Ainsdale Beach
About
Ainsdale Beach is now recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities, with zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use and kitesurfing taking place on the sea.
It has been awarded International Blue Flag on a number of occasions. The QCA award tells visitors that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK.
A permit is required before you use a power kite in the kite zone.
The Ainsdale Discovery Centre, situated adjacent to the beach and Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, provides local information, a classroom facility, venue for events and free cycle hire .
Open during the summer, you are welcome to pop in and see the shell collection and find out what wildlife there is to see and maybe have a go at a family activity.
Ainsdale Beach and nature reserve are popular with schools and colleges for educational visits and provide a venue for a variety of events throughout the year.
Nearby Ainsdale Village offers good shopping and restaurants.
Please take note of beach safety flags and signage.
Codes of conduct available.
No Lifeguard cover.
Ainsdale Beach is managed by Sefton Coast and Countryside Service.
Facilities
Other
- Dogs Accepted - Please keep under close control and take care not to disturb flocks of wading birds Poop scoop area. Dog free zone for 200m either side of the beach entrance at Shore Road.
- Groups accepted - Please book before visit (see contact details)
- Toilets - Toilets are located at the beach entrance at the end of Shore Road.
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking is available for the summer season and is valid for Ainsdale Beach Car Park, Southport Beach Car Park and Formby Lifeboat Road Car Park. £45 for a car £80 for a minibus or horse-wagon/trailer. Available at Ainsdale Discovery Centre or the Southport Town Hall, Lord Street, PR8 1DA
TripAdvisor

- Excellent228
- Very Good142
- Average46
- Poor27
- Terrible27
Recent Reviews:
- maxpiperSaint Helens, England, United KingdomTrip Type:Solo travelHo what a sightThursday, 22nd September 2022Ainsdale beach Southport is brilliant for the kids and adults alike just come and see for yourself, I live here my family love it Read full review
- plantsman_10Herefordshire, United KingdomTrip Type:CouplesLovely beachMonday, 10th October 2022In October there is not much parking but cars come and go quite regularly so a space will soon appear. The Beach is lovely for everyone with plenty of space when the tide is out. Dog friendly in the... Read full review
- rabbit55Wigan, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyGreat BeachMonday, 17th October 2022Lovely beach, visited here with my young son, he loved it, it was a warm day so there was busy however was able to park, car parking was £10. Worth a visit if in the area Read full review
Map & Directions
Awards
- Beach Awards Quality Coast Award 2011
Opening Times
Open (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023) |
---|