8 Best Beaches Near Liverpool

Crosby Beach is a long, wide beach with soft and unblemished sand. It also hosts one of Liverpool’s most eye-catching art exhibits – 100 cast-iron statues speckle the beach, looking out into the sea. These sculptures were created by artist Anthony Gormley and both kids and parents are sure to be intrigued by this surreal spectacle.

You can even reach Crosby Beach by train, taking the local line from Liverpool Central and getting off at Waterloo (Merseyside), making this coastal spot one of the most convenient for anyone relying on public transport.

New Brighton Beach – also known as Wallasey Beach – faces Liverpool port in an area of the city known as The Wirral, on the southern banks of the River Mersey. It’s around 7 miles to New Brighton Beach from central Liverpool, making it an easy taxi ride for most. On hot days, this is one of the first ports of call for locals looking for a spot in the sand. Everything is centred around Marine Point. A multi-purpose shopping centre containing cafes, shops and colourful street art.

Other things to do close to New Brighton Beach include walking to New Brighton Lighthouse, learning about local history at Perch Rock Fort, and golfing at one of several golf courses, especially Warren Golf Club, which is a public course with challenging coastal holes to contend with.

Southport Beach is one part of 22 miles of uninterrupted sandy coast, making it very popular yet still spacious and welcoming. If you’re looking for a full day out at the beach close to Liverpool, Southport Beach is hard to beat.

The beach features one of Britain’s longest piers to walk or you can also take a tram along to the viewing platform that has views of the Ribble Estuary. There’s also a few shops and stalls selling beach games and swimming wear. On most days, you can drive onto the sand at Southport Beach, which makes it easy for those with mobility issues.

Ainsdale Beach is one of the finest stretches of sand in the Liverpool area, popular with kite surfers, kite buggies and plenty of educational pursuits thanks to the Ainsdale Discovery Centre and the Sandhills Local Nature Reserve. You can sign up for free bicycle rides to discover the surrounding area and see the local wildlife.

The beach is wide and backed by sand dunes, giving the area a rugged charm. Nearby Ainsdale Village offers plenty of cafes, bars and a few local shops that are worth a look.  

Meols Beach is a space for adventure sports including sand buggy and horseback riding. While not the prettiest beach near Liverpool, it attracts plenty of people who come to enjoy activities on this stretch of coast that’s a mixture of shingle, sand, and mudflats.

Meols Beach is linked to New Brighton Beach by the North Wirral Coastal Park. This whole area of south Liverpool is undergoing a rapid transformation, so there’s plenty of new things to see every time you visit.

Formby Beach is a wide-open expanse of sand located 30 minutes north of Liverpool. Popular for long seaside walks, the Sefton Coastal path runs along the beach, past open dunes that lead onto the beach.

Look down as you walk for the chance to see footprints of prehistoric humans and animals from up to 7,500 years ago. This phenomenon only happens a few days each year when sediment beds on Formby Beach are exposed.

As much shingle as sand, Moreton Beach brings plenty of couples looking for a secluded stretch of sand to enjoy the crisp ocean air. It’s also a good spot to take the dogs as they’re allowed off the leash in most parts. In winter, this is a good spot for birdwatching.

Bordered by a promenade, this beach stretches between Hoylake and Meols beaches in the Wirral, south of the River Mersey. You'll find a few simple stalls selling food and drinks, but for a good meal, you should head to New Brighton further north along the coast. 

West Kirby Beach is a small but bustling beach on most weekends throughout the summer. It’s easy to access for anyone living with disabilities and a popular place to see water sports, especially kite surfers.

No alcohol is allowed on the beach and will be confiscated by the police. Instead, head into West Kirby town where you'll find a range of cafes, restaurants, bars and food stalls to enjoy.