Beaches & Coastal Areas

NEW BRIGHTON BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.4352, -3.0747
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A popular seaside resort that's home to the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre. Having undergone a recent redevelopment, New Brighton is now home to a casino, new restaurants, hotels, cinema and activity centres. The beach is 3/4 mile of flat sand, with excellent views across Liverpool Bay. A host of facilities is available, including first aid and toilets. Activities include swimming, jetskiing, powerboating, fishing and canoeing. Parking is available at Bay View Drive or along King's Drive. Dogs are allowed on the beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

MORETON BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.4177, -3.1194
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Lovely sandy beach with plenty of facilities for day-trippers to the beach, including shops, cafe, public toilets and a leisure centre. Horse riding and sand-buggying are popular activities on this beach. Water quality is considered excellent, and Wirral Council seasonal lifeguards patrol this beach at peak times. The beach is Marine Conservation Society recommended. Car parking is available near to the beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FORMBY BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.5482, -3.1063
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods, Formby Beach enjoys breathtaking sea views that head out into the Irish Sea towards Ireland. Ideal for families, there are picnic areas and plenty of walks across the landscape. Open all year, this beach won the Quality Coast Award 2012. A large car park and picnic area is available. No lifeguard cover is available at Formby Beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

AINSDALE BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.6079, -3.064
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Ainsdale Beach is one of the most popular on the coast and has been awarded a Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy. It is the only beach in the North West to have ever been awarded the international Blue Flag (in 2004 and 2006). Ainsdale Beach is now recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities, with zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use and kitesurfing taking place on the sea. Nearby Ainsdale Village offers good shopping and restaurants. Please take note of beach safety flags and signage. Codes of conduct available. No Lifeguard cover.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

MEOLS BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.4066, -3.1598
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Meols beach is a small strip of shingle and vast expanse of sand that is exposed during low tides. Sand buggying is a popular pastime on the large areas of sand exposed by the receding tides. There are plenty of popular coastal walks as well as bird-watching opportunities. Adjacent to the beach is the 4-mile long North Wirral Coastal Park. Toilets are available at the beach, and parking is available nearby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

SOUTHPORT BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.6532, -3.0273
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

WEST KIRBY BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3721, -3.1889
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Just 300 metres in length, but this beach lies between 1km of beautiful sand dunes and 2km of sand flats that are exposed at low tide. West Kirby beach has one of the best marine lakes in the area, which has been recently opened after a complete refurbishment. Windsurfing and kiting are popular activities on this beach, although are not allowed within 100m of the tide line, to allow swimmers to enjoy the water safely. Free parking is available on the promenade running alonside the marine lake, and there is also a pay-and-display car park close to the beach at Dee Lane. There are plenty of local shops within driving distance at West Kirby.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

ST ANNES BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.7466, -3.0357
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach does not comply with the legal requirements, and is not considered safe for swimming or bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

ST ANNES NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.7662, -3.0574
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

BLACKPOOL SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.7902, -3.0606
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

BLACKPOOL BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.8025, -3.0583
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

We just had to include Blackpool Beach as one of our top ten. Miles of sandy beach make it perfect for the kids to build their sandcastle, ride a pony, or just enjoy the great British sun, when it comes out.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

BLACKPOOL NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.8161, -3.0577
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: This beach is closed (temporarily or throughout the season).

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

PRESTATYN BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3463, -3.4157
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Prestatyn beaches are split into three different areas. At the west end of Prestatyn, Ffrith Beach stretches from the Golf Course to Ffrith Beach Fun Park. The beach is dog-friendly and dog walkers are welcome from May-September. At Central Beach there is a Blue Flag proudly displayed, meaning the water quality is checked regularly for bathers to swim. Car parking is available nearby, and lifeguards are stationed during the season. Facilities at Central Beach include toilets, cafe, play area and outdoor shower. Finally, Barkby Beach is home to plenty of boats - it's home to Prestatyn Sailing Club and slipway. Swimming at Barkby Beach isn't recommended, but the beach itself is excellent for sunbathers.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

BISPHAM BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.8489, -3.0549
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

CLEVELEYS BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.8777, -3.048
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

RHYL BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3309, -3.5001
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

FLEETWOOD BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.9267, -3.0198
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

KINMEL BAY (SANDY COVE) BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3124, -3.5355
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

A wonderful north-facing sandy beach that's located next to Kinmel Dunes nature reserve. A narrow promenade and sea wall runs along the beach, next to the car park. Toilets and cafe is situated on the seaward side of the car park, which is free. Canoeing, windsurfing and swimming are popular activities. Water quality is excellent, but there is no lifeguard on duty at this beach. The beach has been awarded with a Green Coast Award, and is Marine Conservation Society recommended.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

HEYSHAM HALF MOON BAY BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 54.0393, -2.9063
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach does not comply with the legal requirements, and is not considered safe for swimming or bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

MORECAMBE SOUTH BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 54.0653, -2.8877
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

COLWYN BAY BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.2971, -3.7144
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Three miles of golden sand is available at Colwyn Bay beach, perfect for sunbathing, playing games or a leisurely walk. The beach stretches three miles, from Penmeanhead to Rhos Point, leading to the wonderful Rhos Harbour with its mix of pleasure boats and fishing boats. The promenade alongside the beach has a good selection of kiosks, cafe bars, and restaurants. A multi-million pound waterfront development has replenished the beach.

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

MORECAMBE NORTH BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 54.0773, -2.8608
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LLANDUDNO NORTH SHORE BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3253, -3.8284
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach meets or exceeds legal guidelines for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing.

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

LLANDUDNO WEST SHORE BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type C
• Sat Nav Coordinates 53.3173, -3.8547
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.

NEWBIGGIN BEACH

• Sea Region Atlantic Ocean
• Water Type estuary
• Sat Nav Coordinates 54.1153, -3.1137
• Meets Blue Flag Directive? Yes

Water quality: Bathing water at this beach complies with mandatory requirements for water quality, and is safe for swimming/bathing

Compliant with the Blue Flag Directive 2010.