Our Must-Visit Beaches Near Cheshire
Believe it or not, there are a number of must-visit beaches near Cheshire. Just up at its northern end, the Wirral Peninsula has 25 miles of spectacular coastline with large areas of natural beauty to explore. So whether you fancy a leisurely stroll along the sea in Wallasey or an afternoon of watersports in West Kirby, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
From red squirrel spotting in the pine woodland at Formby to basking in the sun on the sandy beach of St Annes, there is so much to see and do in the area around the county, so it’s a great idea to book a Cheshire campsite to use as a base for a few days.
There’s nothing better than being by the seaside on a summer’s day, so grab your bucket and spade and start reading our guide to the must-visit beaches near Cheshire.
Wallasey Beach
At the eastern end of the North Wirral Coastal Park is Wallasey – the nearest beach to Chester. Also known as ‘New Brighton’, the area is a popular spot for sunbathers, dog walkers and kitesurfers. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Chester and there is plenty of free parking nearby – just head to Bayview Road or Kings Parade off Harrison Drive.
Families can have an action-packed and entertaining day here with lots to do to keep everyone busy. Play some games in the amusement arcades, drive the dodgems at the funfair or take a dip in the outdoor splash park. Don’t forget to explore the ‘black pearl’, an interactive artwork made from driftwood and rope where kids can let their imaginations run wild and pretend to be pirates for a few hours.
There’s also a lovely walk to the New Brighton Lighthouse – one of the Wirral’s best-known landmarks. Built in 1827, it was modelled on the trunk of a mighty oak tree and stands at an impressive 95 feet high. It was in continuous use until it was decommissioned in October 1973.
The gorgeous beach here has a mile of golden sand to explore and relax on, as well as a dramatic coastline to admire. It’s also an excellent viewing point to sit and watch the ships cross the Irish Sea from the River Mersey.
Book yourself into a campsite nearby and spend a few sunny days in the Wirral this summer.
Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve
Also known as Cheshire's Island, Hilbre Island is part of the Wirral and one of only 43 unbridged tidal islands in the country that can be reached on foot from the mainland.
The island is an awesome location for spotting rare and endangered wildlife – it’s a significant point for the migrating birds, who stop here twice a year as they travel along the west coast of Britain. Head to the bird observatory where visitors can keep a keen eye out for species such as redstarts, wheatears and stonechats.
To the west of Hilbre is West Hoyle sandbank where large numbers of grey seals can often be seen bobbing up and down in the waters. There have also been sightings of whales and dolphins around the island, so perhaps pack a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture these magical moments.
Before planning your visit, remember to check tidal times and leave the island at least three hours before high tide. Keep in mind that there are no public toilets or shops when you get here, and it’s a good idea to wear suitable footwear.
If you’re looking for more activities in the county, take a look at the 11 best things to do in Cheshire for some ideas.
Formby
The expansive beach, sand dunes and pine woodland at Formby are all part of a National Trust-owned nature reserve, where an abundance of wildlife thrives.
This coastal site is part of the North Merseyside and West Lancashire Red Squirrel Stronghold and is one of only a few sanctuaries left in the UK for this rare creature. When you’re exploring the woodland, look up and you might see some of those fluffy red tails scurrying around the treetops.
The dunes are also home to a variety of interesting species, such as natterjack toads and sand lizards, who use the area as a breeding site. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a huge variety of birds at Formby, including the Arctic tern, bar-tailed godwit and oystercatcher.
When you’ve had your fill of animal-spotting, take a stroll on the wide sandy beach or head to one of the picnic areas to recharge with refreshments.
Get closer to nature and sleep under stars at a campsite in Formby.
West Kirby
In the north-west of the Wirral Peninsula is the town of West Kirby– a brilliant destination for a relaxing break by the sea.
You could easily spend an afternoon here browsing the independent shops that line the streets, tasting lots of locally made treats in the cute cafés and admiring the Tudor architecture on the crescent.
When you’re ready to see some nature, take a stroll around the edge of the popular marine lake that is five feet deep and spans across 52 acres. This man-made saltwater lake is home to the Wirral Sailing School, where the more active types can take a course in sailing, windsurfing or canoeing.
Ready to head to the beach? It’s a small one at just 300 metres long, but it lies between a vast stretch of sand dunes and some sand flats (only exposed at low tide) so really there’s miles to explore.
Read our Ultimate North West England Camping Guide for some more information on the region.
St Anne’s Beach, Lytham
The seaside town of Lytham St Annes is in Lancashire, so it’s a little further afield but absolutely worth the journey for its stunning coastline, Victorian pier and pretty parks. It’s a lovely spot for a family holiday so why not camp here for a night or two?
St Anne’s beach is a vast and golden stretch of sand where the kids can play and adults can relax. It’s backed by sand dunes that create a haven for wildlife and attract a huge number of wildfowl and waders too.
Behind the beach are some attractive gardens, a pleasant boating lake and Lytham windmill, a well-loved local landmark. There’s also the nearby pleasure pier which was built in 1885 and now has an amusement arcade at its entrance.
The town also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the 1940s Wartime Weekend – when the town goes back in time for a couple of days – and St Annes International Kite Festival – where kites of all shapes and sizes fill the skies near the pier. Make sure you keep an eye on the website for changes and updates to the events calendar.
Are you holidaying with a doggo? If so, try these scenic dog walks in Cheshire where your furry friend can run, sniff and dig in the surrounding countryside.