Merseyside boasts an array of stunning beaches that draw crowds as soon as the sun emerges and temperatures rise. These picturesque coastal spots also attract visitors from beyond the region, eager to relax, stroll, or play on the sands at Formby, Crosby, New Brighton, West Kirby, and Southport. For generations, families have treasured seaside memories across Merseyside. While times have evolved, a trip to the shore remains a beloved tradition.
Sefton's coastline extends 12 miles from Southport to Waterloo, ending at Crosby Beach. The Wirral is equally fortunate, with beaches in Meols, Thurstaston, West Kirby, New Brighton, and Wallasey. The ECHO has delved into its archive and Mirrorpix to select fascinating photographs that illustrate how people have enjoyed these beauty spots over the years and how the landscape has transformed.
New Brighton Through the Years
New Brighton Pier, captured on August 8, 1950, stands as a landmark of the past. Wallasey beach patrol, under Mr C Mitchell, conducted rescue training at New Brighton on June 14, 1954. Easter Monday crowds flocked to Tower Grounds in April 1959, while children enjoyed donkey rides on the beach in June 1954. Sisters Susan, 4, and Hazel, 3, wore Easter bonnets and savored candyfloss on the promenade in April 1959. Holidaymakers packed Wallasey beach in 1933, with boats for hire and a roller coaster on the promenade, the Tower Ballroom in the background.
Despite overcast skies, thousands of day trippers spent the day on New Brighton beach in September 1969. Gerald Perkins, 36, from Eccles, Manchester, pinned his baby daughter Una's nappy on the beach on April 1, 1959. Two-year-old Margaret from Preston sheltered Lulu, one of the donkeys, in April 1959. An aerial view in August 1977 showed the famous pier before its demolition. The Sea Wall at King's Parade was photographed on December 3, 1977. A lone sunbather enjoyed his Daily Post on May 8, 1991. Bad weather hit the beach on September 1, 1988, despite predictions of an Indian summer.
Southport's Coastal Charm
Two young couples braved the elements at Southport on August 5, 1963. An aircraft used the beach as a landing strip on August 5, 1959. Holidaymakers parked their cars on the beach on the same day. The pier train passed over the Lakeside Miniature Railway sign on June 26, 1973. Children fished for lucky fish at the fairground on August 5, 1959. Cars lined the Promenade on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1961. Coaches parked at Southport in August 1959. The beach became one big car park on April 16, 1979. Southport's open air pool was captured on June 27, 1974, and the town on April 24, 1962. Showgirls Lynn Paton and Vera Williamson posed in June 1960. Crowds relaxed in Floral Hall Gardens listening to a band on August 5, 1959. The old Southport Pier provided a backdrop for St Luke's Walk on July 9, 1983. Camel racing was held on Southport beaches on May 22, 1984.
Crosby and Formby
Sailing at Crosby marina was photographed circa 1975. Beach patrolmen Len Davies and Nick Knight collected 16 large sacks of glass from Crosby beach in October 1966. A new tarmac footpath led to Burbo Bank on January 14, 1975. Formby beach hosted a training session for the 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment in August 1974, with a Hercules aircraft dropping parachutists and landing craft transporting troops.
Wirral's Beaches
Hoylake beach was captured in June 1957, and West Kirby in July 1972. West Kirby Marine Lake drew crowds in May 1959. Swimmers from Wallasey Swimming Club celebrated their centenary by taking to the Mersey. West Kirby beach appeared in July 1967. Hoylake's annual beach mission in August 1975 combined evangelism with fun and games.
Memories and Traditions
Pensioners enjoyed a day out at New Brighton on July 7, 1964, with carousel rides and bumper cars. Three-year-old David Pearson from Birkenhead sailed his dinky dinghy, while Carl Tharme, 9, from Liverpool, paddled. Donkey rides near Fort Perch Rock were a staple. The boating lake in New Brighton was busy in August 1954. Ferry boats shuttled from Birkenhead to cope with traffic in the 1960s. Good Friday 1988 saw crowds on the New Brighton waterfront.
