Formby (Merseyside)

This National Trust certified beach stretches for miles along the coast of Formby, near Liverpool.

The area around the beach is perfect for walking, with high sand dunes making for excellent views across the Irish Sea, and even the mountains of Cumbria under a clear sky. Rapid coastal erosion occurs at this site, often washing away dirt and revealing prehistoric mud with human and animal footprints, making it a spot perfect for any keen archaeologists. As well as this, the dune slacks are popular for being the habitat of many different varieties of creatures, ranging from toads to moths and butterflies.

This relaxed sandy beach is popular among families, with a large car park, picnic areas and paths leading all around the area for exploration. Low tide reveals miles of width on the beach, perfect for relaxing on the shore.