‘Beautiful’ UK beach strewn with Blitz ruins ‘perfectly suits a winter’s day’

With February half term upon us, parents are on the hunt for engaging activities to keep their children entertained during the school break.

A family day out offers a refreshing change of pace and scenery, and with the wealth of countryside and coastline available at no cost, it needn’t break the bank.

Even in the chillier months, a beach trip can be a joyous adventure for youngsters and a chance for adults to reconnect with their playful side. And there’s one which is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Crosby Beach, located north of Liverpool, boasts expansive sandy stretches with views extending across the Wirral.

On a clear day, you can even glimpse the mountains of North Wales in the distance, reports Manchester Evening News.

The beach is bordered by parkland and rolling sand dunes, while off-shore wind turbines and passing container ships add to the distant vista.

What sets Crosby Beach apart, however, are the life-sized statues scattered along the sands. These 100 figures — part of an installation titled ‘Another Place’ — are spread over three kilometres of foreshore, with the furthest reaching almost a kilometre out to sea.

This captivating artwork was crafted by Antony Gormley, the renowned sculptor behind the Angel of the North.

Venture northwards from Crosby and you’ll stumble upon an evocative slice of history known as ‘Blitz Beach’. Here, the eerie remnants of houses destroyed by the German Luftwaffe back in 1941 are strewn across the sand.

Visitors can find themselves treading over old bricks and ceramic tiles — lingering echoes of the wartime past that silently carpet the beachfront.

It’s important to remember when visiting Crosby Beach to heed the warnings of soft sand and mud patches.

It’s advised not to wander too far out towards the distant statues and visitors should stay within 50 metres of the promenade at all times, bearing in mind that Crosby is a non-bathing beach.

Despite this, even at high tide, the promenade remains a charming spot for a leisurely walk, where you can observe the statues gradually succumbing to the embrace of the rising waters.

Crosby may lack the stereotypical beach attractions like donkey rides and arcades, but it holds its own with a serene ambience that suits the briskness of a winter’s day.

On Tripadvisor, Craig M shared in January: “Crosby Beach at its best…Well worth a visit any time of the day to blow away the cobwebs and take in some views and fresh air.”

Another echoed the sentiment, noting: “Beautiful beach with lovely views of Liverpool. Dog friendly. Very interesting to explore with all the statues dotted around. Would recommend visiting.”