Only two beaches from the North West have secured places in Time Out's 2026 list of the 40 best beaches in the UK, with Morecambe in Lancashire and Formby in Merseyside representing the region. Notable omissions include Blackpool, Ainsdale, and Lytham St Annes, despite their popularity.
Morecambe: Intertidal Expanse and Lake District Views
Morecambe Beach ranked 32nd in the list. Time Out praised its "largest expanse of intertidal sand flats in the UK, with a whopping five miles of sandy and shingle coastline." The beach is part of Morecambe Bay, one of the largest estuaries in the country, offering broad, flat sands that stretch for miles at low tide. Visitors can enjoy the TERN Project, an award-winning sculpture trail featuring steel gannets, cormorants, and razorbills along the promenade.
The beach provides spectacular views across the bay to the Lake District fells, with sunsets described as "something to behold." However, the bay has notoriously dangerous quicksands and fast-moving tides; walking far out without a qualified guide is hazardous. The 2004 cockle pickers tragedy, in which 23 people drowned, serves as a stark reminder. Official guided walks are led by the Queen's Guide to the Sands.
Formby: Dunes, Red Squirrels, and Prehistoric Footprints
Formby Beach came in at 39th place, celebrated for its "glorious, family-friendly" nature. The beach is backed by a network of dunes that move at an alarming rate of four metres a year, revealing prehistoric human and animal footprints in exposed clay layers. The National Trust-managed woodlands behind the dunes are a stronghold for red squirrels, and visitors can download 'squirrel walks' from the Trust's site.
Unlike typical seaside resorts, Formby has no promenades or piers; its clean golden sand and extensive dunes give it a wilder, more natural feel. The area also hosts natterjack toads in the dunes.
Why Blackpool and Ainsdale Missed Out
Blackpool, despite its iconic three piers, Pleasure Beach, and Tower, did not make the cut. Ainsdale Beach, the only Blue Flag-awarded beach in the North West and popular with kitesurfers, was also omitted. Lytham St Annes, with its pastel beach huts and miniature railway, failed to impress the judges. The list focused on natural beauty, unique features, and family appeal, criteria where Morecambe and Formby excelled.
Top 40 UK Beaches: A Nationwide Selection
The list includes diverse locations such as Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey, Cuckmere Haven in Sussex, and Blackpool Sands in Devon (the only Blackpool-named beach on the list). Scottish beaches like Camusdarach and Luskentyre feature, alongside Welsh favourites like Mwnt and Barafundle Bay. Northern Ireland is represented by Portstewart Strand and White Park Bay.
Time Out's selection highlights beaches with distinct characteristics, from the dramatic cliffs of Durdle Door to the vast sands of Holkham in Norfolk. Morecambe and Formby stand out for their unique intertidal landscapes and wildlife, offering experiences that differ from conventional seaside resorts.
