Crosby Beach is a popular destination for beach enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of coastal and industrial landscapes, as well as the internationally acclaimed “Another Place” installation by artist Antony Gormley. However, it is important to note that Crosby Beach is not a bathing beach and does not have a patrolled bathing area.
Understanding the Crosby Beach Landscape
The beach is located within Crosby Coastal Park, stretching from Waterloo to the estuary of the River Alt at Hightown. It is the permanent home to 100 cast-iron figures that stretch the coastline and almost a mile out to sea. Visitors can enjoy views across the sea to Wirral and North Wales hills, and the uninterrupted views as the sun seemingly melts into the ocean.
Due to its close proximity to the Port of Liverpool, visitors can often marvel at huge container ships and cruise ships that pass by. The Burbo Bank offshore wind farm can also be seen from the shore, adding to the unique coastal/industrial/artistic landscape that makes Crosby Beach so unique.
Potential Dangers at Crosby Beach
Despite its scenic beauty, Crosby Beach is not a bathing beach and visitors are advised to stay out of the sea. There are potential dangers at the beach, including areas of soft sand and mud, as well as a risk of changing tides. The RNLI Lifeguard Service is present all year, but the beach is permanently red flagged, indicating that swimming is not allowed.
Accessing Crosby Beach
If you’d like to visit Crosby Beach, Merseyrail operates regular services to Blundellsands and Crosby, which is the closest station to the Iron Men beach entrance. Alternatively, Waterloo station offers a short stroll to Crosby Coastal Park for those wishing to explore the Victorian gardens, playground facilities, and Marine Lake.
Unique Features of Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach is known for its unique features, including:
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The “Another Place” Installation: The beach is home to 100 cast-iron figures by artist Antony Gormley, which stretch along the coastline and out to sea, creating a striking and thought-provoking art installation.
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Coastal and Industrial Landscape: The beach offers a unique blend of coastal and industrial landscapes, with views of the Port of Liverpool and the Burbo Bank offshore wind farm.
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Scenic Views: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the sea to Wirral and the North Wales hills, as well as the uninterrupted views of the sun setting over the ocean.
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Recreational Facilities: Crosby Coastal Park, which includes Crosby Beach, offers a range of recreational facilities, such as Victorian gardens, a playground, and a Marine Lake.
Conclusion
In summary, while Crosby Beach offers a unique and interesting coastal experience, it 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. The RNLI Lifeguard Service is present all year, but swimming is not allowed due to the potential dangers at the beach. However, the beach’s unique features, such as the “Another Place” installation and the blend of coastal and industrial landscapes, make it a popular destination for beach enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
References:
– Crosby Beach – Sefton Council
– Crosby Beach – TripAdvisor
– Crosby Beach – Venango County, PA