Whether you live in Sefton or are planning a visit, there is an abundance of beautiful outdoors spots that offer something for everyone.
Historic Parks and Greenspaces
Those planning to get out and about over the Half Term break may want to consider a visit to one of Sefton’s parks where playgrounds and sports facilities offer a space for people of all ages to spend time outdoors.
Sefton has over 30 parks across the borough, as well as 61 play areas and 183 open spaces. This ranges from the stunning Botanic Gardens in the north to the historic Derby Park in the south.
Botanic Gardens, located in Churchtown, are renowned for its community-maintained floral displays, aviary and fernery. Â For more information, head to https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/parks-and-greenspaces/botanic-gardens-in-churchtown/
South of the borough is Derby Park, an important cultural asset that was built in 1895! The park has been recognised by its designation as part of the Derby Park Conservation Area and its listing on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Facilities at the park include a play area, bowls green, zip wire and a multi-use games area. To learn more, head to: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/parks-and-greenspaces/derby-park-bootle/
Natural Coast
Sefton’s environmentally protected coastline stretches for 22 miles from Crosby in the South to Crossens in the North and is a nature haven that offers something for everyone.
In the north there is one of the largest areas of wild dune land left in Britain, the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve. A series of trails leads visitors around the dunes which form the backdrop to magnificent Ainsdale Beach.
For directions and further information, head to: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/coast-countryside/ainsdale-and-birkdale-sandhills-local-nature-reserve/
Further south there’s Crosby Coastal Park, home to Antony Gormley’s famous Iron Men statues. The site is ideal for many informal activities such as birdwatching, flying kites, walking and picnics. Facing west, the beach makes an excellent spot to watch the sunset and there are fantastic views of the Iron Men, the docks and North Wales.
The pop-up food and drink venue, The Bus Yard, has returned to Crosby Coastal Park once more this summer. The Bus Yard is an outdoor space with a fully licensed mobile bar on the lower deck with a roof top terrace and kitchen container serving delicious street food. Check them out on Instagram – @the_bus_yard
Wildlife
It is also home to an incredible array of flora and fauna – from the famous Red Squirrels, to the rare Natterjack Toads and Sand Lizards. The range of dune habitats and rare species found along Sefton’s coast are unique and protected as a site of special scientific interest.
People can play their part in keeping the coast’s precious wildlife safe by taking all their litter home and by not lighting fires or BBQs anywhere at the coast.
To learn more about Sefton’s wildlife and their different activities through the year, people can read our Nature Calendar by heading to: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/around-sefton/coast-countryside/seftons-nature-calendar/
Travel Smart
Visitors looking to head to the coast are being encouraged to explore travel options such as walking or cycling to avoid traffic jams and delays. And drivers are being urged to be considerate to local residents when parking and to avoid fines by using official parking spaces only.
Car parking is available at both Ainsdale and Southport beaches through the summer months.
Ainsdale, which has 2,000 spaces and Southport, which has 400, are among just a handful of on beach car parks across the UK. Unsurprisingly they are closed at some high tides and there may be limited in capacity at other times.
All day beach parking costs ÂŁ8 at Southport and ÂŁ10 at Ainsdale. Prices are halved after 4pm subject to available space and the cost for horseboxes or minibuses at both sites is ÂŁ16 per day.
This funding provides essential support to contribute to the costs to provide our services and preserve the natural beauty of our coastline for generations to come.
