Liverpool is a historic port city on the River Mersey in north-west England, known worldwide as the home of the Beatles, two Premier League football clubs and a UNESCO-listed waterfront with Albert Dock, the Pier Head and the Three Graces.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Liverpool.
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- quiet, contemplative, art-led walking beach
- Car park
- Cafe
- Toilets
Crosby Beach and Another Place
Crosby Beach is a wide stretch of sand where Antony Gormley's 100 cast-iron figures stand along the shore at Another Place.
Editor’s tip. Check tide times before visiting; the figures look most dramatic as the tide comes in around them.
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- traditional seaside promenade, breezy with estuary views
- Cafes
- Toilets
- Parking
New Brighton Beach
New Brighton is a seaside resort on the Wirral with a promenade and views across Liverpool Bay.
Editor’s tip. Check tide tables; the water retreats far at low tide and currents are strong near the river mouth.
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- natural, dune-backed and relaxed with woodland walks
- Car park
- Toilets
- National Trust shop
Formby Beach
Formby has National Trust dunes and pine woods where red squirrels live.
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on warm weekends, as the National Trust car park fills quickly.
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- lively family seafront with watersports and estuary views
- Marine lake
- Cafes
- Parking
West Kirby Beach
West Kirby has a marine lake and views to Hilbre Island.
Editor’s tip. Check tide tables before walking on the sands or to Hilbre Island; the incoming tide can cut off the return route.
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- classic British seaside, amusements and wide open sands
- Pier
- Cafes
- Toilets
Southport Beach
Southport has a long pier, wide beach and Victorian promenade.
Editor’s tip. Check tide times, as the sea retreats far and returns quickly across soft sand.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Liverpool memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
July and August are warmest, but the sea stays cool.
Beach Clubs
Beach clubs are not a feature of this coast.
Public Beaches
All beaches are free to access; some car parks charge.
Beach Type
Fine sand, wide tidal flats.
Water Quality
Check Environment Agency bathing-water data before swimming.
Getting Around
Merseyrail Northern and Wirral lines serve the coast.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Liverpool’s coast.
Is Another Place free to visit?
Yes. The sculptures stand on a public beach and can be seen at any time without a ticket. Parking at the Burbo Bank Road South car park may be charged.
From the Crosby Beach and Another Place editorial.
Can visitors swim at Crosby Beach?
Swimming is generally discouraged because of fast tides, strong currents and soft mud in the Mersey estuary. Visitors should follow local warning signs.
From the Crosby Beach and Another Place editorial.
How long does it take to get to New Brighton from Liverpool?
The Merseyrail Wirral Line takes about 25 minutes from Liverpool city centre stations to New Brighton, followed by a short walk to the promenade.
From the New Brighton Beach editorial.
Is New Brighton Beach good for swimming?
The estuary has strong tides and currents and the water is murky, so swimming needs caution. Visitors should follow warning signs and lifeguard guidance where present.
From the New Brighton Beach editorial.
Can visitors see red squirrels at Formby?
Yes. Formby's pinewoods are known for red squirrels, and the woodland trails near the beach car park are the usual places to look, especially in quieter morning hours.
From the Formby Beach editorial.
How do visitors reach Formby Beach without a car?
Take the Merseyrail Northern Line to Freshfield station, then walk about 25 minutes through the woods and dunes to the beach.
From the Formby Beach editorial.
Can visitors walk to Hilbre Island from West Kirby?
Yes, at low tide across the sands, but the causeway floods as the tide comes in. Visitors should check tide times and follow local guidance before setting out.
From the West Kirby Beach editorial.
What is the West Kirby Marine Lake used for?
The marine lake holds water at low tide and is used for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, with calmer conditions than the open estuary.
From the West Kirby Beach editorial.