The coastline from Southport down to Crosby spans 22 miles and is a haven for nature and wildlife as well as magnificent beaches.
At Southport beach you have Marshside RSPB is a haven for bird watchers; there are two hides, a viewing platform and three viewing screens. In the summer spot nesting birds like avocets and lapwings and in the winter the skies will be filled with pink footed geese and wigeons.
Along to the wildlife haven in Southport, the Queens Jubilee Nature Trail where the oldest of the dunes are now covered in willow scrub and are home to different orchids and wildlife.
Take a walk along the oldest iron pier in the country where at the end you will see nothing but coastal views for miles that will literally take your breath away, stop for a coffee or ice cream at the end.
Ainsdale beach is a haven for extreme kite activities. Imagine time with the family having fun with a kite buggy or land board in the sea, it also boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets - if you find a quiet spec nestled within the dunes, you could literally feel on your own private beach watching the sun set over Ainsdale.
Climb through the dramatic dunes at Formby beach to be met with the most beautiful beach surrounded by sweeping pine woods and the famous red squirrel. Delve further in to the shipwrecks and prehistoric footprints which lay trapped for thousands of years in sediment beds.
Crosby beach is located 12 miles south of Southport, and is home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation, the biggest open air art gallery in the country.
With 22 miles of coast to explore, whether it is walking the dog, going for an early morning run or walking along the beach, there is plenty of open space to do that - and all of this accessible on the Merseyrail's Northern Line service!
22 miles of coastline to explore
Discover nature on the coast
Crosby Coastal Park
Sefton’s Gateway to the Coast – Crosby Coastal Park . Crosby Coastal Park is an excellent starting…
Exploring Ince Blundell
Ince Blundell is a rural parish close to the floodplain of what was once the tidal River Alt and the…
Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve
The Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve includes the stunning Ainsdale Hills, Birkdale…
Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale Beach is now recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite…
Asparagus Cycle Route
This circular route, from Formby Train Station passes through Formby village, the National Trust…
Butterfly Cycle Route
This circular route, from Freshfield Railway Station, goes along the north of Formby and then passes…
Curlew Cycle Route
This circular route begins at the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and will take in the sights of…
Hightown Dunes and Alt Estuary
The northern part of Crosby Coastal Park is known as Hightown Dunes and Meadows. This is a quieter…
Kestrel Cycle Route
Along this route you will enjoy the resorts varied urban landscapes and the newly developed…
Lapwing Cycle Route
This circular route will take you through a wildlife rich area in the heart of agricultural West…
Maghull to Aintree Leeds-Liverpool Canal Walk or Cycle
This pleasant canal-side walk or cycle ride of some 5.8 km (3.6 miles) is entirely level throughout…
Mallard Cycle Route
This circular route boasts spectacular panoramic views that include North Wales and the Lake…
Marram Cycle Route
This short route is a relaxing cycle ride that takes in areas of outstanding natural beauty and…
Marshside RSPB Bird Watching
There's something for everyone all year round at this delightful coastal reserve. In the spring…
Martin Mere Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
There’s a fantastic day ahead of you at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Enjoy splashing, dipping…
Natterjack Cycle Route
This ride begins on the old Cheshire Lines Railway and follows a circular route through Ainsdale…
Queen's Jubilee Nature Trail
The Queens Jubilee Nature Trail is a wildlife haven in Southport. The site lies close to the town…
Ravenmeols Sandhills Local Nature Reserve
Managed by Sefton Coast and Countryside Service, this site is characterised by a high mobile dune…
Shrimp Cycle Route
This is an ideal route to enjoy some of Southport’s best landmarks and it is clearly signed in…
Squirrel Cycle Route
This linear route links Southport to Formby and passes several Nature Reserves. You will travel…
Swan Cycle Route
This circular route takes in the sights and sounds of Southport’s many famous landmarks. You…