Kings Road/Phillip's Lane

Right, so you're heading to Formby beach, yeah? Forget trying to park on Victoria Road itself; it's a nightmare. Kings Road/Phillip's Lane car park is your best bet. It's free, which is always a bonus, but get there early, especially on weekends or during school holidays. It does fill up.

It's basically right by Formby Pinewoods, so you can stroll straight onto the beach through the woods. It's a decent-sized car park, but Formby beach is popular, so don't chance it by arriving late morning. It's technically in Formby, Southport, Merseyside.

No frills, just a car park, but hey, free parking near Formby beach is gold dust. I've used it loads of times with the kids. It's not always the smoothest surface, so watch your ankles.

Just a heads up: there aren't any toilets right next to the car park itself, so make sure you go before you arrive, especially if you have little ones. The nearest loos are down closer to the beach.