With its coastline expected to be very busy over the coming days as temperatures soar, Sefton Council is urging people to plan their journeys to avoid queues hours spent in a boiling hot car and disruption for local residents.

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

All within minutes of Formby

In May, National Trust Formby announced the closure of Formby beach car park until summer 2026 as part of a major conservation scheme.

People can learn more about the project and what is entailed by heading to Formby beach car park closure | National Trust Formby

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

Ainsdale Beach can be found just two stops on Merseyrail or 16 minutes’ drive from Formby, using a satnav at postcode PR8 2QA. Southport beach, five stops on Merseyrail or a 20-minute drive is at postcode PR8 1SB. And Crosby Coastal Park is three stations or 29 minutes’ drive from Formby.

Sefton Council is asking those who do drive to its coast to park responsibly and considerately away from residential areas, and to make sure there is access for residents and emergency service vehicles at all times.

Leave BBQs and pets at home

The hot weather also brings greater fire risk, so we would encourage to people to bring a packed lunch or use the food and drink outlets rather than lighting fires or bringing disposable barbeques, which are strictly not allowed anywhere long the Sefton Coast.

Before bringing a furry friend along for a day at the beach, consider the high temperature, lack of shade and clean drinking water available. Dogs can quickly overheat, and both sand and pavements can get too hot for their paws.

Enjoy the sea safely

Nobody should enter the water at Crosby beach, it is not classed as a bathing beach and has year-round RNLI lifeguard cover because of the range of dangers present.

The rest of the Sefton coast also have RNLI lifeguard presence daily through the summer from 10am-6pm. Anyone who fancies a paddle at any of our bathing beaches should speak to the friendly lifeguards and read the signs before entering the water.

Visitors can find out more information to help plan their day out on the Sefton Coast by heading to www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches