Junction Pool

Right, so Junction Pool down in Marshside. It's not exactly Ainsdale Beach with all the crowds, which is a good thing in my book. If you're after proper sandcastles and donkey rides, maybe head further south. But if you want a bit of peace and quiet and somewhere for the kids to run wild without losing them every two minutes, this could be just the ticket. It's technically a park and beach combo, right where the RSPB Marshside nature reserve starts.

It's free, which always helps, and seems pretty family-friendly. I’ve seen a few families down there with little 'uns. Google reckons it's got a perfect 5-star rating, though only from a couple of reviews, so don't take that as gospel. It's open all hours, being outdoors and all.

Don't expect golden sands, mind. It's more of a muddy, grassy sort of beach. Good for birdwatching if you're into that, being right next to the reserve, but maybe not ideal for sunbathing. It's a bit of a walk from anywhere, so you'll probably need to drive. There's some parking nearby, but it can get busy on a sunny weekend.

Bring your wellies if it's been raining!