Glendale Way

Alright, so you're heading to Formby beach, yeah? Forget trying to park right by the National Trust entrance – absolute nightmare. Glendale Way is your shout. It's a free car park and, honestly, that's gold dust around here in summer. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach from there, which isn't bad at all, and it beats circling for an hour trying to find a spot closer.

It's just off Formby Bypass, so easy enough to find. It does fill up, especially on sunny weekends and school holidays, so get there early-ish if you want a space. Saying that, people are always coming and going so you might get lucky if you drive around.

It's basically a big field, so don't expect fancy tarmac or anything. Just somewhere to dump the car without getting a ticket. And remember your bucket and spade!