Our North West England Holiday Cottages by the Sea
The North West coast offers a different experience depending on where you stay. Around Merseyside and the Wirral there are beaches, dunes and nature reserves within easy reach of Liverpool. Lancashire combines major seaside resorts with the Ribble Estuary and Morecambe Bay, while the Cumbria coast continues north towards the Solway Firth.
Several sections are particularly good for walking and wildlife. Formby has extensive dunes and pinewoods, Morecambe Bay is an important area for birds, and St Bees Head has high sandstone cliffs and a seabird reserve. Further north, the Solway coast has dunes, saltmarsh and large areas of undeveloped shoreline.
Seaside Resorts, Historic Towns and Days Out
Blackpool is the largest resort on the Lancashire coast, with Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, three piers and the annual Illuminations among its main attractions. A short distance south, St Annes has a Victorian pier and sandy beach, while neighbouring Lytham is known for its windmill and large seafront green.
Morecambe has a long promenade overlooking Morecambe Bay, with the restored Art Deco Midland Hotel and Eric Morecambe statue among the landmarks along the seafront. Heysham is nearby, where the remains of St Patrick’s Chapel stand above the coast.
The Cumbrian coast has smaller towns including Whitehaven, Seascale and St Bees. St Bees is the western starting point of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route, while the cliffs of St Bees Head provide walks and birdwatching. Ravenglass is the only coastal village within the Lake District National Park and is home to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, with Muncaster Castle also close by.
On the Wirral Peninsula, West Kirby provides access to the Dee Estuary and Hilbre Islands, while New Brighton has a promenade, beach and lighthouse. Liverpool is also within easy reach for museums, galleries, shopping and the city’s historic waterfront.
Finding the Right Coastal Property
Accommodation around the North West coast includes traditional cottages, modern apartments, converted properties and detached beach houses. Apartments are widely available in the larger resorts and coastal towns, while cottages and houses can be found around smaller villages and more rural parts of Lancashire and Cumbria.
If the view is important, look for sea view cottages and apartments overlooking Morecambe Bay, the Irish Sea or one of the region’s estuaries. There are also properties close to the sand and a smaller selection of beachfront houses with direct beach access.
There are dog-friendly cottages available across the region, including accommodation close to beaches and coastal walking routes. Families and larger groups can choose houses with several bedrooms, additional bathrooms and larger kitchens and living areas. Some properties have private hot tubs, while other features can include enclosed gardens, balconies, off-road parking, EV charging and outdoor seating.
Beaches from the Wirral to the Cumbrian Coast
Formby is one of the best-known beaches in Merseyside, with a wide sandy shoreline backed by dunes and pinewoods. Across the Wirral, West Kirby has a sandy beach beside the marine lake, while New Brighton, Thurstaston and Leasowe provide further choices around the peninsula. At low tide it is possible to walk from West Kirby towards Hilbre Island, although visitors need to check safe crossing times carefully.
Lancashire has several large beaches. St Annes has an extensive sandy beach and dunes, while Blackpool’s beaches run alongside the resort’s long promenade. Further north, Morecambe Bay has a vast tidal range, so visitors should never attempt to cross exposed sands without an experienced local guide.
Cumbria has some of the region’s quieter beaches. St Bees has a long beach below its distinctive red sandstone cliffs, while Seascale and Silecroft have extensive stretches of sand and views towards the Lake District fells. Allonby and Silloth are further north on the Solway coast.
Facilities and dog rules vary considerably between these beaches. Major resorts have toilets, cafés and other amenities close to the shore, while some Cumbrian beaches have relatively few facilities. Seasonal dog restrictions also apply to particular sections of some resort beaches, so check the local rules before visiting.
