Formby in Liverpool

Formby is a picturesque coastal town near Liverpool that's surrounded by rolling sand dunes, a wooded nature reserve and abundant native wildlife. The lush, forested area between Formby town and the sandy coastline is where you'll find the beautiful National Trust Formby nature reserve.

Formby is a much-loved and well-visited destination for sightseers and holidaymakers who are drawn to its long stretches of wide, sandy beaches, unbroken ocean views, and the chance to take a glimpse of some of the area's rare and charming resident wildlife.

Formby in Liverpool - one of the highlights of 11 Best Coastal Walks in the United Kingdom (Read all about Liverpool here)

Highlights of Formby

The National Trust Formby nature reserve is a peaceful pinewood oasis home to 2 of the area's most famous residents: the brightly coloured red squirrel, and the enigmatic natterjack toad. Both of these elusive animals are protected species, and Formby is one of the very few places in the UK where they can still be spotted.

The Jewel in Formby's crown is undoubtedly its dramatic coastline, which is characterised by expansive beaches, steep sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. It’s also worth noting that Sir Antony Gormley’s artwork, Another Place, runs along the coast of Formby. The 100 iron figures being submerged by the tide are always worthy of a photo.

On a clear day, it's even possible to catch a glimpse of the far away Cumbrian Mountains from high up on the dunes, and the dramatic landscape and bracing sea breeze make the beach a favourite destination for walkers and ramblers.

Waymarked paths to the beach make navigating the area simple enough, and, when it's time to crack open the picnic, there's plenty of purpose-built picnic spots for an alfresco packed lunch.

When heading to the seaside from Formby Town, Lifeboat Road will lead you directly to the Old Lifeboat Station on the beach, and this a good place to begin your navigation of the Sefton Coast.

Those looking for a seriously invigorating hike can divert from the beaten track and head south through Ravenmeols Sandhills to explore (yet more) unspoiled beach and woodland, along the way encountering weathered relics of former settlements.

What are the things to do in Formby Town?

It's not just the natural beauty of the Sefton Coast that makes Formby worth visiting. The town itself has a quintessential appeal of its own and it is home to an array of shops, restaurants and entertainments to keep visitors occupied and well-nourished.

High street shops sit alongside small independent retailers, and some of the many cuisines on offer throughout the town include the top-quality pub classics at The Sparrowhawk, Italian fare at Sorrento, and the pan-Asian selection on offer at Suay.

No trip to the British coast would be complete without indulging in a portion of good old-fashioned fish and chips, and The Good Catch comes up trumps as one of Formby's finest for a serving of this UK classic.

Good to know about Formby

Once the hiking and shopping have taken too much of a toll on your weary feet, the Formby Hall golf resort and spa boasts a health club, heated swimming pool and multiple treatment rooms from where guests can relax and unwind in luxurious surroundings.

As its name suggests, there's top-class golfing to be had here too, with the opportunity to play on the resort's 72-par Championship Old Course – an established European Challenge Tour venue – or the slightly more modest 9 holes of the Woodhey Dunes Course.

Travelling to Formby is very straightforward from Liverpool and beyond. Formby Station is serviced by Merseyrail's Northern Line and is situated in the middle of town, just 1 mile from the beach. Buses run to and from the area too, and car parking is available at both the town and the beach for those wishing to drive.