Easter weekend guide to visiting Southport and Sefton’s beaches

Sefton Council is providing a few reminders for people planning on visiting Sefton’s glorious coastline this Easter.

Stretching for 22 miles the Sefton coast, which is also a protected haven for nature, attracts visitors from across the Borough, the City Region and the whole of England’s North West.

Travel Smart
Those thinking about visiting one of Sefton’s coastal gateways are being encouraged to travel safely, thinking about ways to walk or cycle where they can.

Southport, Ainsdale and Crosby beach are all RNLI lifeguarded beaches with natural beauty and fantastic facilities.

And they are in easy walking distance from Merseyrail stations such as Southport, Birkdale, Hillside, Ainsdale, Hall Road, Blundellsands & Crosby and Waterloo. People can plan their journeys and find timetables and service updates at www.merseyrail.org

Those who do drive should plan ahead to avoid traffic delays and are reminded to park responsibly and considerately, away from residential areas.

Ainsdale and Southport Beach Parking
On-beach car parking will be available at Ainsdale-On-Sea and the car park will be open until 7pm over the four-day Easter weekend.

The men’s, women’s, and disabled toilet facilities have now re-opened at Ainsdale for the summer season.

Accessible toilets are also available at Crosby Coastal Park.

Southport beach car park will remain closed for the coming weekend.

Beach car parking charges for 2023 are:

£10 per day for cars at Ainsdale beach
£16 per day for horseboxes or minibuses
50% off the above rates after 4pm subject to car parking management arrangements
£35 season ticket for Sefton residents and those who drive an electric or hybrid vehicle
£70 season ticket for non-Sefton residents
The car parks operate a cashless payment system as a preference.

Season tickets can be purchased online by visiting Beach Parking 

Car parking for the beach at Formby is managed by the National Trust, who have lots of helpful tips for anyone planning a visit there, at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby

Environmental sensitivity
Visitors are also reminded of the environmental sensitivities and how they can play their role in protecting the landscape by taking litter home.

Fires, BBQs, balloon releases, and fireworks have a detrimental impact on Sefton’s wildlife and are not allowed anywhere at the coast. Failure to comply risks a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.

The range of dune habitats and rare species found along Sefton’s coast are unique and protected as a site of special scientific interest. Please do your bit to keep our natural coast clean and safe for all to enjoy.

You can find out more about Sefton’s coast and its important role in protecting and nurturing UK wildlife at www.sefton.gov.uk/coast