in fact that there’s even a car park on the sand! If you fancy a paddle it’s quite a long walk down to the shoreline (5 minutes) but kids generally love the open space, soft sand and beach game potential, plus it has some remarkable dunes, which form part of a nature reserve. Not much else here other than a snack bar, ice cream van and toilet facilities, but that’s one of its merits. If you want a little more action head over to nearby Southport for its Victorian charm, boating lake, model railway and funfair. For more information visit www.visitsouthport.com
West Kirby Beach
West kirby is always a good place to visit plenty of walks on the sand dunes and red rocks as well as the beach Wonderful any time of the year different scenery ever time. Beautiful views over the Dee estuary to North Wales and Hilbre island. Sand, dunes, walkways .... Marine lake with boating facilities, cafes to buy ice creams, coffee or lunch...shops to browse for fun and a lovely atmosphere. Summertime - donkey rides on the beach. A love;y bracing walk around the marine lake, especially exciting when the tide comes in and covers the causeway... you'd better be quick!
For more information visit https://www.visitwirral.com/things-to-do/west-kirby-beach-p243111
