Earlier this week, National Trust Formby announced the closure of Formby beach car park from 1 May 2025 until summer 2026 as part of a major conservation scheme.

People can learn more about the project and what is entailed by heading to Formby beach car park closure | National Trust Formby

To support both visitors and residents who enjoy spending time along Sefton’s Natural Coast, the Council has put together a list of alternative beaches and important information.

Protected environmental site

Sefton’s coastline is a protected nature haven that offers something for everyone. Many visitors may not realise this landscape is legally protected and can be described as “rarer than a rainforest”.

With extensive dune systems, varied rare habitats, and a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest status, the Sefton Coast is more ecologically rare than a typical rainforest. 

Each beach has a unique offering

The Council manages Southport, Ainsdale, and Crosby beaches, and all three offer a different experience for visitors.

Crosby beach

With stunning coastal views, golden sands, and the iconic Antony Gormley sculptures, Crosby is the perfect destination to soak up the sun and relax.

Visitors should never enter the water at Crosby beach. It is not a bathing beach due to areas of soft mud and the risk of changing tides. It is the only beach in the country to have 365-day RNLI Lifeguard cover due to the dangers present.

Crosby beach is also known as the home to many popular food and drink outlets, including The Bus Yard, The Lake House, Honest Coffee, and more.

And it is only a short walk away from Merseyrail train stations, Waterloo, Hall Road, and Blundellsands and Crosby, making public transport the easiest and quickest way to travel.

Ainsdale beach

Ainsdale beach is known for its rare habitats, prestigious leisure activities, and family-friendly facilities.

There is beach car parking available from April to September, but it’s important to check ahead as there can be closures and reduced capacity due to high tides and poor sand conditions.

The newly refurbished toilet block at Ainsdale is available for visitors and includes both men's and women's, and an accessible Changing Places toilet facility. Further information is available at www.changing-places.org/find

Baby changing facilities are also within the toilet block, as well as a drinking water station, funded by Sea-Changers.

Southport beach

Sitting on the most northern part of Sefton's beautiful coastline is Southport beach, a nostalgic seaside resort with protected natural landscape.

The beach is home to many thousands of wading birds from their northern breeding grounds and sees flocks of migrating birds that rely on this landscape to feed and rest.

It’s also known as the gateway to the Ribble Estuary and a place where the coast and countryside connect in an amazing way.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Now the weather is warming up, we understand many people want to visit our beautiful natural coastline.

“There is so much on offer, and we encourage people to research which beach is the right fit for them.

“Whether you want the bucket and spade experience at Ainsdale, immerse in nature and wildlife watching at Southport, or enjoy the heritage and hospitality offering at Crosby Coastal Park, there’s something for everyone.

“In return, we only ask that visitors respect and protect the landscape and wildlife by following our advice. It’s a small ask with a big payoff in conserving this special place for generations to come.”

Small ask, big return

All visitors are asked to take their litter home with them after a trip to any of our beaches, and lighting fires or BBQs are not permitted anywhere along the coast.

Visitors can learn more and find the latest information by heading to www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches and following Sefton Council on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.