Formby Beach

Formby Beach combines a vast sandy shore with one of the most impressive dune and pine woodland systems on the English coast, creating an environment that feels more like an outdoor adventure than a typical beach visit. The National Trust manages the site, where paths thread through towering Corsican pines before emerging onto dunes that roll down to the beach below. The sand is wide at low tide, and the combination of beach, dune and woodland provides extraordinary variety within a single walk. At low tide, prehistoric human and animal footprints — 5,000 years old — are occasionally exposed in the silt beds, one of the most remarkable archaeological features on any British beach.

Dogs are welcome year-round on this dog friendly beach, though seasonal restrictions may apply in certain areas to protect wildlife — red squirrels inhabit the pine woodland and natterjack toads breed in the dune slacks, so checking signage is important. The beach provides superb off-lead running on firm sand, the dunes offer sheltered exploration with rabbit scent and marram grass, and the pine woodland delivers completely different walking — cool shade, resinous scent and soft needle beds. The variety means dogs are constantly stimulated by changing terrain and scent environments. Toilets and a cafe are available at the National Trust facility. The prehistoric footprints add wonder when conditions reveal them. One of the northwest's finest coastal destinations.