Golden sand dunes and a magical woodland, the beach an hour from Manchester which offers something a bit different

A trip to the beach is synonymous with summer; feeling the sand between your toes and having a paddle in the sea is an iconic experience of British summer time. Although we’re not right by the sea, we are lucky in Manchester that there are some amazing beaches just a short drive away.

For the traditional seaside experience you can head to Blackpool where you’ll find jaw dropping rides and old-fashioned arcades on the pier. Or if you want to make a weekend of it, travel down to one of the amazing beaches North Wales has to offer.

Yet there’s a different type of seaside experience just over an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester. At Formby Beach you won’t find fish and chip shops and donkey rides, but you will come across a wild and idyllic landscape which is a haven for wildlife.

READ MORE: "You'll think you're abroad": The tranquil beach two hours from Manchester with panoramic views of mountains

To get to the beach you walk through a magical woodland full of pine trees. This then gives way to grass-topped sand dunes, which overlook the stretch of golden sand. Once you arrive at the beach itself you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, and on a clear day you can even see the Cumbrian mountains.

Run by the National Trust, Formby Beach is full of different habitats. Red squirrels can be found in the woodland area, along with a range of insects and birds.

Meanwhile the sand dunes are home to the Natterjack toad, an endangered amphibian which can be heard croaking at dusk. It’s not just wildlife you’ll be able to spot - you may even see prehistoric footprints which are being revealed due to coastal erosion along the beach.

There are lots of interesting walks you can follow throughout the area,