Southport's beach car parks now closed for the winter

Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed visits to Sefton’s beautiful Crosby, Ainsdale and Southport beaches this summer.

The Council’s Green Sefton coastal rangers have been kept busy managing beach car parks, emptying bins, litter picking and helping people get the most out of their visit to the Borough. And they have done this alongside partners the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and National Trust Formby.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the visitors who’ve been to our beaches over the summer and who’ve played their part by using our bins or by taking their rubbish home. This has kept our beaches looking fantastic and the rare and fragile natural habitats that make our coastline so special, safe.

“And a big ‘thank you’ also to Green Sefton and all our partners and volunteers for all the work they’ve done over the summer months keeping our coast clean and safe, and so enjoyable for all our visitors.”

Mark Shaw, Green Sefton Service Manager, said:

“Thanks to all those visitors who came this summer and who were kind to our staff, considerate to local people living along Sefton’s coast and for being respectful to each other.

“We hope you had a great time and look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

Parking Information

Beach car parks along Sefton’s Natural Coast are now closed, marking the end of the busy summer season. Ainsdale and Southport beach car parking will now remain closed until 1st April 2023.

For those who visit our coastline all year round, there are still plenty of ways to travel to the coast, by either foot, bike, or train.

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

For those driving to our Natural Coast, there are many other pay and display car parks in the Southport area just a short walk away from the beach.

Crosby beach is backed by a promenade, from where people can view the Another Place ‘Iron Men’. There are several pay and display car parks adjacent or close to the promenade.

For those planning looking for another reason to visit the work of art, The Guardian newspaper have this week published an online article showcasing the Borough’s Sefton Coastal Path with a suggested walk route.

While car parking for the beach at Formby remains open all year round and is managed by the National Trust, who have lots of helpful tips you should read when planning your visit there. Have a look at their planning your visit page.