Top 10 Beaches in Liverpool for a Coastal Escape
Liverpool may be famed for its iconic music scene and buzzing nightlife, but beyond the city’s historic docks and cathedrals lies a surprising coastal escape. Just a stone’s throw from the heart of the action, you’ll find golden sands, whispering dunes, and panoramic views that promise the perfect blend of serenity and style. Whether you're drawn to hypnotic iron figures standing sentinel at Crosby Beach or enchanted by the pine-fringed wilderness of Formby, Liverpool’s beaches offer a refreshing counterpoint to urban life.
So, grab your sunglasses, slap on the sun cream, and let this guide lead you through the best beaches in and around Liverpool—where sea air, scenic views, and coastal charm await.
1. Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach in Liverpool is one of the most famous coastal spots, thanks to its striking iron men statues created by artist Antony Gormley. The beach provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection while watching the sunset. Swimming isn't advised due to strong currents, but the expansive sands make it perfect for walking and photography.
Location: Waterloo, Liverpool
Activities: Walking, photography, art appreciation
Unique Feature: Home to the famous Antony Gormley’s 'Another Place' sculptures
2. Liverpool Formby Beach
Liverpool Formby Beach is a stunning coastal escape, offering golden dunes, pine woodlands, and breathtaking sea views. Managed by the National Trust, this picturesque beach is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and spotting wildlife, including the rare red squirrels in the nearby woods. At low tide, you might even spot prehistoric footprints in the sand. With ample space, it’s an ideal spot for family picnics and dog walks.
Location: Waterloo, Liverpool
Activities: Walking, sunbathing, nature spotting, picnicking
Unique Feature: Home to red squirrels and ancient human footprints
3. West Kirby Beach
West Kirby Beach is a favourite among water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing being popular activities. This sandy beach offers stunning views of the Dee Estuary and North Wales. A standout feature is the walk to Hilbre Island at low tide—a unique experience where you can spot seals and seabirds. The town itself is home to charming cafés, perfect for a post-beach treat.
Location: West Kirby, Wirral
Activities: Windsurfing, paddleboarding, walking, island exploring
Unique Feature: Walkable access to Hilbre Island at low tide
4. New Brighton Beach
New Brighton Beach is a family-friendly spot known for its long promenade, funfair attractions, and great fish and chip shops. With plenty of open space, it’s perfect for beach games, paddling, and picnicking. The nearby Fort Perch Rock and lighthouse add to the seaside charm, making it an excellent place for history lovers. On clear days, you can even spot Liverpool’s skyline across the River Mersey.
Location: New Brighton, Wirral
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, exploring historic sites
Unique Feature: Fort Perch Rock and panoramic city views
5. Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale Beach is one of the few beaches in the UK where kite buggies and sand yachts are officially allowed, making it a haven for thrill-seekers. The vast sandy stretch is also great for horse riding, beachcombing, and nature walks. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Ainsdale's dunes are home to rare wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Location: Ainsdale, near Southport
Activities: Kite buggying, sand yachting, horse riding, nature walks
Unique Feature: One of the best beaches for extreme sports
Southport Beach
Southport Beach boasts one of the longest piers in the UK, offering incredible sea views and classic seaside charm. The large sandy expanse is perfect for picnics, flying kites, and collecting seashells. When the tide is out, it can seem like the sea stretches miles away! The beach is also close to Pleasure land, an amusement park filled with fun rides and attractions for families.
Location: Southport, Merseyside
Activities: Pier walks, amusement park fun, kite flying
Unique Feature: Home to Southport Pier and Pleasure land amusement park
7. Thurstaston Beach
Thurstaston Beach is a hidden gem along the Wirral coastline, offering dramatic cliffs, quiet sands, and scenic walking trails. This peaceful retreat is a favourite for dog walkers and those looking to escape the busier beaches in Liverpool. Overlooking the Dee Estuary, it’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and capturing stunning sunsets.
Location: Thurstaston, Wirral
Activities: Walking, birdwatching, photography
Unique Feature: Dramatic coastal cliffs with stunning estuary views
8. Meols Beach
Meols Beach is a quiet and picturesque spot, perfect for a relaxing stroll along the shore. It’s well-known for its windsurfers and sailing activities, thanks to the strong coastal breeze. The beach is also a fantastic place for collecting seashells, and at low tide, you can see the remains of ancient wooden structures emerging from the sand.
Location: Meols, Wirral
Activities: Windsurfing, sailing, beachcombing
Unique Feature: Remnants of ancient wooden structures visible at low tide
9. Moreton Beach
Moreton Beach is a quiet and lesser-known beach in Liverpool’s surrounding area, perfect for those who want a peaceful retreat. The beach is excellent for rock pooling, birdwatching, and fishing. It’s also home to Leasowe Lighthouse, which dates back to 1763, adding a touch of history to your beach day.
Location: Moreton, Wirral
Activities: Rock pooling, birdwatching, fishing
Unique Feature: Leasowe Lighthouse – one of Britain’s oldest brick lighthouses
10. Hightown Beach
Hightown Beach is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot between Formby and Crosby. This beach in Liverpool is less developed, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful coastal escape. It’s a great place for scenic walks and offers fantastic views across the Mersey estuary. The beach is backed by dunes, making it feel more secluded than some of the busier beaches in Liverpool.
Location: Hightown, Liverpool
Activities: Walking, relaxing, nature appreciation
Unique Feature: Secluded, peaceful atmosphere
What to Pack for a Liverpool Beach Day
Embarking on a beach day adventure near Liverpool? Well, sunseekers and seaside adventurers, it's time to pack your bags with both essentials and a touch of flair. Here’s your ultimate checklist:
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Yes, even in the UK, sunscreen is a must! While Liverpool isn’t known for tropical weather, summer days can bring unexpected heat, and even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen to keep your skin protected and a stylish pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes while adding a touch of flair to your seaside look.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket: British beaches are known for their refreshing coastal breezes, and even on sunny days, the wind can be surprisingly brisk. A lightweight windbreaker or jacket will keep you warm when the temperatures dip in the evening or if the sea breeze picks up. Opt for a waterproof option in case of an unexpected drizzle—after all, this is the UK!
Picnic Essentials: Nothing beats enjoying a meal by the sea, so pack your picnic basket with your favourite snacks and drinks. Many beaches in Liverpool, including Formby Beach Liverpool, have scenic spots for a relaxing lunch with ocean views. If you’d rather travel light, several cafés and beachside kiosks near New Brighton and Southport offer everything from fresh fish and chips to artisan ice cream. A picnic blanket or foldable beach chairs will make your seaside dining experience even more comfortable.
Camera: A day at the beach wouldn’t be complete without capturing the stunning coastal scenery. Crosby Beach Liverpool is particularly photogenic, thanks to Antony Gormley’s striking Another Place sculptures, which look especially mesmerising at sunset. Meanwhile, Liverpool Formby Beach offers breathtaking views of sand dunes and red squirrel woodland trails. Whether you're snapping pictures for Instagram or simply preserving memories, don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone with enough storage for all those scenic shots.
Don’t Forget: To pack the essentials for a beach day that’s equal parts comfort and style. A plush beach towel is your throne for lounging like coastal royalty, while trusty flip-flops make sauntering across golden sands a breeze. And of course, a reusable water bottle is a must to keep you hydrated as you bask in the sun. With this stylish kit in tow, your Liverpool beach escape is set to be a seaside affair full of flair, fun, and picture-perfect moments.
Where to Stay for a Coastal Break at Liverpool Beaches
When it comes to meshing urban sophistication with seaside charm, Malmaison Liverpool is your ticket to a spectacular coastal getaway. Perfectly positioned for a coastal adventure with a cosmopolitan twist, Malmaison Liverpool is your gateway to the North West’s most breathtaking beaches, all while enjoying the sophistication of a boutique city stay.
Just a 15-minute train ride from the hotel, Crosby Beach greets you with its striking views of wind turbines on the horizon and the mesmerising installation Another Place by Antony Gormley, where 100 cast-iron figures stand watch along the shore.
If you fancy a longer escape into nature, Formby Beach—only 30 minutes away by car—offers vast stretches of golden sand, dramatic dunes, and magical pinewoods where red squirrels dart through the trees. It’s a dream setting for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful picnic spot with wild beauty.
Craving a laid-back beach day with a view? Hop on a train for 45 minutes and find yourself at West Kirby Beach, known for its tranquil atmosphere, safe swimming waters, and scenic walks along the marine lake and out to the Hilbre Islands during low tide.
After a day of sandy toes and salty breezes, retreat to Malmaison’s plush rooms, where urban cool meets indulgent comfort. Savour a post-beach cocktail in the chic bar or settle in for dinner at Chez Mal Brasserie, where local flavours are served with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cultural city break, or a beach-hopping family holiday, Malmaison Liverpool is the ultimate blend of laid-back luxury and unbeatable location.
FAQs About Liverpool Beaches
Is there a beach in Liverpool city centre?
No, Liverpool city centre doesn’t have a beach, but you’re only a short 20–30-minute drive from stunning coastal spots like Crosby Beach Liverpool and Formby Beach Liverpool. These offer the perfect seaside escape without venturing too far from the city.
Which beach near Liverpool has the iron statues?
Crosby Beach Liverpool is home to Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation. The haunting iron statues, scattered along the sand, create a captivating atmosphere for visitors, combining art and nature for a unique experience.
Are Liverpool beaches good for families?
Yes, Liverpool beaches like Formby and New Brighton are perfect for families. With spacious sands, shallow waters, picnic areas, and facilities, these beaches provide a fun and safe environment for children to explore!
What’s the best beach near Liverpool for a peaceful walk?
Crosby Beach Liverpool and Thurstaston offer peaceful walks. Crosby features Gormley’s statues and calm sands, while Thurstaston, within the Wirral Country Park, provides stunning, quiet vistas for a more natural escape.
Can you swim at Liverpool beaches?
Swimming at Liverpool beaches requires caution due to varying tide conditions and strong currents. While Formby’s shallow waters are suitable for wading, always check tide times and ensure lifeguards are present for safety.
Can you visit Liverpool beaches all year round?
Yes, Liverpool beaches can be enjoyed year-round. While summer offers warm weather, the beaches remain accessible in winter, offering peaceful walks and scenic views, especially for those who prefer quieter visits.
Is there parking at Liverpool beaches?
Yes, most Liverpool beaches, including Crosby Beach Liverpool and Formby Beach Liverpool, have dedicated parking areas, making it easy to access the coast. Some locations may charge a small fee for parking.