A wildlife haven with seafront scenery
The small seaside town of Formby sits on the banks of the Irish Sea in Merseyside, half an hour from Liverpool. The area is preserved by the National Trust thanks to its high number of endangered species. Formby is the perfect place to visit for an afternoon by the seaside, but while you're there, be sure to explore the nature trails leading from the town to really make the most of the coastal scenery.
A day trip to the beach
Formby's crowning glory is its wide stretch of sandy beach. Surrounded by sand dunes, home to the endangered natterjack toads, and with fantastic views towards Liverpool, it's a great place to relax in the sun. But there's more to Formby beach than meets the eye. Walking along the shore, you might come across human and animal footprints preserved in the layers of prehistoric mud that lie under the sand.
Home to the endangered red squirrels
While you're walking the trails around Formby, you might stumble across one of these cute little creatures. The town and its surrounding pine forests are home to one of the only nature reserves in northern England dedicated to red squirrels. For the best chance of seeing a squirrel, head to Squirrel Wood, where the furry creatures come to feed. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Formby? Travelodge Southport lies just north of the town Near the Ribble Estuary Nature Reserve. Or try the Travelodge Liverpool Stonedale Park hotel for easy access to central Liverpool.