Merseyside’s coastline is an easy win for dog owners because it gives you options. You’ve got huge open sands up in Sefton, dune-backed wildness around Formby and Ainsdale, and more promenade-style beaches on the Wirral where you can mix a walk with cafés and facilities.
The big thing here is planning around tides and seasonal signage. Get that right and you’ll have some of the best, most spacious dog friendly beach walks anywhere near Liverpool.
Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach is one of those places that feels bigger than it should. The scale is what defines it. When the tide is out, the sand and tidal flats stretch so far that dogs can run without ever feeling boxed in, and even on busy days it rarely feels claustrophobic. The mix of open beach and long promenade makes it flexible too, which is a big win if conditions change mid-walk.
It is an exposed beach, so wind is almost always part of the experience, but that also keeps it feeling raw and dramatic rather than polished. You will often see dog walkers heading out early or later in the day to make the most of quieter stretches, and at low tide it is one of the best places in Merseyside for a proper leg-stretch rather than a short potter.
- Access / Restrictions: Dogs are generally allowed, but follow any seasonal zoned signage near main entrances
- Terrain: Firm sand, tidal flats, promenade paths
- Parking: Seafront and promenade car parks nearby
- Facilities: Toilets; cafés and kiosks along the seafront
- Best for: Big open space; low tide adventures; easy-access coastal walks
Formby Beach
Formby feels completely different to most of the Merseyside coastline. Backed by dunes and woodland rather than roads and promenades, it has a much more natural, protected feel that suits dogs who enjoy sniffing, exploring and varied terrain. You can easily combine a beach walk with shaded paths through the pines, which makes it a strong option in warmer weather.
This is also the beach where planning matters most. Seasonal restrictions are common and properly enforced to protect wildlife, particularly during spring and summer. If you arrive expecting full freedom everywhere, you will be disappointed. If you arrive prepared to stick to permitted areas, you will still find plenty of space and one of the most rewarding dog friendly coastal walks in the region.
- Access / Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions are common, especially spring and summer, and signage is strictly enforced
- Terrain: Soft sand, dunes, woodland paths
- Parking: National Trust car parks close to main access points
- Facilities: Toilets at main entrances; seasonal café
- Best for: Dune scenery; quieter walks midweek; beach plus woodland combo
Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale is the dependable choice when you want space without the crowds or complications. The beach is wide, flat and open, and it tends to attract fewer tourists than some of its neighbours, which makes it popular with regular dog walkers who want consistency rather than spectacle.
The dunes provide some shelter, which can make a noticeable difference on blustery days, and the sand is usually firm enough for comfortable walking. It is not the most dramatic beach in Merseyside, but it is one of the most practical, especially if you are walking a high-energy dog that needs room to move without constant distractions.
- Access / Restrictions: Generally dog friendly year round, but always follow local signage
- Terrain: Wide sand, dunes, open coastal stretches
- Parking: Beachside parking options nearby
- Facilities: Limited on-beach facilities, plan ahead for water and snacks
- Best for: Off-lead runs; big open sands; quieter beach days
Southport Beach
Southport Beach is defined by its sheer scale and flatness. At low tide, the sand stretches so far that the sea can look almost unreachable, which is impressive but also something to be mindful of when planning a route. It is a beach that rewards awareness rather than wandering, especially if you are walking with a curious dog.
What makes Southport particularly useful is how easy it is to pair the beach with town facilities. You can start or finish on the promenade, grab food or coffee nearby, and adjust the walk depending on weather or tide conditions. It is not wild in the same way as Formby or Ainsdale, but it is reliable and easy to manage.
- Access / Restrictions: Usually dog friendly, but check for seasonal restrictions and signage near busy areas
- Terrain: Flat sand, tidal range is significant
- Parking: Multiple car parks near the promenade and seafront
- Facilities: Toilets; lots of cafés nearby in Southport
- Best for: Long flat walks; easy access; pairing beach with town stops
New Brighton Beach
New Brighton offers a more urban coastal experience, but that does not make it less useful for dog owners. The mix of beach and promenade means you are not locked into soft sand, which is ideal for older dogs or shorter walks. It is also one of the easier beaches to visit spontaneously, without much planning.
The promenade keeps things lively, especially at weekends, and it is a good option if you want to combine a walk with food, coffee or simply somewhere to sit and watch the water. When beach access is limited by tides or seasonal zones, the paved paths make it easy to adapt without cutting the walk short.
- Access / Restrictions: Seasonal zoned restrictions can apply, especially in peak months, so follow signage
- Terrain: Sand with promenade and paved paths
- Parking: Large public car parks nearby
- Facilities: Toilets; plenty of cafés and takeaways along the front
- Best for: Easy walks; café stops; short and flexible outings
West Kirby Beach
West Kirby has a calmer, more scenic feel than many of the Merseyside beaches, with open views across the Dee Estuary and a slower pace overall. It suits walkers who enjoy looking out across the water as much as letting their dog explore, and it feels less hectic than the busier Sefton coastline.
Tides matter here more than most places. The beach and surrounding areas change quickly, and routes that feel wide open can shrink fast. If you time it right, though, West Kirby offers a peaceful, rewarding walk with easy access to town facilities at the end.
- Access / Restrictions: Generally dog friendly, but tide conditions dictate where you can safely walk
- Terrain: Sand, estuary edges, coastal paths
- Parking: Town car parks within easy walking distance
- Facilities: Toilets; cafés and shops in West Kirby
- Best for: Scenic views; quieter beach walks; pairing coast with a town wander
Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Merseyside
Use the map to plan your day properly. Each pin should be set at the nearest practical car park or access point, not a random point in the water or centre of the beach, so you can arrive, park, and get onto the sand without guesswork.
West Kirby offers a calmer, more scenic coastal walk with views across the Dee Estuary and an atmosphere that feels quieter than the big Sefton sands. It’s a good choice when you want a more relaxed pace, plus the option to finish with cafés and shops nearby.
Tides play a major role here and routes change quickly, so it’s best approached as a tide-timed walk rather than a guaranteed out-and-back. With good timing, it’s one of the most rewarding dog friendly coastal spots on the Wirral.
Access / Restrictions: Generally dog friendly, but tide conditions dictate where you can safely walk
Terrain: Sand, estuary edges, coastal paths
Parking: South Parade area parking close to the seafront
Facilities: Toilets plus cafés and shops nearby
Best for: Scenic views; calmer coastal walks; pairing coast with a town wander
New Brighton Beach is a great option if you want a coastal walk with facilities close at hand. The beach itself is handy for a leg stretch, and the surrounding promenade gives you flexibility if the weather turns or the tide makes the sand less appealing.
It’s a more urban-feeling beach day, but that makes it easy to do spontaneously. With plenty of food options and a straightforward seafront route, it works especially well for shorter outings or dogs that prefer firmer walking surfaces.
Access / Restrictions: Seasonal zoned restrictions may apply, follow local signage
Terrain: Sand plus promenade and paved paths
Parking: Free on-site parking at Marine Point
Facilities: Toilets and a wide choice of cafés and restaurants nearby
Best for: Easy walks; café stops; short and flexible outings
Southport Beach is vast and flat, with an enormous tidal range that can make the sea look miles away when the tide is out. That scale is great for long walks, but it also means tide planning matters if you are going for anything more than a short wander near the promenade.
The big advantage here is convenience. You have easy access, plenty of nearby amenities, and the ability to tailor the walk depending on weather and conditions. It’s a practical choice when you want a beach day that is simple to manage.
Access / Restrictions: Usually dog friendly, check seasonal signage near busier areas
Terrain: Flat sand with a very large tidal range
Parking: Marine Drive seafront parking
Facilities: Toilets and lots of cafés nearby
Best for: Long flat walks; easy access; pairing beach with town stops
Ainsdale Beach is a dependable choice for dog owners who want space without the busy feel of some neighbouring resorts. The sand is wide and the dunes give it a more natural atmosphere, making it a strong option for longer walks with fewer interruptions.
It’s also a good shout on windy days because the dunes can offer some shelter depending on where you access the beach. If you want a straightforward dog friendly beach with room to roam, Ainsdale is one of the best bets in Merseyside.
Access / Restrictions: Generally dog friendly year round, but always follow local signage
Terrain: Wide sand with dunes and open coastal stretches
Parking: Shore Road beach access parking
Facilities: Limited on-site facilities, plan ahead for water and snacks
Best for: Off-lead runs; big open sands; quieter beach days
Formby Beach feels properly wild thanks to its dunes and pine woodland, with routes that can blend sandy shoreline walking and sheltered paths behind the dunes. It’s ideal if your dog enjoys variety and you want a beach day that feels more like an outdoor adventure than a quick promenade stroll.
Seasonal restrictions are common here to protect wildlife, particularly in spring and summer, and they are enforced. Stick to permitted areas and you will still find plenty of space and one of the most rewarding dog friendly coastal walks in the region.
Access / Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions enforced in protected areas, especially during nesting season
Terrain: Soft sand, dunes, woodland paths
Parking: National Trust car park close to the main beach access
Facilities: Toilets and seasonal café near the entrance
Best for: Dune-backed walks; quieter nature-led outings; beach plus woodland combo
Crosby Beach is one of Merseyside’s most recognisable stretches of coastline, with huge skies, wide tidal flats and a shoreline that opens up massively at low tide. It’s a favourite for dog walkers because you can find space even on busy days, and the promenade makes it easy to extend the walk or keep things simple.
It’s an exposed beach and the tide shifts quickly, so it suits a tide-aware wander rather than a mindless stroll. Get the timing right and it’s one of the best places near Liverpool for a proper leg stretch with your dog.
Access / Restrictions: Dogs generally allowed, but follow any seasonal zoned signage near main entrances
Terrain: Firm sand, tidal flats, promenade paths
Parking: Seafront access via Cambridge Road and nearby promenade parking
Facilities: Toilets and cafés close to main access points
Best for: Big open space; low tide adventures; easy-access coastal walks
Find dog friendly beaches all across the UK on our Wildpack Map.
Tips for Visiting Merseyside Beaches With Dogs
- Tides: Several beaches here have huge tidal ranges, so check tide times before you commit to a long out-and-back
- Seasonal signage: Formby in particular can have strict rules, so read the boards at the entrance and stick to permitted zones
- Wind: Exposed stretches can feel brutal even on mild days, so bring layers and water
- Recall and distractions: Busy promenades and cyclists can catch dogs off guard, so use a lead near access points if needed
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly beaches in Lancashire – Head north for even bigger stretches of sand, quieter resorts and wide open coastal walks that are ideal for energetic dogs.
- Dog friendly walks in Lancashire – Swap sand for countryside with woodland trails, riverside paths and rolling hills just inland from the coast.
- Dog friendly beaches in North Wales – Cross the border for dramatic scenery, wilder bays and quieter coastal spots that feel far removed from the city.
- Dog friendly walks in Cheshire – A great option for calmer days, with canal paths, farmland routes and gentle countryside walks that suit all dogs.