Beach days are the best - there’s sun (sometimes), sea, sand and ice cream. What’s not to love?
But those of us with dogs will know that it’s not quite as simple as rocking up to our favourite seaside town for a stroll along the beach with our furry friends in tow.
Although we have some fantastic coastal towns in this region, not all of them welcome dogs, not without restrictions.
Read more: Man seen beating dog with stick for its 'bad behaviour'
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Merseyside that are open all year round.
If you can't imagine days out without your furry best friend, these seaside towns and beaches are a must-visit.
Formby Beach
Best for: Sand dunes
Restrictions: Keep dogs on leads along the Squirrel Walk
A National Trust site that boasts miles of sandy beaches as well as hundreds of acres of woodland, Formby is a beautiful place for a dog walk, you may even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or two.
While well-behaved dogs can wander all year round, owners are asked to be mindful of other wildlife in the area. If in doubt, dogs should be kept on the lead. If you forget your lead, the car park entrance may be able to lend you one, and there are self-filling water bowls by the toilets.
Meols Beach
Best for: Muddy walks
Restrictions: None
Located near Hoylake, Meols Beach is dog-friendly all year round with no restrictions. It’s great for dogs who like to get muddy as once the tide is out, it becomes littered with mudflats and wet sand. It sounds like a dog’s dream. You can also park closeby with roadside parking along Meols Parade.
New Brighton Beach
Best for: City views
Restrictions: None
A quintessential seaside town located at the northern part of the Wirral Peninsula, this beach boasts stunning views over the city skyline, as well as Perch Rock lighthouse and Perch Rock Fort. Its shops, restaurants and fairground makes it popular with day trippers, but it’s the three to four miles of sand that makes it a hit with dog walkers.
Crosby Beach
Best for: Low dunes and ‘Another Place’ installation
Restrictions: None, but watch out for quick-changing tides
An extremely wide sandy shore, Crosby Beach is popular with dog walkers who want to let their dog off a lead to stretch their legs. Although some owners do warn of the quick-changing tides and dangerous quicksands as there have been some reports of animals and people getting into trouble in this area. It’s best to keep a beady eye on your pet, or if in doubt then keep them on the lead. For those wanting to avoid the sand but still want to enjoy the beach environment, you could instead walk along the coastal path.
West Kirby Beach
Best for: Watersports
Restrictions: Dogs must be kept on leads on The Hilbre Islands
Smaller than most in this list, West Kirby Beach is only 300 metres long and popular for watersports. While dogs are free to visit without restrictions on the time of the year, they do need to be kept on a lead when visiting THe Hilbre Islands, accessible from West Kirby at low tide, just make sure you leave enough time to walk back or you could get stuck for up to five hours.
Hightown Beach
Best for: Sand dunes
Restrictions: None
Located between Liverpool and Southport on the Formby coastline, this beach runs alongside the River Alt estuary and is a hotspot for locals, including dog walkers. There aren’t any restrictions for dog walkers but this is also another area known for its fast-moving tides so it is advisable to keep dogs on leads.
Leasowe Beach
Best for: Swimming
Restrictions: None
With wide sandy beaches and lifeguards that patrol through the summer, this seaside town is perfect for a family day out, and you can bring the dog. You can enjoy walks along the sand, a dip in the ocean and a visit up to Leasowe Lighthouse.
