If you’re craving a beach day, here’s a guide to the best beaches in Liverpool (and some other coastal spots a little further away!).
Whether you want to make the most of a sunny weekend or take a relaxing after-work walk, these beaches in Liverpool are sure to offer beautiful views.
Oh, and of course that unbeatable feeling of sand between your toes!
1. Crosby Beach
Address: Liverpool L23 6SX
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 6.8 miles
At the beginning of the 22 mile-long ‘Sefton Coastal Path’, Crosby Beach is just a twenty-minute drive from Liverpool City Centre.
The view from the beach is characterised by a range of man-made and natural features.
These include Burbo Bank offshore wind farm, Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation and famously stunning sunsets.
Please note that this is a non-bathing beach, due to the beach’s consistency and unpredictable tides!
2. Formby Beach
Address: Victoria Rd, Formby, Liverpool L37 1LJ
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 14.4 miles
Just over thirty minutes drive from Liverpool, Formby is a popular National Trust area with miles of gorgeous beaches and woodlands.
One of the most popular elements of Formby is the beautiful sand dunes, which are fun for kids and adults alike!
Well-furnished with picnic areas, a café, and clear paths, this is one of the best beaches in Liverpool for good reason.
3. Caldy Beach
Address: Birkenhead, Wirral CH48 2JL
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 11.4 miles
For a lesser-known spot, why not visit Caldy Beach?
Close to the West Kirby area of Liverpool, this small coastal gem is accessible via a safe, railed walkway and offers beautiful views across the Dee Estuary.
Caldy Beach is popular with locals for an evening stroll, as it’s a much quieter alternative to some of the larger, busier spots!
4. Meols Beach
Address: Meols, Wirral CH47 7AU
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 10.3 miles
Our first spot across the Mersey, Meols Beach is located on the Wirral Peninsula.
With stunning views of Liverpool Bay, this beach is popular for a range of both adventurous and relaxing activities, ranging from sandbuggying to birdwatching.
5. Hoylake Beach
Address: Hoylake CH48 2NG
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 10.6 miles
Renowned as a relaxation spot for locals, Hoylake Beach offers a combination of sandy and grassy terrain.
With a vast array of birds and other wildlife, this spot is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning that it certainly makes for a fascinating visit!
As it’s also across on the Wirral, Hoylake Beach is around half an hour’s drive from Liverpool City Centre.
6. Wallasey Beach
Address: Marine Promenade, Wallasey CH45 2JS
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 6.6 miles
Known for its brisk and blustery winds, Wallasey Beach is one of the best beaches in Liverpool to visit if you’re a water-sports enthusiast, or just want to blow the cobwebs away.
A walk along this beach means you’re practically guaranteed front-row seats to watch the wind and kite-surfers, or even have a go yourself!
Don’t just take my word for it, this beautiful sandy beach is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society, so you’re bound to enjoy a visit!
7. Leasowe Beach
Address: Wallasey, Wirral CH46 2RH
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 7.3 miles
If you fancy a smaller, more secluded option for watersports, Leasowe Beach is an up-and-coming spot for surfers and windsurfers.
Sand dunes and a promenade make this gem a lovely spot for a walk if you don’t fancy getting into the water!
If you have a furry friend, Leasowe Beach is also a local favourite for dog-walking, as it’s dog-friendly all year round and the sand dunes offer the perfect play space!
8. West Kirby Beach
Address: West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 12 miles
West Kirby Beach has a great range of facilities, including ice cream parlours, cafes and coffee shops for those beach day refreshments.
This is one of the most popular beaches in Liverpool in the summer months, with ample opportunity for swimming and watersports.
For an alternative to the sea, West Kirby Marine Lake is a large, enclosed area of shallow water that’s designated for watersports.
Sailing, canoeing and wind-surfing are all available here!
9. Hilbre Islands
Address: West Kirby, Wirral CH48 8BW
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 11.8 miles
Accessible via West Kirby Beach at low tide, the Hilbre Islands are a gorgeous collection of tiny islands which play host to tons of wildlife.
After a peaceful two-mile walk from the mainland, you can enjoy a stunning sunset, see some beautiful endangered birds, or even catch a glimpse of grey seals during the summer months!
This is truly an unforgettable beach experience and one that I’d definitely recommend if you visit West Kirby Beach or the surrounding area.
10. New Brighton
Address: Kings Parade, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 3QW
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 6.5 miles
As the recipient of a significant redevelopment scheme, New Brighton is another beach with amazing facilities.
With a bowling alley, laser quest centre, and an amusement arcade close by, as well as ice cream and coffee shops, New Brighton Beach is a great option if you’re visiting with people who aren’t a fan of relaxing on a beach.
And the best bit is that it’s only around twenty minutes from Liverpool City Centre.
11. Thurstaston Beach
Address: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HN
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 10.5 miles
Another spot on the Wirral peninsula, Thurstaston is popular with locals, and one of my personal favourite beaches in Liverpool for dog-walking!
Overlooked by the stunning Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston Beach has beautiful views both inland and out to sea, towards the Welsh hills.
For a taste of childhood, this spot also has lots of rock pools that you can spend hours exploring!
12. Oglet Beach
Address: Dungeon Lane, Hale, Liverpool, L24 5RH
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 9.7 miles
This beach’s claim to fame is that it was a favourite haunt of the Beatles!
With beautiful cycling routes and play areas, Oglet Beach is as fun for kids as it is for adults.
However, it’s the huge range of wildlife who call this beach their home that makes this spot truly special for locals.
And the beach’s shingle, rather than sandy, texture means that it’s ideal for rock collecting. (Is it just me that loves doing this?!)
13. St Anne’s Beach
Address: Beach Rd, Lytham St Annes FY8 2PQ
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 51.3 miles
A little further afield, St Anne’s is just over an hour up the coast from Liverpool, but it’s well worth a visit.
This Victorian seaside town is bustling throughout the year, and its beach is just one of its many beautiful attractions!
With a huge natural beach, a busy promenade, and lovely seafront gardens, St Annes has something for absolutely everyone.
14. Lytham Beach
Address: Beach Rd, Lytham St Annes FY8 2PQ
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 51.3 miles
Just a few minutes down the coast from St Anne’s Beach, Lytham is another vibrant seaside town that offers stunning sand dunes and the best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my life.
This alone makes it worth a visit, surely?
The promenade continues all the way from St Anne’s Beach, so you could technically walk between the two if you fancy a coastal stroll.
15. Ainsdale Beach
Address: Ainsdale, Southport PR8
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 16.1 miles
Close to Southport, Ainsdale Beach is a beautiful spot that attracts water and beach-sport enthusiasts from across the country!
Just a few of the activities that you can enjoy on this beach are kite-buggying, landboarding and kite-surfing.
For those who perhaps aren’t looking for such an adrenaline-filled trip, the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Deserve hosts an amazing range of wildlife.
And of course, the lovely sandy expanses are perfect for sunbathing!
16. Morecambe Bay
Address: Morecambe, Lancaster, Lancashire LA4 4EP
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 64 miles
A beautiful stretch of beach surrounded by glamorous, art-deco architecture, Morecambe Bay has it all.
The rich history of the area means that there is tons to explore, and the birds and seals that live here make it an attractive spot for nature lovers.
If you prefer something more adventurous, the bay is a hotspot for activities including powered paragliding, parachuting, and sailing.
With an abundance of beautiful walks along the coastal paths in the area, Morecambe Bay is easily one of the best beaches near Liverpool.
17. Rossall Beach
Address: Rossall Beach, Cleveleys, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 2LY
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 57.5 miles
With a natural shingle and sand beach, Rossall Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline that is as suited to bracing winter-time walks as it is to sunbathing in the height of summer.
Whether it’s dog-walking, horse-riding or simply swimming in the beautiful waters of the bay, this spot is bustling all year round.
18. Southport
Address: Southport PR8 1SB
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 19.5 miles
Home to the country’s second-longest pier (the first is in Southend!), Southport Beach is renowned for its panoramic views and beauty.
Located on the Ribble Estuary, the beach offers a gorgeous range of wildlife and is basically a bird watcher’s paradise.
Southport has always been a nostalgic place for me. Think antique amusement arcades and a tram that runs along the pier.
With amazing events also hosted here, including the annual Southport Airshow, this beach is a lively must-visit spot!
19. Blackpool
Address: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 55 miles
Now if we’re really talking about nostalgia, Blackpool Beach is the most old-school British seaside resort ever.
Loads of listed structures, including three piers and a historical promenade, mean that this spot certainly has character.
As well as sunbathing and swimming, the beach and piers are home to a tea room and ice cream parlour, as well as a ton of fairground attractions including my favourite, a beautiful Venetian Carousel.
Other well-known attractions within walking distance of the beach are Blackpool Tower, Sea Life Blackpool, Madame Tussauds, Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
A day-out here really does have something for everyone!
20. Newborough Beach
Address: Newborough, Anglesey LL61 6SG
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 84 miles
If you fancy travelling a little further afield, North Wales has some incredible beaches and coastal spots.
Around a two hour drive from Liverpool, Newborough Beach is a gorgeous stretch of golden sand that has beautiful sand dunes.
Outlining Newborough Forest, this beach has a huge array of wildlife to enjoy, including the rare red squirrel!
The location of this beach means that it’s perfect for kite-surfing, but its extensive network of paths also make it a great spot for cycling or horse riding.
Or if you’d prefer to just kick back and enjoy the view, you can see the beautiful outline of Snowdonia National Park from the beach.
One of the best beaches near Liverpool? I think so!
21. Rhosneigr Beach
Address: Traeth Crigyll, Beach Rd, Rhosneigr LL64 5QB
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 89.3 miles
At just under two hours drive from Liverpool, Rhosneigr Beach is another North Wales stunner.
The dramatic scenery of Rhosneigr is populated by sand dunes and rocky outcrops, and it’s another great spot for watersports, including surfing, kite-surfing and paddle-boarding.
The beautiful rocks and coastline also make this one of the best beaches near Liverpool for snorkelling, if you’re feeling adventurous enough!
Located close to RAF Valley, aviation lovers will appreciate this beach, as it’s the perfect place to spot military aircraft taking off and landing.
22. Llandudno
Address: The Parade Parking, Promenade, Llandudno LL30 2LE
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 55.1 miles
Punch and Judy Shows and vintage pool area are just a few of the nostalgic attractions on offer at Llandudno, one of Wales’ most popular beaches.
At around an hour and a quarter from Liverpool, this award-winning spot is a haven for holiday-makers during the summer months.
But its Victorian promenade and pier make for a beautiful visit all year round.
The beach’s famous bandstand plays host to live music performances and modes of transport for exploring the area range from boat trips to a vintage Land Train.
If you’re looking for a real blast from the past, you can even enjoy watching donkey rides!
23. Abersoch
Address: Abersoch Riding Centre, Golf Rd, Abersoch, Pwllheli LL53 7EY
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 104.7 miles
Previously a fishing port, Abersoch Beach is now famed for its spectacular views and sheltered environment, leading to lovely conditions for both swimming and sunbathing!
For sailing enthusiasts, international sailing events can also be viewed from this beach.
And for those who prefer to take part themselves, wind-surfing and jet skiing is available.
With favourable conditions and views of Snowdonia National Park, Abersoch is a busy, bustling coastal spot that’s around two and a half hours from Liverpool.
24. Prestatyn
Address: Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn LL19 9LN
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 39.7 miles
A sandy beach broken up with coastal defences, Prestatyn Beach has amazing conditions for water sports and a lovely open path for walking andcycling.
This path actually marks the intersection of both the North Wales Cycle Trail and the North Wales Coastal Path.
At around an hour’s drive from Liverpool, it’s one of the best beaches near Liverpool for outdoorsy or active beach-goers.
Amusement arcades and crazy golf are just a couple of the in-land activities that you can enjoy too.
And an extensive area of sand dunes make for truly beautiful views.
25. Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea
Address: Colwyn Bay LL29 8XP
Distance from Liverpool City Centre: 50.1 miles
Colwyn Bay really does have it all.
Its beach, a bustling hub for watersports, contrasts with Rhos-on-Sea, a quiet harbour known for its serenity.
If you’re looking for a more active beach day, Colwyn Bay Beach is for you.
Enjoy the beauty of this coastal vista from the land, and take a walk or cycle along the coastal track, or delve into the sea for swimming or kite-surfing.
This is even a popular spot for fishing, just in case you fancy catching your dinner!
Alternatively, if you prefer a more laid-back beach day you can visit Rhos-on-Sea and enjoy the beautiful coastal views, populated by fishing boats.
If you get bored of exploring or sunbathing, you can even try your hand at mini golf, with a nautical themed attraction a short walk from the beach!
At just over an hour away from Liverpool, this Bay area is well worth a visit!
So there you have it: 25 beautiful beaches in Liverpool you need to visit!
Which of these beaches in Liverpool are you going to visit first?
Please let me know in the comments below!
