Two days in Formby and Crosby: places to visit near Liverpool

Kick off your visit to the Liverpool City Region by checking in to your accommodation – Formby Hall. Make your way to your bedroom, the base camp for your Merseyside mission and a place to relax and unwind. Drop off your bags, pass by the spa facilities and golf course – don’t worry there’ll be time for these later – and start your coastal adventure.

It’s important you’re well fed before a day of exploring, so head to Emily’s, one of Formby’s best brunch spots, for a bite to eat. It’s never too early to sip a Breakfast Margarita in the snazzy seating area, surrounded by plants. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, try the smashed avocado or Thai scrambled eggs. Got a sweet tooth? Be sure to order the Biscoff-topped pancake stack. 

Explore one of the most diverse stretches of nature in the country, National Trust Formby. The coastal reserve is best known for the prehistoric footprints that occasionally appear on the beach thanks to the shifting tides. Plan in advance and you’ll be able to join a special guided footprint walk. The coast also acts as a habitat for some of the country’s rarest animals – natterjack toads, sand lizards and red squirrels all have a home in Formby.  

Back at Formby Hall there are a few options when it comes to winding down: spa treatments, dinner and champagne or a round of golf. If you’re looking to switch off, there are several spa packages available that include snooze-inducing head massages and deeply cleansing facials. Alternatively, tee off the following morning from one of the two on-site golf courses.  

Start your second day in the Liverpool City Region with a trip to Crosby Beach to admire public art by a world-renowned artist. You’ll notice lots of figures staring out at the horizon. Believe it or not, these figures are the statues that form Another Place, an atmospheric art installation by Antony Gormley. You can get up close and personal with the cast-iron figures closest to the promenade. Pose for a selfie or two, but don’t get into a staring contest – you won’t win! 

Crosby’s relaxed café culture makes it a great place to pause and refuel. Along the waterfront and around nearby Waterloo, you’ll find independent cafes after visiting the beach. For views across Marine Lake and out towards the Irish Sea, stop at The Lake House, where outdoor seating makes the most of clear days. It’s a convenient spot for coffee and cake or a light lunch before continuing your journey through the Liverpool City Region. 

Allow a few hours to explore Knowsley Safari, one of the region’s best attractions for kids and grown-ups alike. Begin with the self-drive safari to spot animals such as lions and white rhinos, then continue on foot to discover walking trails, smaller habitats and regular keeper talks or board the baboon bus.  

End your trip in Woolton, a village-like suburb on the southern edge of Liverpool where John Lennon and Paul McCartney grew up. It’s here, along with the pretty residential streets and cafes and shops you’ll find the iconic Strawberry Field, which inspired The Beatles to write Strawberry Fields Forever. Today, Strawberry Field is open to visitors beyond its famous red gates, with peaceful gardens, exhibition spaces and a café that reflects the site’s heritage and community focus.