Best beaches in Merseyside

A National Trust red squirrel reserve — one of Britain's last strongholds — with real prehistoric human and animal footprints preserved in the sand.

A Victorian resort on the Wirral with real views across the water to Liverpool's skyline, and Fort Perch Rock standing nearby.

The start of a tidal sand-walk to Hilbre Island's nature reserve, home to grey seals and migrating birds, plus a marine-lake sailing hub.

One of the UK's premier kite-sports beaches — buggying, land boarding, kite surfing — sharing Formby's protected dune system but built for speed, not squirrels.

Home to Leasowe Lighthouse, the oldest brick-built lighthouse in Britain — dating to 1763, and the second-oldest anywhere in Europe.

Home to Antony Gormley's Another Place — 100 real, life-size cast-iron figures standing along the sand, all facing out to sea.