10 Beaches near Liverpool that Appeal to Everyone

Liverpool is known for museums, architecture and unique cultural history. But did you know nearby beaches are some of the finest attractions in the area? Discover 10 beaches offering everything from watersports to walks.

If you love nature walks and wildlife, Formby Beach is a must. The beach is lined with dunes and National Trust woodland that's home to red squirrels and equally colourful crossbills – red birds that are not commonly seen around other beaches near Liverpool. There's even evidence of prehistoric animals (and humans) in footprints visible in low-tide mud. If you plan to stay until late, bring your camera to capture the sunset. An early start offers a chance to hike the Sefton Coastline Trail.

• 35 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 30 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central, then a 2.4-kilometre walk from Formby station to the beach (alternatively, take an F3 or F4 bus from Formby station to travel part of the way)

Visit Crosby Beach to see the art installation Another Place by Antony Gormley. The British sculptor created 100 life-sized iron figures, nicknamed "The Iron Men" by locals, spread across a wide stretch of the beach. They look out to sea, perhaps admiring Wirral and North Wales views, which you can too on this unique beach near Liverpool. Bring binoculars to spot oystercatchers and redshanks, and you may even be lucky enough to spot seals. Nearby, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre offers water sports.

• 20 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 20 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central, then a 10-minute walk from Blundellsands & Crosby station to the beach

Liverpool is full of fun things to do, but the most popular activity at Ainsdale might not spring to mind immediately. This sandy beach just north of Formby is a centre for kite activities of all kinds, from kite-flying with kids to kite surfing with friends. There's even an area designated for kite buggies. Cycling is also popular at the beach, and Ainsdale is along the Natterjack Cycle Route. Ainsdale Discovery Centre is right on the beach and offers bike rentals.

• 40 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 35 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central, then a 20-minute walk from Ainsdale station to the beach (alternatively, take bus number 49 from Ainsdale station to travel part of the way)

Picturesque Leasowe Bay is an ideal spot for both scenery and watersports, including paddleboarding, windsurfing and wild swimming. Photograph dunes and hay meadows along nature walks, with the Wirral Circular Trail or the Wirral Way coastal paths passing the bay. Eighteenth-century Leasowe Lighthouse and North Wirral Coastal Park make this one of the best scenic beaches near Liverpool for a relaxing getaway.

• 18 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 20 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Lime Street, then a 2.4-kilometre walk from Wallasey Village station to the beach (alternatively, take a 413 or 414 bus part of the way)

Stroll on pristine sands and breathe in the Irish Sea air at New Brighton Beach. Across the River Mersey from the city, it offers memorable views of the Liverpool skyline. During warmer months, New Brighton Beach is alive with the sights and sounds of summer holidays. There's plenty to do here, like viewing the 1800s lighthouse or Fort Perch Rock (a red sandstone fort), walking the dog along several kilometres of sand, or discovering street art, vintage stores and restaurants in the beachside Victoria Quarter.

• 23 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 27 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Lime Street, then a 15-minute walk from New Brighton station to the beach

If you're in the mood for a day trip from Liverpool, set off on an adventure to another country and explore Talacre Beach in North Wales. This scenic spot is something of a hidden gem, especially for Liverpudlians blessed with so many beaches near Liverpool to choose from. It's well worth a trip to see the grass-lined dunes, the 1776 Point of Ayr Lighthouse, and birdlife at RSPB Point of Ayr. Although the beach is popular in summer, you may have it to yourself at other times of year. There's certainly a wild feel, and to some people, it's very romantic. In autumn and winter, see thousands of birds roosting at high tide.

• 1 hour, 10 minutes by car from Liverpool

Bracing winds roll in from the Irish Sea at West Kirby beach, making this location on the Dee Estuary ideal for windsurfing and other watersports. Marine Lake, a man-made saltwater lake, sits just off the beach and is home to Wirral Watersports Centre. For something more sedate, stroll along the promenade lined with boutiques, coffee shops and ice cream parlours.

• 25 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 36 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Lime Street, then a 7-minute walk from West Kirby station to the beach

Just south of West Kirby along the River Dee estuary, Thurstaston is an unspoiled secret gem of a beach and less crowded than other beaches near Liverpool. Spend a day here if you love wildlife and exploring coastlines. Rock pools appear at low tide, the perfect time for beachcombing. Look out across the waves towards Wales and the Clwydian Hills, or take an invigorating walk along the Wirral Way.

• 30 minutes by car from Liverpool

Southport is a classic British seaside town that has something for everyone: Victorian buildings to rival architecture in central Liverpool, cycling paths and family-friendly attractions including a water park and an adventure farm. The beach is as famous for birdwatching as it is for sunbathing and sandcastles. The town is worth a visit in winter to see pink-footed geese around the wetlands of RSPB Marshside. In summer, Southport's own Marine Lake is known for boating.

• 45 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 50 minutes by Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central, then a 10-minute taxi ride from Southport station to the beach

Rhyl is another seaside town where you can dive into satisfying, salty fish and chips from a high street outlet then wander down to the beach. Slip into the refreshing sea knowing bathing is encouraged and lifeguards are on hand in summer. Whenever lifeguards are on duty, activities like beach volleyball and beach football are free. This sandy beach in North Wales stretches for over 3 kilometres, and there are no restrictions on dog-walking outside of the summer season.

• 1 hour, 10 minutes by car from Liverpool
• 1 hour, 20 minutes by train from Liverpool Lime Street via Chester, then a 20-minute walk from Rhyl station to the beach

Now that you know all your options, you can choose your own adventure near Liverpool and along the North Wales coast. It's time to hit the beach! Planning a fun day in Liverpool itself? Discover our essential guide to the city's highlights, with plenty of things to do from morning to late night.