Cropton Road

Alright, so you're heading to Formby Beach? Smart move. Saves you trekking all the way to Ainsdale. Now, parking can be a pain, but Cropton Road car park is your best bet, and the best part? It's free. Yep, free parking near Formby Beach in Merseyside. Can't argue with that, can you?

It’s on Cropton Road, funnily enough. Just punch that into your sat nav and you're golden. Gets pretty busy on weekends and sunny days (obviously), so get there early, especially if you're lugging all the gear for the kids. You’ll be fighting for a space otherwise, and nobody wants that stress before they've even built a sandcastle.

It's not a massive car park, mind you, but it's usually big enough if you're not too fussy about where you park. From there, it’s a decent walk to the beach through the woods. Let the kids burn off some energy before they hit the sand.

One tip: Don't leave valuables on display. It's a popular spot, and you can never be too careful, can you?