Discover Liverpool Beach: The City’s Seaside Escape

Liverpool has earned its fame through music and football, yet it remains an attractive seaside destination that many people fail to acknowledge. Liverpool Beach and its neighbouring coastal attractions have clean sea air, beautiful coastal scenery, and a relaxed vibe. 

It's the perfect location for short-term visits and extended excursions. For locals and visitors, Liverpool Beach is the perfect spot for a quick urban escape that doesn’t require the headache of travelling long distances. If you've been curious about Liverpool Beach, our guide will cover everything you need to know about the city's best seaside escape!

Liverpool Beach Day with a Twist

Liverpool’s coast is covered in natural beauty with northern character, different from traditional beach resorts. This location lacks towering hotels and animated promenades illuminated by arcade lights. Instead, it has beaches, clear skies, and authentic appeal. 

Crosby Beach is the most popular among the local beaches, mainly because Antony Gormley's artwork adds to its fame. The Another Place sculpture series by Antony Gormley displays 100 full-size iron statues positioned along the shoreline that stand silently looking out to sea. 

The ebb and flow of the tide creates a partially submerged appearance for these figures, giving the beach a realistic touch. Crosby Beach is well-known because it perfectly blends natural elements with cultural significance. Its large sandy area offers plenty of room for walking or family gatherings. 

After a long week, you can visit the beach to take peaceful walks or to take your dogs out while enjoying the salty air. As the sky shows a soft mix of pink and purple hues as the sun sets, the view is breathtaking!

The Coastline Beyond Crosby

The coastal area of Formby has an exquisite protected stretch that features dramatic sand dunes and pine woodlands as you travel further north. Formby has a wilder and more natural atmosphere compared to Crosby. 

With each seasonal change, Formby transforms. The beach becomes a favourite spot for picnickers and sunbathers who enjoy family activities in the sand during the spring and summer months. 

During autumn and winter, as the wind blows, it's a great spot for reflective walks or energetic jogs along the shoreline. If you love nature, you will enjoy the pine forests at Formby. They support one of the UK’s last red squirrel colonies and give you the chance to see them darting through the trees.

What to Eat and Do Near Liverpool Beach

Beach trips need the perfect food to make your vacation complete. Liverpool’s coastline lacks boardwalk vendors and beach bars, but offers many great cafés and pubs located close by. The areas surrounding Crosby and Waterloo offer a range of popular dining options featuring fish and chips and gourmet brunch dishes. 

You can find a place nearby, whether you need a strong coffee after your morning walk or a more indulgent lunch. Formby village has a charming selection of warm eateries and local shops and can be reached by only a brief drive. Farm-to-table dining establishments and traditional bakeries will allow your beach day to transform into a full-day getaway!

Getting There and Getting Around

Liverpool is well-known because its beaches are easily accessible. When you visit Liverpool’s beaches, it doesn't require any holiday planning or car rental. You can reach Crosby Beach by taking a train from Liverpool city centre to Blundellsands and Crosby station, only walking a brief distance to the beach. 

Since it takes under 30 minutes to reach, it is the perfect option for spontaneous weekend getaways and summer vacations. You can visit Formby Beach by train through Formby and Freshfield stations, which have entry points to the surrounding dunes and pinewoods. 

While parking is available, it can reach full capacity during peak periods, including holidays and weekends. When visiting, you should arrive early or choose less busy hours to save time when travelling.

A Seaside for Every Season

The beaches at Liverpool’s coast stay attractive all year if you plan to visit during the summer. In the summer, you'll see locals and tourists sunbathing in the sand, kids building sandcastles, and swimmers in the water. 

Autumn and winter transform the beaches into an entirely different setting. The sea develops a moodier nature as skies turn more dramatic, making your walks more peaceful. 

The area has plenty of space to refresh your mind, feeling completely separated from the stress of the city. At the beach, you'll see locals in their daily routines, taking morning runs by the shoreline and practising yoga sessions in the sand dunes.

Art, Culture, and the Unexpected

At Crosby Beach, Another Place has evolved beyond being a tourist spot, it has become a key component of the beach’s identity. Another Place encourages you to develop a deeper relationship with the beach through reflective activities, photography sessions, and engaging conversations. 

While visiting, you can stand by the statues to capture portraits, write entries in your journal, or watch the sunset. The combination of coastal elements and artistic sculptures has transformed how people view this particular space. 

It's a beach that provides more than just sunbathing and swimming, it's a place to form connections and generate creative ideas. The city, famous for its artistic and musical culture, created a beach experience that stands out from the norm.

Planning Your Trip to Liverpool Beach

When visiting Liverpool for the first time, you should consider adding a beach day to your schedule to balance the energy from the city and the peacefulness from the beach. Visiting the docks or museums in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon is the perfect balance between urban exploration and natural serenity. 

When the forecast shows uncertain weather conditions, bring along a waterproof item to embrace the dramatic coastline. A misty coastal walk has undeniable romantic charm, making you feel like you're in a movie.

When busy days overwhelm us, we often overlook the refreshing experience of hearing waves and sensing the ocean wind. A brief trip to the beach allows you to restore your mood, renew your energy, and reconnect with outdoor pleasures.

Liverpool’s Hidden Coastal Charm

The beaches in Liverpool are free from tourist traps and major retail chains. These beaches give genuine peace and silence that gradually emerges while walking along the coast. These beaches offer you a chance to gain clarity of thought and take deep breaths to reflect.

Watching waves approach the shore or photographing iron men at Liverpool Beach is a coastal experience that you won't find anywhere else. Its authentic, heartfelt character leaves a lasting impression to anyone who visits. The beach communicates its value through personal experiences, making it known as one of the city’s best-kept secrets once you visit.

When you visit Liverpool next time, skip the shopping malls and museums and explore the coastal area. You can take off your shoes and discover the city from a new perspective. Your perfect seaside retreat may be much closer than you think!

Liverpool Beach: FAQs

1. Is there a beach in Liverpool?

Liverpool has multiple coastal locations where you can enjoy authentic beach experiences. Crosby Beach is Liverpool's most popular beach destination because of its iron statues and accessible shoreline. Formby Beach and Southport are some of the best beaches for a quick seaside getaway from the city.

2. How do I get to Crosby Beach from Liverpool city centre?

To get to Crosby Beach, you can take Liverpool Central Station to Blundellsands, followed by a brief walk. Travelling to Crosby Beach takes about 20 to 25 minutes, with only a brief walk to reach the beach.

3. Can you swim at Liverpool beaches?

You can, but it’s worth being cautious. You can swim at Crosby Beach, but should exercise caution since the tides are unpredictable and lifeguards do not patrol the area. Paddling or walking along the water is the safest, unless you are experienced with the sea conditions.

4. What is the name of the beach that has iron statues?

The art installation Another Place by Antony Gormley has the statues located at Crosby Beach. The statues extend along two miles of coastline across the sand and create a powerful visual experience that will make your trip memorable.

5. Would Liverpool Beach be a good destination for families with children?

Yes, especially Formby Beach. Formby Beach has a large space with nearby woods and dunes that are waiting for exploration. While Crosby Beach is the perfect spot for walking or picnicking, it's also great for paddling due to tidal patterns. You should always check tide times before heading out.

6. What dining options are close to the beach?

Local cafés, pubs, and restaurants that serve fish and chip shops are located in the Crosby and Waterloo areas. Formby village has many dining options and coffee shops if you want to explore the National Trust beach area.