Ainsdale Beach is one of the best locations in the UK for horse riding and kite surfing. It is also worth mentioning that it is the only beach in North West England that has ever been awarded a Blue Flag. During our first visit to Sefton Coast we decided to explore Ainsdale Beach first, then Formby and Crosby. Each of these beaches is completely different and it is worth visiting them all because the fauna and the flora of this area are really interesting.
One of the most unique and amazing experiences you can have is horse riding at Ainsdale Beach. There is something magical about the horse’s hooves on the sand and the sound of the waves that make it feel like you are in a different world. It is an experience that you will never forget.
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How to get to Ainsdale Beach?
🚆 BY TRAIN
You can get to Ainsdale from Liverpool Central train station in just 35 minutes. Then, it is a 0,9 mile walk to the beach which should not take more than 20 minutes. You can also take a 9 minutes train ride from Southport to Ainsdale Beach. If you are travelling from Manchester, you will need to change a train in Liverpool or Southport to get to Ainsdale.
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 Beach car park: Shore Rd, Southport PR8 2QA
Although there is a car park right on the beach, getting there might take a lot of time. If you don’t want to get stuck in a traffic, park on one of residential roads. You can stop at Westminster Dr that is only a 10 minutes walk from the Ainsdale Beach. However, please always remember to respect people living there and never block their driveways.
🚗💨 Rent a car at Manchester Airport or Liverpool Airport and head to Ainsdale Beach.
Ainsdale Beach – Horse Riding
Riding a horse on a beach in the UK is a truly unique experience. It is also spectacular to watch many horses in the water while relaxing at Ainsdale Beach. If you decide to ride a horse at the beach, you should also take the necessary precautions.
Please avoid riding during high tide, as the horse’s hooves could get stuck in the sand. Additionally, you should inspect the horse’s hooves before and after the ride to make sure that they are not too damaged.
The sand can be hard on the horse’s hooves, so make sure to walk them slowly and give them time to adjust. Also, there may be obstacles like shells that can hurt the horse’s hooves, so pay attention to where you’re riding. Finally, the waves can be scary for horses, so be prepared to give them a little extra reassurance. If you take these things into consideration, you can have a wonderful ride on the Ainsdale Beach with your horse.
Ainsdale Beach – Kite Permit
The Kite Zone permit is required for anyone wishing to use kite buggying, landboarding, blokarts or kitesurfing in the designated kite flying area at the beach. Kite Zone permits are free of charge, making them a great option for those who want to enjoy the sport of kiteboarding without having to worry about the cost. All you need to do is fill out a simple form and submit it to the appropriate authorities.
You can fill your application online at Sefton Council website. Once your permit is approved, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that come with it, including access to kite surf zone. Summer and winter kite zone maps vary so make sure to check them before your visit to Ainsdale Beach.
Are dogs allowed on Ainsdale Beach?
Between April and October dogs and horses are prohibited from entering the water within 200 meters of the beach entrance. This is to protect the safety of the people using the beach. Dogs are allowed at the beach during winter months without any restrictions. This is a great opportunity for dogs and their owners to enjoy the beach together. Winter is also a great time to explore Ainsdale Beach, as there are fewer crowds.
Can you fly a drone on Ainsdale Beach?
You can’t fly a drone at Sefton Coast without permission. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with protected landscape that is home to many unique species. These include various birds such as Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Sanderling.
You can also see amphibians like Natterjack Toads or Crested Newts. Moreover, sand lizards and many insects including Sandhill rustic moth are just a few other examples of the Sefton Coast’s unique fauna.
Ainsdale Beach – Sefton Coast Plants and Habitats
The only location in north-west England where you can see Petalwort is Sefton Coast. This species’ first plant was discovered at Ainsdale Beach in 1861. In fact, you can find it the sand dunes between Southport and Ainsdale.
Other examples of interesting plants are Grey Hair grass and Long-leaved Thread-moss. The Sefton Coast is also home to various habitats including Saltmarsh, mobile dunes, fixed dune grassland, Lowland dry heath and Humid dune slacks.
Ainsley & Dale, Sand Lizards Mural by Paul Curtis
During our first visit, we were looking at beachfront derelict buildings in Ainsdale that had lot of potential. A few years later, one of the most famous local artists decided to paint the largest artwork in Great Britain on these buildings.
The mural depicts two sand lizards – Ainsley and Dale in their natural environment. There are only a few species of lizard that can live and thrive in the sand dunes habitats. They are under the threat from their loss, however there is hope for the future of the Sefton Coast sand lizards, as conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their natural habitat.
Ainsley & Dale, Sand Lizards Mural is a beautiful and colorful piece of artwork that is sure to please anyone who sees it. The mural is a great example of Paul Curtis’s talent as an artist. He hopes that his mural will bring as much attention as the “Iron Men” did for Crosby and Ainsdale Beach will become another famous spot in North West England.
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