Formby Red Squirrel Reserve
A stunning coastal reserve with vast sandy beaches, protected sand dunes, and pine woodlands, famous for its native red squirrels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Formby Red Squirrel Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal reserve with vast sandy beaches, protected sand dunes, and pine woodlands, famous for its native red squirrels.
"Miles of soft sand and a chance to see red squirrels make this a truly special natural escape."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Arrive early on sunny days or be prepared to walk from the village. Car parks can close when full.
🥾 Long Walk to Beach
Factor in a 15-20 min walk through dunes from car park to the sand. Wear comfy shoes!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 9,796 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Beach
Formby Beach
Miles of soft, fine sand perfect for sandcastles and long walks with stunning coastal views.
Red Squirrel Woodland
Formby National Trust
Explore pine forests and keep an eye out for the elusive native red squirrels.
Sand Dune Exploration
Formby Dunes
Vast sand dunes offer a unique landscape and a scenic walk to the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Pack Smart for Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Arrive early on sunny days or be prepared to walk from the village. Car parks can close when full.
🥾 Long Walk to Beach
Factor in a 15-20 min walk through dunes from car park to the sand. Wear comfy shoes!
🗑️ Pack Out Your Rubbish
No bins near the beach. Bring a bag to take all your litter home.
🚽 No Facilities on Beach
There are no toilets directly on the beach. Plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Arrive early on sunny days or be prepared to walk from the village. Car parks can close when full.
🥾 Long Walk to Beach
Factor in a 15-20 min walk through dunes from car park to the sand. Wear comfy shoes!
🗑️ Pack Out Your Rubbish
No bins near the beach. Bring a bag to take all your litter home.
🚽 No Facilities on Beach
There are no toilets directly on the beach. Plan your visit accordingly.
🐿️ Squirrel Spotting
Visit the pine woodlands for a chance to see native red squirrels. Early mornings are best.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Formby Beach is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, expansive soft sand, and the unique opportunity to spot red squirrels in the adjacent woodlands. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic walks. However, the lack of facilities like bins and toilets, coupled with challenging parking and long walks to the beach, are common drawbacks.
"Really lovely and gorgeous place to go for a walk or a run. I always enjoy going there over a weekend when the weather allows to have a nice walk around the woods and finish at the beach. Spacious and so well maintained. We need more National Trust spaces for everyone to enjoy and unwind."
Dom Wilcz
"Amazing place to visit with family and young children, it gets very busy on sunny days leaving the car park full/closed however you can walk from the outskirts of the village down through the dunes. The beach is a very fine soft sand ideal for sandcastle building and the area is very extensive to explore. I've been a few times both when busy and quiet."
Shel Jones
"I visited Formby Beach on a Monday, which turned out to be the perfect choice — it was fairly quiet and peaceful, with only a few other people around. The beach itself is really beautiful and quite clean, with nice soft sand and lovely views.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to visit: the walk from the car park to the beach is around 15–20 minutes through forest and sand dunes. It’s a nice walk, but definitely something to be prepared for, especially if you’re carrying stuff.
There are also no obvious bins near the beach itself, so if you’re bringing food, drinks, or anything else, make sure you have a bag to take your rubbish with you — I couldn’t find a bin anywhere close, so I had to carry everything back to the main road area.
Also, there aren’t any beach toilets or facilities nearby, so that’s something to think about if you’re planning to stay for a while. And I imagine on weekends parking could be a challenge — I was lucky to go on a Monday when there were plenty of spaces.
Overall though, it’s a stunning beach and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something a bit more natural and peaceful."
Sandra Fudala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible by car, with National Trust car parks available. Alternatively, you can walk from Formby village. Public transport options include train to Formby station, followed by a walk or bus.
Yes, there are National Trust car parks, but they fill up quickly on sunny days and can close. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended.
The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes through pine woodlands and sand dunes. It's a pleasant but sandy trek, so wear appropriate footwear.
Cycling is permitted on some of the paths within the woodland, but be mindful of pedestrians and the sandy terrain.
The sandy paths can be challenging for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The main paths are generally manageable, but some areas are very sandy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reserve and beach is free. However, National Trust car parks have a charge for non-members.
The beach and reserve are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Car park access may vary.
Advance booking for parking is typically not available. It's a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak times.
National Trust members get free parking in the designated car parks.
Visiting on a weekday, especially in the morning, is the best strategy to avoid crowds and parking issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Formby is famous for its native red squirrels, but you can also spot various bird species, seals (occasionally), and other coastal wildlife.
There are no toilets directly on the beach itself. Facilities are usually located near the main car parks.
Bins are scarce near the beach. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take all their rubbish home with them.
Yes, picnics are welcome. Remember to bring a bag for your waste and dispose of it responsibly.
Swimming is possible, but be aware of currents and tides. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly on the beach. You'll find options in Formby village.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great idea, especially since there are no food vendors on the beach.
Formby village, a short walk or drive away, offers various shops, cafes, and pubs for refreshments.
Pack essentials like sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and a blanket. Don't forget a bag for your rubbish!
Barbecues are generally not permitted on the beach or in the dunes to prevent fire risks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vast sandy beach, dramatic sand dunes, pine woodlands, and if you're lucky, the red squirrels. Sunsets can be spectacular.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for beach and dune photography. Midday can be harsh.
Yes, but be patient and respectful. Use a zoom lens to avoid disturbing them. Early mornings are best for sightings.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low light.
Drone usage is often restricted in nature reserves and coastal areas. Check local regulations before flying.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit