Car Park Beach

The name's a bit of a giveaway - this isn't some Instagram-worthy cove tucked between cliffs. Car Park Beach sits right where you'd expect it to, a straightforward stretch of sand and shingle near Bury where locals bring their families for a proper seaside go without the faffing about. The beach itself is modest but decent enough for a few hours, with enough room to spread out even when it's moderately busy. You get the usual - paddling, building sandcastles, sitting with a flask of tea watching the water. It's honest work.

Really it's most useful if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Burrs Country Park is only two miles away and rated highly for families with caravans or motorhomes. If you're based there for a week's holiday in Lancashire, this saves you the drive to somewhere flashier. Kids under ten will find it fine for a couple of hours; beyond that they'll likely get restless unless they're genuinely committed to bucket-and-spade work.

The beach is free to access, and there's parking right there - hence the name. It's the sort of place you slot into a wider Lancashire break rather than drive specifically to visit. Works well as a half-day activity between other attractions in the area, or a quick morning swim if the weather's cooperating. Go early to avoid the weekend crush, and don't expect facilities beyond basic parking.