Crosby Beach, located in Merseyside, England, offers a unique and captivating experience for beach touring enthusiasts. This coastal destination is home to a variety of facilities that cater to visitors seeking to explore the area’s diverse landscapes, from the iconic “Another Place” art installation to the serene Sefton Coastal Path.
Visitor Information
Crosby Beach is not a bathing beach, and visitors are advised to stay out of the sea and within 50 meters of the promenade at all tides. However, it is the only RNLI beach in the UK with a 365-day lifeguard presence, ensuring the safety of visitors.
Travel Options
Reaching Crosby Beach is convenient, with several transportation options available. Merseyrail operates regular services to Blundellsands and Crosby, the closest station to the Iron Men beach entrance. For those wishing to explore the Victorian gardens, playground facilities, and Marine Lake, Waterloo station offers a short stroll to the Crosby Coastal Park.
Facilities and Amenities
Crosby Beach offers a range of facilities and amenities to enhance the visitor experience:
Toilets and Other Facilities
- Public toilets are available at both Burbo Bank and the Marina in Waterloo, with a small charge of 40p to use them.
- At Burbo Bank, visitors can find an ice cream van and a coffee van, providing refreshments.
- The Marina end of the beach is home to the Bus Yard, a pop-up bar open during the summer months, serving food and drink with upstairs seating that offers scenic views.
- The Marina is also home to the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and The Lake House, a newly renovated hotel and restaurant situated at the water’s edge.
Sefton Coastal Path
The Sefton Coastal Path runs from Crosby Marina to Marina Drive in Southport, offering a 21-mile walk with various terrain, including beaches, marshes, and pinewoods. This scenic path provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Parking Options
There are three main car parks at Crosby Beach:
1. Marina car park (Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre)
2. Crosby Leisure Center car park
3. Burbo Bank car park
If unsure where to park, Burbo Bank is recommended as it is at the northernmost point of the beach, providing access to the promenade towards Waterloo or the coastal path towards Hightown and Formby.
Arriving by Train
The three main train stations closest to Crosby Beach are Waterloo, Crosby & Blundellsands, and Hall Road. Waterloo Station is roughly an 8-minute walk away from Crosby Beach on the Marina side, while Hall Road is roughly a 9-minute walk away from Burbo Bank.
The Iconic “Another Place” Installation
One of the main attractions at Crosby Beach is the “Another Place” installation by renowned artist Antony Gormley. This permanent art installation features 100 cast-iron figures that are spread along the coastline and almost a mile out to sea. The figures, which are modeled after the artist’s own body, create a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience for visitors.
Exploring the Diverse Landscapes
In addition to the “Another Place” installation, Crosby Beach offers a diverse range of landscapes for visitors to explore. The area features a unique blend of coastal, industrial, and artistic elements, providing a multifaceted experience for beach touring enthusiasts.
The Sefton Coastal Path, as mentioned earlier, offers a scenic and varied walking experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. The path winds through beaches, marshes, and pinewoods, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this coastal environment.
Furthermore, the industrial heritage of the area is evident in the various structures and facilities that dot the landscape, such as the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and the Marina. These elements add a unique character to the beach, blending the natural and man-made elements in a harmonious way.
Conclusion
Crosby Beach is a must-visit destination for beach touring enthusiasts, offering a unique and captivating experience that combines coastal, industrial, and artistic elements. With its diverse facilities, transportation options, and iconic “Another Place” installation, Crosby Beach provides a multifaceted and memorable visit for all who explore its shores.
References:
– https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/coast-and-countryside/visiting-our-beaches/crosby-beach/
– https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/another-place-by-antony-gormley-at-crosby-beach/16098101/
– https://liverpoolinsider.com/crosby-beach/