Visit Formby Beach near Liverpool. Explore sand dunes, pine woods, and sea views — home to red squirrels, coastal walks, and one of England’s wildest beaches.

A Wild Escape on the Merseyside Coast

Craving open skies, sea air, and nature at its best? Formby Beach, managed by the National Trust, lies just north of Liverpool and offers miles of unspoiled coastline backed by towering dunes and whispering pine forests. It’s a haven for walkers, wildlife lovers, and families seeking space to breathe.

Golden Sands and Coastal Beauty

Formby’s vast, golden beach stretches for miles along the Sefton Coast. With views across the Irish Sea, it’s perfect for:

Long walks and beach runs on firm sand.

Family picnics in the dunes.

Beachcombing and fossil hunting after the tide retreats.

The beach is backed by one of the most impressive dune systems in England — constantly shifting and changing shape with the wind.

Red Squirrel Reserve

Just inland lies the famous Formby Pine Woods, home to one of Britain’s few remaining populations of native red squirrels. Follow the marked Red Squirrel Walk through the trees and you’ll often spot them darting between the branches.

The woodlands also provide habitat for natterjack toads, sand lizards, and hundreds of bird species.

Learn more about wildlife trails and conservation on the National Trust Formby page

Walking Trails and Outdoor Adventures

Formby is part of the Sefton Coastal Path, a 21-mile trail connecting Crosby, Hightown, and Southport. Popular routes include:

Formby Dune Trail (3 km) – A loop through the dunes with sea views.

Lifeboat Road Trail – Linking the beach and woodlands.

Victoria Road Woodland Walk – Best for spotting red squirrels.

The area is also ideal for dog walks, photography, and birdwatching — especially around the dunes and tidal pools.

Visiting Formby Beach

How to Get There
Location: Formby, Merseyside
Train: Formby Station, followed by a walk or shuttle during busy periods
Car: National Trust car park available
Bus: Local bus services connect Formby with Liverpool and Southport

Opening Hours & Admission
Beach open all year
Free beach access
National Trust parking charges apply for non-members

Facilities
National Trust visitor facilities
Café
Toilets
Car park
Walking trails
Picnic areas

Nearby Attractions

Formby Red Squirrel Reserve — Protected woodland habitat
Crosby Beach — Home to Antony Gormley’s Another Place
Southport Pier — Historic Victorian pier
Martin Mere Wetland Centre — Nature reserve and birdwatching

Together, these attractions form part of the Sefton Coast Nature Trail.

Why Visit Formby Beach?

The Formby Beach experience offers:

Miles of golden sand
Beautiful sand dunes and pine woods
Excellent wildlife watching
One of England’s best places to see red squirrels

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach walk, family day out, or outstanding wildlife, Formby Beach offers one of the finest coastal experiences in North West England.
It’s not just a beach — it’s a protected coastal landscape where dunes, forests, and wildlife come together to create one of Britain’s most treasured natural environments.

See our guide to Lake District National Park for another spectacular natural landscape.

See our guide to Bamburgh Beach for another of England’s outstanding coastal destinations.