Formby Beach Woods

The pinewoods at Formby stretch back from the beach like someone's planted a proper forest right on the sand dunes. You get a mix of Corsican pines and that smell - you know, that woody, slightly resinous air that makes you feel like you're somewhere more continental than Lancashire. Walk in from the car park and the dunes give way to woodland paths, some sandy, some firmer underfoot depending on the weather.

It's genuinely good for a couple of hours if you're based near Southport. The beach itself is wide and quiet compared to the promenade a few miles away, and the woods offer shelter if the wind picks up off the Irish Sea - which it usually does. Kids can burn off energy on the paths without the crowds you'd find at more famous Merseyside beaches. Dog walkers love it here, and it's straightforward enough for anyone not keen on serious hiking.

The big draw is the space. You can actually walk without tripping over deckchairs or stepping on someone's sandwich. Free to access, no hassle. Allow two to three hours if you're combining it with a beach walk. The woods are accessible year-round, though winter can be muddy and summer weekends do get busier.

If you're staying at Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, this is a convenient half-day addition to your park holiday. It breaks up the day without needing to travel far. Not dramatic or Instagram-worthy, but proper useful.