7 beaches near Liverpool: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf

Being located on the northwest coast of England, Liverpool is well-situated for travelers (and locals) who enjoy getting out onto the water. While there are no real sandy beaches within Liverpool’s city limits, and the River Mersey doesn’t provide much in the way of swimming, Liverpool residents enjoy an embarrassment of riches from nearby beaches. Whether they’re pebbly or filled with golden sand, many of the beaches near Liverpool offer pleasant swimming conditions on the Irish Sea. 

Getting out of the city and heading to a nearby beach is one of the most popular ways to enjoy a weekend getaway or day trip. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a delightful coastal town or are trying your hand at windsurfing, having a day at the beach is the best way to unwind. 

If you’re visiting and need a place to store luggage in Liverpool before heading up the coast, there are plenty of options with Bounce. But first, you need to decide which destination is the best fit. Here are some of the best beaches near Liverpool:

Ainsdale Beach

Situated between the towns of Southport and Formby, Ainsdale Beach stretches for over three miles along the coast. Ainsdale is perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts as it’s backed by sand dunes, which have been designated a protected nature reserve and provide a habitat for a wide variety of rare plants and animals. The beach itself offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Irish Sea, and it’s pleasant for swimming and sunbathing. 

Travel distance from Liverpool

Ainsdale Beach is located approximately 12 miles north of Liverpool city center and can be reached by car or public transportation in about 30 minutes. It’s easily one of the most accessible beaches near Liverpool and can be a quick day trip out of the city. 

Activity recommendations

Ainsdale Beach is the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding are all popular. Beginners can rent equipment and take lessons from one of the local shops. 

Ainsdale Beach is also surrounded by steep sand dunes, which are great for hiking. Explore the dunes on foot and spot rare plants and animals, which can turn into some epic Instagram pics. There are also several walking trails in the area, the Sefton Coastal Path being the most popular. 

Ainsdale Beach is a great spot for beachcombing. You can search for shells, driftwood, and other interesting items along the shore. Of course, you can always just relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Bring a book, a beach chair, and some sunscreen, and enjoy the sea breeze.

The best time to visit Ainsdale Beach in England is during the summer months when the weather is ideal. This is peak tourist season, so the beach will be much more crowded, but you’ll be able to enjoy the best of what Ainsdale has to offer. During springtime, you can see wildflowers blooming in the dunes, and in the fall, the changing colors of the leaves create a stunning backdrop for a beach walk.

Crosby Beach

This beach is located about six miles north, which makes it a go-to for Liverpool locals. Crosby Beach is known for its art installation "Another Place" by Antony Gormley, which consists of 100 cast iron figures spread out along the beach. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with views of the Liverpool skyline in the distance.

Travel distance from Liverpool

Crosby Beach is just a short drive away, which makes it a popular destination for tourists looking for a relaxing day out by the sea. Driving time is about 25 minutes, and there is plenty of parking near the water. By public transportation, The Merseyrail Northern Line provides regular train service from Liverpool Central Train Station to both Blundellsands and Crosby stations. Both destinations are within walking distance of the beach.

Activity recommendations

In addition to the art installation, Crosby Beach is a popular spot for a range of outdoor activities. The beach is ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can also explore the nearby sand dunes, which are home to a variety of plant and animal life. In general, Crosby Beach is your quick getaway from the city. Enjoying the golden sand and some sunshine is the real draw here. 

Summer is when Crosby Beach is most popular, but you can go any time of year, given how close it is to Liverpool. 

Formby Beach

This beach is located about 14 miles north of Liverpool and is part of the National Trust Formby Nature Reserve. It has miles of golden sand dunes, a pine forest, and a large beach area that is perfect for picnics, kite flying, and sunbathing.

Travel distance from Liverpool

Formby Beach is directly north of Liverpool. The travel time by car can vary depending on when you leave, but it should take between 30 and 50 minutes to reach the beach from the center of Liverpool. There are also train services available from Liverpool’s Lime Street Station and other hubs to Formby’s train station, which is located about 1.5 miles from the beach.

Activity recommendations

Formby Beach is a great spot for swimming, with clean water and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.

There are several hiking trails that run through the sand dunes and along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea. The Sefton Coastal Path runs through Formby Beach and is a great way to explore the area on foot. The National Trust manages a reserve at Formby Beach where you can see rare red squirrels in their natural habitat. 

Summer is when Formby is most pleasant, but the hiking trails are very beautiful during autumn once the leaves start to change. 

Moreton Beach

Moreton Beach is located in the Wirral peninsula, near the town of Moreton, and is known for its stunning coastal scenery and wildlife. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and offers plenty of space for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and take long walks along the shoreline.

Travel distance from Liverpool

It usually takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the beach from the center of Liverpool by car. There are also public transport options available, including buses and trains, that can take you to Moreton Beach from Liverpool. Moreton Beach is the ideal day trip from Liverpool.

Activity recommendations

One of the most notable features of Moreton Beach is the Red Rocks, a series of distinctive red sandstone cliffs that can be seen at the southern end of the beach. The beach is also situated on the Dee Estuary, which is great for hiking along the riverbanks. 

Easily, the ideal time to visit is summer because you’ll be spending the entire trip outside. You can also plan your trip during spring or fall around unseasonably good weather.

New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach is a popular seaside destination and one of the best beaches on the Wirral Peninsula, across the River Mersey from Liverpool. The beach is known for its wide, sandy shorelines and stunning views of the Liverpool waterfront.

The beach is backed by a promenade, which is great for strolling and taking in the views. There are also a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, New Brighton Beach is popular for kiteboarding and windsurfing. 

Travel distance from Liverpool

The distance between Liverpool and New Brighton is approximately six miles (9.6 km), and it takes around 20-30 minutes to drive there, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take the train from Liverpool Central Station to New Brighton Station, which takes around 25-30 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day. Once you arrive at New Brighton Station, the beach is just a short walk away.

Activity recommendations

Fort Perch Rock is one of the most notable landmarks in New Brighton. This historic fort now serves as a museum and is home to exhibits on maritime history and the local area. Nearby Marine Lake is a great place to try your hand at water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. The iconic New Brighton Lighthouse is popular for photos and offers great coastline views. The town of New Brighton has a traditional arcade with classic games and rides for the whole family.

Summer is the best time to visit, but New Brighton hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals, food festivals, and beach games.

Thurstaston Beach 

This is another sandy beach located on the Wirral Peninsula. It's a popular destination for travelers and Liverpool locals, with stunning views across the River Dee Estuary towards North Wales. Thurstaston Beach itself is tranquil and picturesque, perfect for a relaxing walk in nature and getting out of the city. 

Travel distance from Liverpool

Thurstaston Beach is located across the River Mersey from Liverpool. The distance is approximately 10 miles, and it only takes around 30 minutes to drive. There are also public transport options, such as buses and trains, which should take around 45 minutes to an hour. 

Activity recommendations

The beach itself is ideal for exploring, with a wide expanse of sand that stretches for around a mile. At low tide, the beach reveals a vast expanse of mudflats, which are home to a variety of wading birds such as curlew, oystercatcher, and redshank.

The beach is also surrounded by beautiful woodlands, which are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. The Wirral Way, a 12-mile footpath and cycleway that runs along the former railway line from West Kirby to Hooton, passes close to the beach and is a great way to get fresh air and some steps in. 

Thurstaston Beach is a great place to visit all year round, but the best time to visit is summer when the weather is usually pleasant, and the beach is popular with families and tourists alike. If you're interested in wildlife and birdwatching, the best time to visit is during the winter months of November to February when the wading birds return to the mudflats at low tide. Spring and autumn can also be good times to visit as the weather is generally mild, and the crowds are much smaller.

West Kirby Beach 

West Kirby Beach is a popular sandy beach located on the Wirral Peninsula, just northwest of Liverpool. Situated on the estuary of the River Dee, West Kirby Beach is the only beach that provides stunning views across the water to the North Wales hills. The beach has an absolutely gorgeous promenade, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.

Travel distance from Liverpool

The distance between Liverpool and West Kirby Beach is approximately 11 miles (18 km), and it takes around 30 minutes to drive. There are also direct routes to West Kirby Train Station.

Activity Recommendations

The beach has plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, and games. At low tide, the beach reveals a particularly large expanse of sand, which is perfect for walking and exploring the rock pools that are home to sea creatures, which is great for families with small children.

West Kirby is also a popular spot for water sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, and there are often courses and equipment rentals available for visitors. The beach is home to a popular sailing club, which offers sailing lessons and boat rentals. 

If you're interested in windsurfing and kitesurfing, the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the wind conditions are ideal. If you're looking for sunshine, the summer months are easily the best time to visit. The weather is usually pleasant, and the beach is popular with families and tourists alike. Accommodations will be more expensive during the summer, but that won’t be a problem if you’re making your visit to West Kirby Beach a day trip. 

Conclusion 

The Irish Sea is one of the most underrated bodies of water for enjoying a weekend in or by the water, especially at the beaches near Liverpool. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a weekend trip from Liverpool, some of your best options are the nearby coastal towns. You can have a romantic rendezvous, a family adventure, or a fun group trip enjoying the sea breeze and wonderful boardwalks. You can even try your hand at kitesurfing.

Plus, if you're visiting Liverpool on a budget, these beaches are excellent ways to save a few pounds.