Formby

Formby is a small, affluent town in Merseyside. Formby's sleepy atmosphere, wealthy residents, and National Trust Reserve make it a popular destination for tourists in the summer months. Formby is well worth a visit if you are wanting a break from the hustle of Liverpool.

Get in

Formby's closest civilian airport is Liverpool's John Lennon Airport which is 23 miles away however it is easily accessible from the Liverpool-Southport railway.

Merseyrail offers a handy train service connecting Formby to Liverpool and Southport. Formby's two train stations are Formby and Freshfield; both within walking distance of each other.

Get around

In most cases it will be easiest to get around on foot, enjoying the tree-lined streets as you go.

Formby does have local buses connecting places like the Squirrel Reserve and the village. Another service is the taxis that run through the town. These can be hire from several stores in the Village.

See

In Formby, the main attraction is the squirrel reserve and beach, which is a site of special scientific interest. It is home to rare fauna and flora, including the red squirrel, natterjack toad, and the white flower of parnassus. Unless Formby is your hometown, this will be your main reason for visiting.

The Village:- Brows Lane: In the middle of Formby and about 5 minutes from the railway station. Includes shops such as M&S Simply Food, Boots, New Look, Waitrose, a swimming pool and several other businesses.

Altcar Estate:- On the outskirts of Formby, is the Altcar Estate by Formby Bypass (A565)which includes a Tesco, several local businesses and Formby Football Club.

Duke Street Park: On Duke Street is the park where local football matches are played. These matches include local school boys and Formby Dons.

Victoria Road has been home to footballers such as Steven Gerrard and Duncan Ferguson, and Shireburn road has the most expensive houses in the county. However it is worth remembering that Formby is a private and tranquil place; staring and taking pictures of houses won't be appreciated by the residents.

• 1 Squirrel Reserve and the Beach (National Trust Formby), Lifeboat Road, near Formby, Liverpool L37 2EB (Victoria Road has local access to Formby Beach and the Squirrel Reserve at the edge of the town), ☏ +44 344 800 1895, formby@nationaltrust.org.uk. 10-4 Victoria Road toilets, 9-5 car park entrance (exit anytime). £7.5 car parking both Victoria Road and Lifeboat Road. (updated Jun 2023)

Do

In Formby, the best thing to do is simply walk and relax in the woods, beach, and general atmosphere of the village.

Formby is not the type of place which offers endless activity but you can check Formby Events website for things that are happening locally

There are two main golf clubs within Formby itself - one being the elusive Formby Golf Club which does offer the opportunity of playing golf, but membership is exclusive and very difficult to attain unless you have both connections to the club, and the money to back your membership. Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa is more accessible and includes a 4 star hotel and spa as part of its estate.

Buy

Souvenirs of the red squirrels are common-place in Formby, as are local books about the unique nature of Formby's wildlife.

Eat

• 1 The Sparrowhawk (Brunning & Price), Southport Old Rd, Formby, L37 0AB, ☏ +44 1704 882350. Dog friendly and a short walk from Ainsdale Nature Reserve. (updated Nov 2024)

Drink

• 1 The Railway. (updated Nov 2024)
• Cross House Inn. (updated Nov 2024)
• The Pinewoods, Wicks Green, Formby. (updated Nov 2024)
• The Grapes, Green Lane, Formby, L37 7DL. (updated Nov 2024)
• The Lifeboat, 41A Three Tuns Lane. Wetherspoon pub with food (updated Nov 2024)

Go next

Trips to Liverpool and Southport are a must when in Formby and both are easily reach by the railway line at £2.10 to Southport and about £5 to Liverpool.