Formby beach and the red squirrels
Pine woods with red squirrels, then high dunes and a wide sandy beach, half an hour by train.
The National Trust reserve at Formby is two things in one: pinewoods where red squirrels are easy to spot in the morning, and dunes that drop to a huge beach with prehistoric footprints in the mud at low tide. Free to enter, with a parking charge for drivers; the train to Freshfield puts you ten minutes from the woods. A full fine-weather half-day.
When it works
Outdoors: pick a dry day. Best morning, afternoon. Free; parking charge for drivers.
Good for kids, dogs and locals' favourite.
On these lists
- Things to do in Liverpool when the sun is out
- Free things to do in Liverpool
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- Things to do in Liverpool this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in Liverpool around it
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