Go See This contributor, Aimee Jones, highlights the most impressive spots to visit on the coast of North West England. If you are…
Go See This contributor, Aimee Jones, highlights the most impressive spots to visit on the coast of North West England.
If you are looking for some exciting new adventures in the upcoming (hopefully sunny) months, a day on the North West coast might be exactly what you need. Conveniently connected by the Merseytravel Northern Line, a visit to Crosby Beach, Formby Pinewoods, and Southport would fill your day with sand, sea, and endless amounts of fun.
Crosby Beach is home to the impressive public artwork 'Another Place' by British artist Antony Gormley, which consists of 100 life-size cast iron figures - all of which are based on the artist's own physique. The magnificent figures are scattered over two miles of coastline and reach out as far as 1km to the sea, meaning that due to the inevitability of the tide, the figures are frequently submerged and then revealed. If you haven't already visited these striking figures, then it is definitely worth the trip.
About 10 minutes up the coast, by train, is Formby Pinewoods. Not only does Formby feature the incredible Red Squirrel Reserve, but it hosts the famous sand dunes, where the tide often reveals prehistoric footprints - definitely something for the kids to see! There’s something for everyone at Formby, whether it be exploring, looking for wildlife, playing on the beach, or simply taking in the breath-taking coastal views that are on offer.
Now, if you jump back on the train, roughly a 20-minute journey further up the coast is the seaside town of Southport. Southport has many things to offer such as peaceful beach walks, lovely coastal views (including that of the neighbouring Blackpool tower), and the Ocean Plaza: where you can eat, shop, and play all in one place. Ocean Plaza features various restaurants, such as Nandos, Pizza Hut, and Frankie & Benny's, the Vue cinema, Premier Bowl, and even Lasertag! The fun does not just stop here. Southport is also home to the famous Grade II listed 1,000-metre-long pier, which offers fabulous views over the 22 miles of coast. This pier is the oldest iron pier in the country, standing for over 150 years, and plays a significant part in the heritage of Southport as a seaside town. If you fancy venturing down the famous pier, you will find the Pier Pavilion: home to a café, traditional slot machines, and multiple displays on the local history and wildlife in the area. Another must for the day is a ride on the famous Victorian 'Golden Gallopers' carousel, which stands on the pier forecourt and is guaranteed to put a smile on everybody's face.
If you haven't quite had enough fun in one day, there’s always the opportunity to visit Blackpool! Blackpool is home to endless attractions, naming a few such as the Pleasure Beach, the world-famous Blackpool Tower and Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Zoo, Madame Tussauds, and many more. If you are a thrill seeker, then Blackpool Pleasure Beach is definitely for you. The theme park offers a variety of rides, from the highest rollercoaster in Britain to the much-loved spooky Valhalla ride. It’s even home to the UK's only Nickelodeon Land - perfect for the youngsters.
Whether you fancy a fun-filled, action packed day out, or would like to leisurely visit the North West coast through multiple different trips, it is definitely something worth planning into your summer, because you are guaranteed to make some unforgettable memories!
Image credit: John M Wheatley
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