High Tide Safety Advice for Visitors to Formby and the Sefton Coast

With warm and sunny weather forecast for the coming week, we are sharing important advice for anyone planning a visit to our beautiful coastline, especially at Formby.

Important Updates for Formby

From Thursday 1st May 2025, the Victoria Road Beach Car Park and toilets at Formby will be closed until Spring 2026 as part of major conservation work.

Visitors are strongly advised not to travel to Formby by car during busy periods, including the upcoming bank holidays and throughout the summer.

The Lifeboat Road car park remains open for visitors, but spaces are very limited. Please plan ahead if you are visiting Formby.

High Tides Expected

Between 27th and 30th April, very high tides of up to 10 metres are expected along the Sefton Coast, including at Formby.

Tomorrow’s high tide at Formby is expected to peak at 12:43pm, and beach access will be minimal to impossible for approximately one hour either side of this time.

Strong winds may also create significant waves along the coast. While Formby is less impacted by overtopping than Crosby, visitors are still urged to exercise caution if near the shoreline.

Other Coastline Updates

• Ainsdale Beach Car Park will be closed from 27th to 30th April due to the high tides.

• Southport Beach Car Park remains closed while Green Sefton staff continue daily assessments. It will reopen once conditions are safe.

• At Crosby, visitors should be especially cautious near the sea wall, where strong waves may reach the footpaths.

Travel and Parking Advice

Parking along the coast fills quickly on sunny days. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or active travel options where possible.

Merseyrail train stations are within walking or cycling distance to Formby, Ainsdale, Southport, and Crosby beaches.

Plan your journey at: www.merseyrail.org/journey-planning

Summary of Safety Advice:

• High tides expected between 27th and 30th April.

• Minimal or no beach access around peak tide times at Formby.

• Victoria Road Beach Car Park at Formby closes from 1st May 2025 to Spring 2026.

• Ainsdale Beach Car Park closed 27th to 30th April; Southport Beach Car Park remains closed