Ainsdale Beach & Sandhills
Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Promenade (Shore Road), Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 2QB · Preston
A huge sandy beach backed by sand dunes just south of Southport, with plenty of room for sandcastles and kite flying. In summer there are RNLI lifeguards, toilets with baby changing and a big beach car park. The dune nature reserve behind has trails and a boardwalk, and rare natterjack toads breed there. Out of season it's quieter, with no beach parking or summer toilets, but the Changing Places toilet stays open.
Visitor information
Visitor info
- Hours
- Open all year. Beach parking 1 Apr–30 Sep only (closed for 2026 from 30 Sep). Summer toilets Apr–SepChanging Places toilet open all year.
- Address
- Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Promenade (Shore Road), Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 2QB
- Price
- Free
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Parking
- Beach car park Apr–Sep (£10/day, cashless preferred). Merseyrail stations at Ainsdale, Birkdale and Hillside within walking distance.
- Facilities
- Changing Places toilet · Baby changing (summer) · Drinking water · RNLI lifeguards (late Mar–mid Sep) · Dune trails · Defibrillator
Last checked Thu, 22 Oct 2026 · Food nearby, parents’ tips and more in the planner →
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