Crosby Beach and Formby Beach are two of the most popular coastal destinations in Merseyside, England, offering unique experiences for beach enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking art installations, serene landscapes, or wildlife encounters, these beaches have something to captivate visitors. Let’s dive into the details and compare the key features of Crosby Beach and Formby Beach.
Location and Access
Crosby Beach is located in the town of Crosby, approximately 4-5 miles from Liverpool city center. The easiest access point is from Marine Crescent, where you can head down the path to Crosby Marina and straight onto the beach.
Formby Beach, on the other hand, is situated about 13 miles from Liverpool city center. The quickest access is via the National Trust Formby, where visitors can enjoy a walk through the pinewoods before reaching the beach.
Unique Features
Crosby Beach:
– Known for the iconic Anthony Gormley’s Another Place sculptures, which feature 100 cast-iron figures spread along the shoreline.
– Offers a coastal path with views of the Port of Liverpool and the Alt Estuary.
Formby Beach:
– Renowned for its golden sand, high dunes, and prehistoric mud flats.
– Home to a thriving population of red squirrels, which can be spotted in the surrounding pinewoods.
Amenities and Facilities
Both Crosby Beach and Formby Beach are open all year round and offer a range of amenities and facilities for visitors.
Crosby Beach:
– Lifeguard cover available
– Free parking at Cambridge Road, Marriners Road, and Hall Road car parks
– Dog-friendly with a poop scoop area
– Toilets located at Hall Road
– Local shops and cafes in Crosby Village, less than 1.5 miles away
– Ice cream available from a van along the promenade and at Barbacoa
Formby Beach:
– No lifeguard cover
– Parking available at the Squirrel Reserve and beach car park, free for National Trust members and £3 for other visitors
– Dog-friendly
– Toilets located opposite the main noticeboard at the entrance to the squirrel reserve
– Variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants in Formby village
– Ice cream available from vendors around the area
Comparison and Conclusion
Both Crosby Beach and Formby Beach offer unique experiences for visitors, catering to different preferences and interests. Crosby Beach is closer to Liverpool city center and provides the opportunity to explore the renowned Another Place sculptures, while Formby Beach offers a more serene and natural setting with its high dunes, mud flats, and red squirrel population.
Ultimately, the choice between Crosby Beach and Formby Beach will depend on the individual’s preferences and the type of experience they are seeking. Whether you’re interested in art, wildlife, or simply a peaceful day by the sea, these coastal gems in Merseyside have something to offer for every beach enthusiast.
References:
– Crosby to Formby Coastal Path: Anthony Gormley, Another Place, Submerged Forest, Formby Beach
– Merseyside’s best beaches: Formby, Crosby and more
– Hi Manchester, would you go to Formby or Crosby?