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 airport is Liverpool Airport which is 23 miles away however accessible from the Liverpool-Southport railway.
Merseyrail offers a handy train service connecting Formby to Liverpool and Southport. Formby's two train station are Formby and Freshfield; both within walking distance of eachother.
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 (Victoria Road has local access to Formby Beach and the Squirrel Reserve at the edge of the town).
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.
Formby Golf Club does offer the opportunity of playing golf, but membership is exclusive and difficult to attain unless you have both connections to the club, and the money to back your membership.
Buy
Souvenirs of the red squirrels are common-place in Formby, as are local books about the unique nature of Formby's wildlife.
Eat
Drink
The RailwayCross House InnThe TapsVillage InnBay HorseThe PinewoodsThe GrapesThe RoyalThe LighthouseShorrocks Hill
Sleep
- 1 Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, Southport Old Rd, ☏ 44 1704 875699.
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.