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Formby
A coastal nature haven for wildlife and people
National Trust Formby Countryside Office, Blundell Avenue, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1PH
Important notice
Advance notice: Victoria Road car park and toilets will be closed with no beach access for a major conservation project from May 2025 to spring 2026. See the "Projects at Formby" page.
Opening times for 18 December 2024
Asset Opening time Beaches Open all day Lifeboat Road car park 09:00 - 16:00 Victoria Road beach car park 09:00 16:00 / exit anytime Countryside Open all day Lifeboat Road toilets 10:00 - 15:30 Victoria Road toilets 10:00 - 15:30 Victoria Road woodland car park Open all day MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedLifeboat Road car parking
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Car £8.50 Lifeboat Road coach parking
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Coach £75.00 Lifeboat Road horsebox parking
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Horse box £20.00 Lifeboat Road mini bus parking
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Mini bus £20.00 Victoria Road car parking
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Car £8.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
Picnic area
Dogs allowed
Toilet
Family friendly
Accessible toilet and mobility car park spaces, at Lifeboat Road and Victoria Road. Accessible paths in some woodlands and throughout the asparagus trail. Beach access via hardstanding and boardwalk from Lifeboat Road car park. At Victoria Road the beach can only be accessed over the sand dunes via a steep, sandy path. Free parking and designated spaces near paths for Blue Badge holders. For more information please download the access guide below. This guide aims to provide clear, useful information to help people know more about what to expect when travelling to and exploring National Trust Formby, particularly for those with additional needs.
Accessible toilet
Steps/uneven terrain
By road
Victoria Road - 2 miles off A565. Follow brown signs with National Trust logo “Formby Point” from roundabout at north end of Formby bypass by the BP petrol station. Lifeboat Road – 2 miles of A565. Follow brown signs with beach logo “Lifeboat Road” from roundabout at south end of Formby bypass.
Parking: Width restriction: 3 metres. Height restriction at Lifeboat Road car park: 2.3m (high-sided vehicles will need to park on the field at Lifeboat Road). Download the PayByPhone app from paybyphone.co.uk for a simple, contactless payment. Coins only in the machines. Avoid fines and unnecessary stress for local residents and emergency services by parking responsibly. Every time you pay to park or scan your membership card you’re helping to protect Formby’s precious wildlife.
Sat Nav: Victoria Road car park entrance at grid reference SD281082: use postcode L37 1LJ. Lifeboat Road car park entrance at grid reference SD275065: use postcode L37 2EB.
On foot
Sefton Coastal Footpath
By train
Freshfield station: 1 mile from Victoria Road entrance Formby station: 1.2 miles from Lifeboat Road entrance Click here to find train times
By bicycle
NCN62, 3 miles. Due to the fragile landscape, we ask that cyclists keep to the designated cycle path, tarmacked roads or beach. Cycle racks are available next to the entrances at both Victoria Road and Lifeboat Road. There are plenty of cycle routes and paths in the local area. Bike hire is available at both the Eco Visitor Centre and Southport Train Station. You can take your bike for free, without pre-booking, on the Merseyrail network. Entry is free for visitors arriving on foot or by bike.
Lifeboat Road car park address
Lifeboat Road, near Formby, Liverpool L37 2EB
National Trust Formby Countryside Office, Blundell Avenue, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1PH
Planning your visit
Article
School and group visits to Formby
Pre-booking is essential when visiting Formby as a school or group; discover everything you need to know about how to book a group visit, where to park and about education group memberships.
Article
Borrow a sand wheelchair at Formby
We have two sand wheelchairs available at Formby for you to book in advance and borrow for free.
Article
Visiting Formby with your dog
Dogs are welcome at Formby, which is a one pawprint rated place. Find out all you need to know about exercising your pups on the sandy beaches and acres of woodland.
PDF
PDF
Formby map and facilities
Take a look at the map of National Trust Formby to help plan your visit
Highlights
Coast
A coastal nature haven with some of Europe’s best sand dune habitats, where many rare species, including natterjack toads, thrive.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Formby
Formby’s coastline is home to many rare species, two shipwrecks and prehistoric footprints. Can you spot a red squirrel in the trees or footprints on the shoreline?
Outdoor activities
Activity
Horse riding at Formby
Horses are welcome at Formby. Find out all your need to know about riding your horse on the beach or through the woodlands.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Formby
Discover some of North West Europe’s most important sand dune habitats, where many rare species including natterjack toads thrive. Rich in history, visitors can catch glimpses of the past from spotting pre-historic footprints and shipwrecks to strolling through what was once acres of asparagus fields. Formby’s sweeping pinewoods are also home to the iconic red squirrel. Sunny days and holidays can be busy so you may decide you’ll enjoy your visit more on a quieter day.
History
Article
Discover the history of Formby
Formby is steeped in history if you know where to look. Discover the history of Formby’s asparagus fields, prehistoric footprints and shipwrecks.
Our work
News
Green light for sand dune restoration project at Victoria Road
Find out more about the conservation project to remove the rubble at Victoria Road, Formby and restore sand dune habitats.
Article
Improving Wicks Lake at Formby
Discover how we’re working with fantastic volunteers to create healthier habitats for wildlife at Wicks Lake and improve this special spot for people to enjoy.
Article
Conservation work at Formby
Formby is one of the fastest changing stretches of coastline under the National Trust’s care. Discover how the team are working with nature to protect rare habitats and wildlife.
Article
Freshfield Caravan Park and dune movement at Formby
Find out more about how natural sand dune movement is impacting the caravan site at Victoria Road, Formby.
Project
Project
Projects at Formby
Find out what's happening at Formby's nature haven and get involved. Together we can shape future plans to protect this precious landscape and the rare species that call it home.
PDF
PDF
Making a difference for people and wildlife in 2023
Here’s a few highlights to show how your support helped us care for National Trust Formby in 2023.
Project
Project
What's happening in Lunt?
We've purchased 78 hectares of disused farmland in the Lunt area of Sefton. We'll create new woodlands and more diverse, nature-rich, habitats for nature like wetlands and species rich grassland alongside our partners.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Formby
Explore how a team of dedicated volunteers help to keep Formby moving through all seasons, how you can get involved and what’s in it for you.
PDF
PDF
Formby winter newsletter
Catch up on all the latest news at NT Formby including the work we've been doing with regular volunteers to care for and maintain this special place.