National Trust - Formby
National Trust - Formby things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I took my first trip to Formby Woods yesterday (23rd August). Travelling from Kirkdale it only took just over half an hour to get there by train. Getting off at Freshfield station I headed straight along Victoria Road to the woods and beach. As I wasn’t travelling by car there were no parking fees to pay 👌🏻. As I’d brought my own food along for the trip I’m not certain where you can buy food here. There is a little kiosk where you acquire a map for your walk, but whether they had food or drink to buy, I’m not sure 🤷🏻♂️. There was an ice-cream van there, always nice for something cold on a warm day 👌🏻. I found the walk to be pretty straight forward in following the specific routes. I’m a rebel though, so I went in various directions (think that’s called being LOST 🤔😆). There is seating dotted around the woods or if you want to you can just sit on the floor. From an adults perspective, I would say there is enough there just to enjoy the ambience and the quietness. For a child, they may enjoy the initial excitement of being in the woods, but I didn’t see much else to keep them entertained. Maybe a nature trail with things to spot on the map to keep them focused would be good 🤷🏻♂️. It is also home to Red Squirrels, although during my visit they were proving very elusive 🤦🏻♂️. I did however see signs that there has been an outbreak of Squirrel Pox and sadly 4 have died. So sad when I know they are low in numbers already. 😞 I then headed to the beach which was only a short walk from the woods. Just be prepared that in good weather, this place can get busy pretty quick. Overall, I enjoyed a nice afternoon out and will definitely go again, maybe in the Autumn when the colours start to change.
David HandleyDavid Handley
60
Nice beach to visit with the family. The sea is was quite far the beach when we visited so was quite a walk. Also getting from the car to the beach is hard work. Going up a slight hill with beach sand everywhere is hard work. It's the most annoying anything about the whole visit. If you have kids in pushchairs, it is a mission getting to the beach. The car park isn't too expensive but fills up really quickly. If you're visiting and the car park is full then "it's one out, one in" can take a while getting in. However I would suggest parking in the surrounding streets as it's free and not far to from the entrance. However if you take into account the distance from the streets to the beach or would take you a good 20 minutes plus to get there. However is a great walk with kids. There's also designated picnic areas where there's wooden benches to enjoy a small picnic. There's a small and pit to keep the little ones occupied. Overall it's a lovely place to visit apart from the walk up and down the hill.
Ebrahim BathiaEbrahim Bathia
10
We visited on Saturday 1pm. The place was very busy and we couldn't even enter the car park as it was full. So as the rest of the people we tried to park on the road... If you lucky enough, you might find somewhere to park. Beware of the parking wardens and angry residents! Residents were standing in front of their houses trying to swat the visitors away giving them all the talk how the roads are blocked and congested.... Like the visitors could do anything about it. The parking was nowhere big enough for all the visitors pouring in on the hot day. So make sure to arrive early to even get to the carpark, otherwise face the residents. Now the beach... Beautiful long strip of sandy beach. But beware! On the busy day the sand got all moved about and the thousands of sand hoppers were disturbed, swimming for their life and clinging on legs, toes making your dip in the sea very uncomfortable and bloody. Yes, bloody! My son came out bleeding from his legs from the multiple cuts all over his legs. I got multiple sea creatures clinging onto my legs too, but I felt sharp pinches only as they didn't penetrate my skin. However, it was not pleasant either way. So hence the 3 stars, otherwise it is a nice place to visit.
Marta ZierikMarta Zierik
10
Free for members or £6.50 per car. Huge area ro walk around, dog friendly and you may see some animals along the way such as squirrels, sheep, horses, and rabbits. Stick to the map and you cant go wrong, however that said, watch where your walking as the map can be a little misleading. We went on a colder wintry day but it was still an enjoyable experience walking along the sand dunes, onto the beach, hearing the waves crash nearby, admiring the nature reserve. I can imagine it being beautiful on a warm sunny day. Definately worth a trip so take your packed lunch and off you go. Toilets are on site as well as small drink and food Van's but not too many as naturally this is a nature reserve and they want it to remain clean and tidy. Separate area to.eat within dog access just in case some people dont like dogs. Enjoy!
david R.david R.
00
My family and I were staying locally and heard about this place. Read a few reviews and decided to take a look for ourselves. We parked up at the National Trust car park which is based centrally to the walking paths. It's £8.50 to park but wasn't an issue. Toilets available regardless and an ice cream van I'm assuming in peak season, but we went on a Tuesday in November so it wasn't available. Parking is ample. Home to a lovely forest home to red squirrels, leading to a large walking path. Multiple walks leading to the beach/sand dunes which were a great spectacle even in winter. Just caught the high tide too, so worth checking before you go. We did a couple of miles over an hour or two with a buggy (although hard at times). Very dog friendly. Lovely walk.
harrison wadhamsharrison wadhams
10
Our favourite place to go to for relaxing walks and stunning views. It is always beautiful no matter what time of the day you’ll go or what weather you’ll encounter. Even in the winters’ cold weather this place doesn’t ceases to amaze me. Best beach in North West by far. There is even caravan side if you’d like to stay for a bit longer with kiddos or without. Either way is fine as the place has many attractions and things to do on offer. If you’d like to barbecue there are seating areas by the forest. Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay for the car park unless of course you don’t mind to have a walk and park on the main street called Bushbys Ln. It’ll take you approximately 10min to walk to the main car park and then another 10min to the beach.
M B GM B G
60
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