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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Christopher Megrath

Best beaches to visit around Liverpool for summer

Ready your bucket and spade because summer is finally here.

Whether you're planning for a family day out to enjoy the summer holidays or kicking back with a lazy weekend, Merseyside has no shortage of picturesque locations to choose from.

We've compiled a list of sandy seafronts from all across the region to help make your summer plans a little easier.

READ MORE: Chip shop owner's 50p offer has people queuing out of the door

Crosby

Families enjoying the sunshine on Crosby beach (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

The six-mile stretch is lovingly decorated with Liverpool's famous 100 cast-iron figures, with sights of the Wirral and the North Wales hills in the background. Located at the start of the 22-mile Sefton Coastal Path, and thanks to its close proximity to the Port of Liverpool, it is an ideal place to look out for container and cruise ships.

Golden sand and cool waters stretch as far as the eye can see with the sunset melting into the Irish Sea. The nearby Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre offers additional fun for anyone making the trip.

Address: Cambridge Road, Mariners Road or Hall Road West, Crosby, Merseyside.

Parking: Free car parks are available on Crosby Marine Lake, Mariners Road and Hall Road.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilets are available.

Public transport: The beach is easily reached from Waterloo, Blundellsands and Crosby and Hall Road stations.

Accessibility: Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is limited.

Food and drink: There are restaurants and cafes nearby.

New Brighton

People enjoy the sunshine in New Brighton, Wirral (Liverpool Echo)

New Brighton, also known as Wallasey Beach, is one of the easiest destinations to visit given its seven-mile radius from Liverpool city centre. It acts as a hot spot for locals to enjoy the first sight of the summer sun so it may be busier than most locations on this list.

The Black Pearl, a community-built driftwood boat, offers a unique experience for children to explore. Marine Point's leisure development offers shops, restaurants, a theatre and a cinema for the whole family to lose themselves in for hours.

Address: CH45 3PZ.

Parking: Parking is available at Bay View Drive by the Derby Pool public house (approximately 200 spaces), or along King's Drive.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilets are available.

Public transport: The nearest train station is New Brighton.

Accessibility: The beach is wheelchair accessible.

Food and drink: A selection of restaurants can be reached easily from the beach.

Southport

Families enjoying the sunny weather at Southport beach (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Southport boasts 22 miles of sandy horizon along with one of Britain's longest piers. If the walk isn't for you, a tram is available to the Pavillion with views of the Ribble Estuary.

The beach is only a few short minutes away from the town centre with countless cafes, restaurants and shops for the perfect day out.

Address: Promenade, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1QX.

Parking: Parking is available, with parking areas for disabled visitors. You can park on the beach most days.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilets are available at Ocean Plaza.

Public transport: Southport train station is only a 10 minute walk away.

Food and drink: Fish and chips are available and there's plenty of local restaurants nearby.

Ainsdale

Ponies on the beach at Ainsdale (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Ainsdale is an adventure seekers' paradise frequented by kite surfers, kite buggies and cyclists, with free classes to discover the surrounding area and local wildlife.

The Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve is a great source of information and acts as a hub for those taking part in activities or anyone who would like to rent a bicycle.

Address: Shore Road, Ainsdale, Merseyside, PR8 2QB.

Parking: Parking is available ON SITE.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilets are located at the beach entrance at the end of Shore Road.

Accessibility: The beach has wheelchair access.

Food and drink: Nearby Ainsdale Village offers good shops and restaurants.

Meols

The calm after a storm at Meols when the tide was out (Liverpool Echo)

Meols Beach connects New Brighton Beach with the North Wirral Coastal Park. New adventures await every visit with horseback riding and sand buggy driving a firm favourite with visitors.

The beach looks out onto Liverpool Bay, acting as a stunning location to enjoy the sunset.

Address: CH47 6AW.

Parking: Parking is available close to the beach.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilet facilities are available.

Public transport: The beach is a 10 minute walk from Meols train station.

Food and drink: The Maple Gardens Café is nearby, along with a range of local restaurants.

Formby

Formby Beach clearing skies after the rain (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Formby is one of the more accessible locations with a large car park, picnic areas and walking paths. On especially clear days, you may even see the peaks of Cumbria.

The Ravenmeols Sandhills offer a unique journey off the beaten path where you can experience the sand dunes and woodlands. You can also check out the free brass-band concerts held every week in the Vale Park area which are held throughout the summer months.

Address: Lifeboat Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 1LJ.

Parking: Parking is available at the beach and costs between £4.50 and £6.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilets are available.

Public transport: Formby Station is one mile away from the beach.

Accessibility: Accessible paths are available and a sand wheelchair can be loaned for the day.

Food and drink: A selection of restaurants can be reached easily from the beach.

Moreton

Wallasey embankment, Moreton Beach (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The beach stretches between Hoylake and Meols beaches in the Wirral, south of the River Mersey. Dogs have free reign to run wild as they're allowed off their leash in most areas.

It's a scenic and private stretch of land perfect for picnics or even the occasional donkey ride.

Address: CH46 3SY.

Parking: Parking is available close to the beach.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilet facilities are available.

Food and drink: There is a range of local cafes and restaurants nearby.

West Kirby

West Kirby beach and Hilbre Island on the Wirral (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

West Kirby is a small but lively location only spanning 300 metres long. Alcohol isn't allowed on the beach but those still looking for fun can take up windsurfing instead.

Address: South Parade, West Kirby, Merseyside, CH48 0QG.

Parking: The car park on Dee Lane, West Kirby will be fully closed to all motorists until November 2022 due to works on West Kirby Flood alleviation scheme. If you are visiting the beach, West Kirby Concourse car park is the nearest place to park.

Toilet facilities and baby changing: Toilet facilities are only a few metres away from the main entrance at the end of Dee Lane.

Public transport: The beach is a five minute walk from West Kirby train station.

Accessibility: The beach is wheelchair accessible, with flat access from the pavement onto the beach.

Food and drink: Ice cream and coffee shops are nearby.

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