Elbow Lane

Alright, so you're heading to Formby beach, yeah? Elbow Lane's your shout for free parking, which is always a winner. It's just off Victoria Road, so dead easy to find. Weekends in summer, though? Forget about it. You'll be queuing down the road. Seriously, get there before 10am or you're stuffed.

It’s not massive, Elbow Lane, so once it's full, it's full. It's basically a field, so don't expect any fancy markings or anything. Good news is, it's right next to the National Trust site, so the beach is only a short walk through the woods. Much better than paying a fortune for the official car park, if you're a tight arse like me.

Don't get me wrong, the National Trust car park is fine, but why pay when you don't have to? Just be a good egg and take your rubbish home with you. Nobody wants to see crisp packets blowing across the dunes.

If you're banking on Elbow Lane, have a Plan B in mind, especially if it's a sunny day. Maybe think about getting the train to Formby station instead.