Another gem not far from Southport is Formby, a charming coastal town that is a paradise for nature lovers.

The Formby National Trust Red Squirrel Reserve is a great place to explore, with its stunning sand dunes, woodland, and wildlife, including the rare red squirrel.

If you wind your way through the sweeping pinewoods they open out to Formby Beach, home to some of Europe’s best sand dune habitats, where many rare species including Natterjack toads thrive. Another particularly interesting sight along the beach are the prehistoric animal and human footprints baked in the mud beneath the sand.

If you are staying in Southport and fancy a bike ride, the Squirrel Cycle Route takes you from Southport through to the National Trust site at Formby.

Formby is also famous for Asparagus farms, before the Second World War it was an important crop for Formby with local growers exporting their crop around the world from the port of Liverpool. The Asparagus Cycle Route takes you through Formby and the asparagus fields.

Visitors can also enjoy a walk along the town's quaint shops, cafes and restaurants after a day at the beach.

If you are a golfer then you are spoilt for choice - uniquely Formby Golf Club is also home to Formby Ladies Golf Club - a completely independent golf course which sits within the boundary of Formby Golf Club and means that visitors can access both the men’s championship course and the Formby Ladies Golf Club on the same golf trip!

If you fancy mixing golf with a spot of pampering then Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa is a sumptuous oasis of peace and tranquillity, where you can play on a Championship golf course all day long - or float in and out of sublime spa treatments for hours on end!

Explore Formby

Formby Walks

ROUTE ONE This circular walk of 6.8 km (4.25 miles) starts at and returns to Freshfield Station, on…

Formby Beach

Discover a hidden gem on the stunning coastline of Sefton. Nestled amidst rolling sand dunes and…

Featured as one of the most Instagrammable spots

Selfie at Marine Lake May 16
  • 5 minute read

Feel the sand beneath our feet, enjoy sipping on a cocktail, have dinner with a friend and take that ever important selfie! We have some of the most beautiful places perfect for your Instagram stories! Southport Pier By far one of the most instragrammable – a quick search on Instagram shows…