Ainsdale Beach
Located between Southport and Formby, Ainsdale beach forms a part of this long wide sandy stretch. Generally regarded as the best beach in the area Ainsdale is the only beach in the North West of England to have ever been awarded a Blue Flag. These days the beach holds a Quality Coast Award which ensures clean water and plenty of facilities.
Ainsdale Beach is a bit of a haven for extreme kite-based activities. The beach itself has zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use whilst kitesurfing takes place in the sea.
The beach here is backed by the same sand dunes that run along this section of the Sefton coast. Together they form one of the largest areas of wild dune land left in Britain. The Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve covers 988 hectares of open dunes and beach and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed on much of the beach but there is a dog free zone for 200m either side of the beach entrance at Shore Road.
Merseyside dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Donkey rides
- Kite surfing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Lost child centre
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Ainsdale Beach Reviews
I'm local
Jason
Jun 26th 2022Ainsdale is a really beautiful beach, I walk it every morning. The key is when to visit. I personally wouldn’t bother with summer weekends or bank holidays (it can get really horrible). To enjoy it at its finest, visit midweek (any month) on an early morning hightide. Seriously, it can be spectacular! Just head south towards Freshfield, on the dunes path or beach.
Relaxing walks with Cairn Terriers
P Lever
Sep 10th 2020Ainsdale beach is just great for everyone. We recently visited with our cairn terriers and grandchildren. The weather was gorgeous and the beach was lovely and clean. Lifeguards are situated here so it is much safer here. We flew our kites and had a marvellous time which costs no money!!!
Lovely clean beach
Lydia Fernandez-Arias
Jun 24th 2020We’ve had lots of lovely days at this beach. Less busy than formby. Sand hills to explore. Plenty of sandy space to play football etc. Free car parking next to beach.
Nappies left on the road, loose dogs and dog mess, litter everywhere, cars blocking the pavement..