Balmoral Drive

Right, so you're heading to Formby Beach, yeah? And you're wondering where to park without getting stung. Balmoral Drive is your shout. Thing is, it's not bang-on the beach itself, it's a residential road a little walk away, near the National Trust site. But here's the kicker: it's FREE!

Now, don't go thinking you'll rock up at midday on a sunny Saturday and get a space easy peasy. Forget about it. This place gets rammed. Seriously, people queue down the road waiting for spots. But if you get there early doors – before 10am maybe – or try a weekday, you've got a decent shot. It’s just a normal road, so be respectful of the houses and don't block anyone's drive.

It's a good ten-minute walk from Balmoral Drive to the actual beach entrance, maybe more depending on how fast your little 'uns are. So, pack light, wear comfy shoes, and be prepared for a bit of a trek. Honestly, though, it beats paying a fortune for the official car park if you don't mind the stroll.

Word to the wise: check the tide times before you go! No point trekking all that way if the beach is underwater. You can find tide tables online easy enough.