Sail into Crosby with our guide to what to do and see on this stretch of Lancashire’s wonderfully-varied coast
Location, location
Crosby is a cool, character filled place. In fact, it was named one of the best places to live in the country by The Sunday Times. It's a thriving coastal town with an irresistible offer of talented, independent creatives and business people, a busy centre and some of the best coastline you could want to explore.
It's vibrant, coveted commuter heaven for Liverpool, just a 20 minute drive away, and is bursting with bars, shops and amenities.
Easy access?
It's a quick journey along the coast road from Liverpool and the stretch of coast at and near Southport. If you're travelling from further afield, the nearest motorway is the M58 with the rest of the short journey on A roads.
Several trains a day run to Blundellsands-and-Crosby railway station in Crosby from Preston, Liverpool and Southport. There are also two other stations, Hall Road and Waterloo, the latter further away from the centre. All three are good for access to Crosby Beach.There are several paid for car parks in Great Crosby, part of Crosby, on Moor Lane, Richmond Road and Islington, For the beach, the best parking to head for is Hall Lance, Blundellsands or Crosby Leisure Centre in Mariners Road.
Retail therapy
Find some quirky and stylish independents along the main shopping streets in Crosby. You'll find butcher and baker - not a candlestick maker - but every amenity you're likely to need.
Encore in Liverpool Road looks appealing for stylish men and women with luxury brands where the little people in your life are well catered for with Angela's Childrenswear in College Road. Find gorgeous bits for your home at Daisy Willow Interiors in St John's Road. If you're looking for the perfect floral crown for the summer's festival season, head to Rusty Rose in College Road. Owner Tracy Lewis makes stunning creation for special events and weddings.
Coffee and cake?
Satterthwaites Bakehouse, in Coronation Road, is a great choice. A business with a connection to the community - it was first established more than 100 years ago. The business, including all seven of its shops, had to close in 2012 but was taken on by current owners Sarah and Jon Wills, who have reemployed some of the previous staff. Try their Bavarians - a bestseller - with a cup of Crosby Coffee, an award-winning roastery based just a short distance away.
Moose Coffee, which has a menu based on American and Canadian breakfast and crunches, is based on a New York diners and delis concept. Think well-stacked sandwiches, eggs Benedict, cheese pancakes and doorstep French toast.
Explore
If you want a change of pace from a beach walk, try Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve, a short drive from Crosby's centre. This former farmland has been transformed into a wetlands teeming with bird life. The summer months are a great time to spot lapwings, oystercatchers, herons and egrets in large numbers and if you're lucky you may see a marsh harrier or peregrine falcon. There are plenty of walking routes through the reserve, where you can get the best views of the flora and fauna.
Its most famous attraction is Another Place, the striking collection of 100 life-sized iron men installed by Angel of the North artist Antony Gormley. Once considered a controversial addition, this art installation is now a favourite with locals, visitors and the many photographers who visit each year - visit at sunset for proof. They are a permanent feature on this pretty stretch of coastline thanks to a campaign by residents and artists.
It's located in Crosby Coastal Park, an area from Waterloo stretching along to nearby Hightown, where the sea meets the River Alt's estuary. Once you're done looking at the Gormley statues, it's also a super area for spotting wildlife - it's a designated site of local biological interest and conservation area - as well as a great picnic spot. You can also walk or cycle the coastal path, taking in the sea views and those over to Wirral and North Wales.
It's also home to Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, a dream for thrillseekers and waterbabies. Try sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, canoeing or kayaking. There's also a bar and bistro on site for when you've worked up and appetite. If you want to spend longer in the area, they have deluxe rooms overlooking the lake and coastal park.
