A Few Days Away By the Sea in Southport and Formby

Last week we spontaneously escaped for a few days away in Southport and Formby by the coast in Merseyside.

Liverpudlian friends had recommended the unspoiled beaches there and pretty National Trust red squirrel forest and it’s safe to say we had a total blast.

Returning utterly relaxed having switched off (literally)-no phone or laptop for three days meant soaking up the British sunshine (we were lucky), relishing every moment together from running through sand dunes on the beach in the breeze to forest walks and feasting on fresh seafood overlooking the sea. Utter and total bliss!

Huge thanks too to the incredible service we received at The Garden Court Guest House, a pretty family run B&B (below) by the coast with luxurious rooms and the best full English I’ve ever had!

Pull up a chair and a cup of tea and enjoy this picture-heavy post full to the brim with happy memories!

…The Southport pier was stunning as was the adjacent bridge, it reminded us of when we lived in Bristol! It was at least a mile to the end of the pier but we enjoyed the walk (my legs still ache from all the walking) and you could ride along a little train if you liked too!

Pretty pier time!

You looking at me?

Then onto beach time for collecting pebbles and building sandcastles!

And a foot selfie-felfie for you! Nothing like feeling your toes in the sand! Nature’s pedicure!

We also enjoyed a quick stop off at the nearby Miniature Railway Village-

…Foodies that we are, over the three days we enjoyed many family meals, picnics on the beach and lots of ice cream (hopefully burned off with all the activity)!

The only family picture we have as one of us was always behind the camera! Thanks to the lovely waiter at fab Italian Trattoria 51 Pizzeria for the shot!

Tasty, authentic Italian food was enjoyed there too!

And more ice cream for good measure the following day…

We also headed to the breathtakingly beautiful Formby to enjoy the National Trust beach there as well. You can follow the path to the sea front through an enchanting forest and as the sun shone through the branches, it felt pretty magical…

Natural playgrounds had been created deep in the forest for children to explore and play in-what kids’ dreams are made of!

Oliver balances on a log here-

Then at the top of the hill on a sand dune we built a castle before heading for the sea!

After hours of taking in the salty sea air, we stopped by surrounding pinewoods on the way out to spot red squirrels hiding nuts!

 So sweet!

The following day back in Southport, we hit the shops on the celebrated Lord Street, a Victorian canopied boulevard edged in scenic gardens-hanging baskets went as far as the eye could see…

My husband spotted his surname and possible ancestors on one of the arcades!

A quaint old fashioned sweet shop Sweet Memories in Wayfarer’s Arcade for more sugary treats! (Detox in full swing on our return)…

And Oliver made a familiar friend!

Then as night fell, we headed back to Leeds, the kids soon in deep sleep from all the fun…such a fabulous time was had by all!

Have you been to Southport or Formby?