If there is one thing the Sefton coastline does particularly well, it is giving dogs plenty of space to enjoy themselves. From the iron men at Crosby beach to the pinewoods of Formby and the huge stretches of sand around Ainsdale and Southport beach, there are countless places where you can enjoy a walk with your four-legged companion.
What makes the area even better is that many local cafés and pubs genuinely welcome dogs rather than simply tolerating them. After a long walk, it is easy to find somewhere to stop for a drink, a bite to eat, and a well-earned treat for your dog.
For many dog owners, Formby is hard to beat. The beach offers a vast expanse of sand where dogs can run freely, while the surrounding dunes and pinewoods provide a completely different kind of walk.
It is worth remembering that some areas are protected for wildlife. In the Red Squirrel Reserve, dogs must be kept on a lead, and between April and August, sections of the beach may be restricted to protect nesting Little Terns. The nesting areas are clearly signposted, so it is always best to check the signs when you arrive. A classic Formby route is to park at the National Trust car park on Victoria Road, walk through the pinewoods, head onto the beach, and return through the dunes. It is one of those walks that feels different every time, depending on the weather and the tide. Afterwards, The Sparrowhawk is a good place to refuel. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and beer garden, making it a popular stop for walkers heading back from the beach with muddy paws and sandy shoes.
Ainsdale has a more open, windswept feel than Formby. The beach is exceptionally wide and is popular with dogs that enjoy a good off-lead run. Behind the beach, the sandhills and nature reserve offer quieter trails through the dunes. Seasonal restrictions apply around the main beach entrance between May and September, with a dog-free zone extending 200 metres either side of Shore Road. Once beyond that section, there is plenty of space to explore. If your dog enjoys longer walks, the nearby stretch of the Sefton Coastal Path is particularly good and links easily with both Birkdale and Formby.
Southport offers more than just the main beach. While the section south of the pier has seasonal dog restrictions during the summer months, the northern end remains dog-friendly year-round. For a quieter alternative, the path along the coast towards Crossens provides excellent estuary views, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Lake District and Blackpool Tower. Another good option on particularly windy days is Hesketh Park, where dogs can enjoy a sheltered walk around the lake and formal gardens. If you are looking for food afterwards, Southport Market is an easy choice as dogs are welcome inside the market, so you can grab lunch without having to leave your dog outside. For me, though, the standout Southport stop is Penny’s House in Churchtown. I recently visited with my dog, Sophia, and it is very much geared towards dogs and their owners. There is a dedicated dog menu, and we treated Sophia to a puppichino while we had tea and cake. To say she enjoyed it would be an understatement. The décor is lovely, the staff were incredibly friendly, and it has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere inside.
Crosby is probably the most distinctive walk on the coast thanks to Another Place. Seeing the iron figures stretching out towards the sea never really loses its impact, and it makes for a memorable walk with a dog. Unlike the other beaches, Crosby is not suitable for paddling or swimming. The mudflats can be dangerous, and the water deepens quickly, so visitors are advised to stay within 50 metres of the promenade and keep dogs close by. Once you have finished exploring the beach, The Four Ashes (L22 0LD) is a great post-walk pub. It is genuinely dog-friendly, and one of its most charming features is a wall covered in photographs of visiting dogs, which gives the place a real community feel.
While the Sefton coastline is a fantastic place to walk your dog, many sections are also protected for wildlife. Keeping dogs under control helps safeguard nesting birds, red squirrels and the other species that depend on these dunes, pinewoods and coastal habitats.
It’s worth keeping a few practical things in mind before setting off:
● Check tide times, as the sea can come in surprisingly quickly.
● Keep dogs on leads in signed wildlife protection areas.
● Stick to established paths through the dunes where possible.
● Bring water for your dog during warmer weather.
● Car parks and traffic can be very busy, particularly in summer months, please check before you travel.
Every stretch of the coastline has its own character, and with so many cafés and pubs welcoming dogs, it is easy to turn a simple walk into a full day out.
That balance of great walks, welcoming local businesses and easy access to nature is what makes the Sefton coastline one of the best places in the North West for a dog-friendly adventure.