The sun is finally shining, meaning it’s time to grab your buckets and spades, back a picnic and head to one of the many beautiful beaches we have here in the North West.
We’re incredibly lucky to have an impressive range of beaches on our doorstep, with Lancashire boasting beautiful seaside spots, from St Annes, Fleetwood and Blackpool, to Cleveleys and Morecambe.
There are also a host of wonderful sandy shores not too far away, including the likes of Southport and Crosby.
As we look ahead to the weekend, we have put together a guide to some of the most beautiful beaches in and around Lancashire. They are perfect for a family day out over the Easter holidays, a Sunday stroll or for a weekend away this summer.
Take a look at the 13 stunning North West beaches below.
5. Formby Beach
Formby Beach is known for its vast sandy shores, stunning protected dunes, woodlands (home to red squirrels) and excellent coastal views. It is two and a half hours away from Derbyshire. Formby Beach, National Trust Formby Lifeboat Road Formby Merseyside L37 2EB. Photo: Yan
6. Morecambe Bay
Morecambe’s bathing beaches have been recognised as some of the best in the country. | mikus - stock.adobe.com
7. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay stretches from the wall of Heysham Harbour up the coast to the Heritage Centre at Lower Heysham. At high tide the beach is fairly small, flanked by rocks and backed by grassy hills. At low tide however, a vast expanse of sand and mudflats are exposed. The beach has views across Morecambe Bay and towards the Lakeland fells. Photo: Gayle Rouncivell
8. Southport Beach
The golden sands of Southport Beach are part of the 22-mile Sefton coastline leading from the Mersey into the Ribble Estuary. | Jeff Buck Photo: Jeff Buck