Crosby Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scenes, and where to stay in Crosby. Use this travel guide to plan your trip!


Introduction to Crosby

Crosby is a beautiful coastal town located in Merseyside, North West England. Known for its seaside charm and proximity to Liverpool, Crosby has plenty to offer visitors looking for a relaxing holiday with lots to see and do. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history through its museums, enjoy scenic coastal walks and outdoor activities, and indulge in local delicacies and nightlife.

In this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a perfect trip to Crosby, including a list of places to visit, recommendations for the best things to do and eat, and helpful tips on transportation, safety, and local customs.

List of Places to Visit in Crosby

Crosby offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages, including museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Crosby include:

  1. Crosby Coastal Park: Located along the picturesque coast, the park boasts stunning views of the sea and the famous Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ sculpture installation, consisting of 100 life-size sculptures standing on the beach.
  2. Merchant Taylor’s School Archive and Museum: Home to an impressive collection of artworks and artifacts showcasing the school’s extensive history and achievements in education.
  3. Waterloo Park: Another beautiful park featuring a lake, a children’s playground, and a variety of sports facilities.

Natural Attractions of Crosby: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Crosby has plenty to offer, such as:

  1. Formby Beach: Take a stroll along the unspoiled sandy beaches with towering dunes and woodlands full of wildlife. There are plenty of picnic spots and walking trails to enjoy there.
  2. Sefton Coastal Path: An impressive 22-mile-long stretch of coastal path from Crosby to Southport, with breathtaking views of the Merseyside coastline.
  3. Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre: Ideal for water sports enthusiasts, the centre offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and more on its scenic lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Crosby

Crosby boasts some fantastic hiking and biking routes for those looking for outdoor adventures.

  1. Crosby Coastal Path: a 4.5 miles path starting from Crosby Beach and following the coastline, ending in Hightown. With stunning views all along, there are picnic spots, benches, and play areas.
  2. Rimrose Valley: A six-mile walking and cycling trail that takes you through the beautiful and tranquil Rimrose Valley Country Park.
  3. Trans Pennine Trail: A long-distance trail ideal for those looking for an extended hike or bike ride. The trail extends 215 miles across the UK from Southport, north of Crosby, and passes lovely countryside to Yorkshire and beyond.

Best Things to Do in Crosby: Activities and Tours

Aside from the various museums, natural, and cultural attractions, Crosby has plenty of activities and tours suitable for all ages.

  1. Crosby Excursions: A fantastic guided walking tour, perfect for first-time visitors and history buffs, showcasing Crosby’s hidden gems, landmarks, and history.
  2. Mersey Ferries: Hop on a relaxing scenic ferry ride from Crosby to Liverpool, enjoying the views of the river and the iconic Liverpool sky-line.
  3. Viking Golf Course: A unique 18-hole mini-golf course located at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, boasts excellent facilities for families and team building events.

Week-Long Itinerary for Crosby

To make the best of your week-long visit to Crosby, you can try the following itinerary:

Day 1: Stroll along Crosby beach, and enjoy the magnificent Antony Gormley’s sculptures. Day 2: Explore the town’s historical landmarks and architecture, followed by a trip to the Merchant Taylor’s School Archive and Museum. Day 3: Take a scenic walk to Formby beach, a nature reserve that allows you to enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscape and wildlife. Day 4: Attend a sailing or windsurfing class at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. Day 5: Take a guided tour of the town, if you want to learn more about Crosby’s history, or go shopping for souvenirs and local products. Day 6: Visit Southport, a town located 12 miles north of Crosby and a popular tourist destination. Day 7: Take a ferry ride from Crosby to Liverpool and indulge in some culture and shopping there.

Food and Drink Scene of Crosby

Crosby has a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of options to satisfy every taste bud.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Scouse: A famous regional dish from Liverpool, a stew containing meat and vegetables, served with crusty bread or beetroot.
  2. Burger Bar: A local institution, famous for its mouth-watering burgers and fries, prepared in an open kitchen.
  3. Liverpool gin: A locally produced gin, flavoured with botanic spices and fruits such as coriander, angelica, juniper, orris root with a citrusy note.

Local Beverages

  1. Real ale: A beer brewed from traditional methods known for its unique flavour and character.
  2. Cains Beer: A locally produced beer enjoyed by the locals and visitors alike.
  3. Liverpool vodka: A locally produced vodka made from the finest ingredients and flavours.

Where to Stay in Crosby: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Crosby has numerous accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels, bed and breakfasts, to luxury hotels.

  1. Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre: A great option for those looking for an affordable stay. The accommodation features stunning lake views and is ideal for families and group bookings.
  2. The Blundell Arms: A delightful bed and breakfast situated in the peaceful town of Ince Blundell, offering comfortable rooms and excellent hospitality.
  3. The Vincent: A luxurious four-star hotel located in Southport, just a stone’s throw away from the beach and boasting stylish rooms, relaxing services, and beautiful views.

What to Buy in Crosby: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Crosby has plenty of charming souvenirs to choose from, such as:

  1. Liverpool Football Team Merchandise: A must-have souvenir for sports fans from the iconic Liverpool FC store, selling everything from t-shirts, scarves, and hats.
  2. Crafts and Artwork: Local artists produce beautiful homemade crafts and artwork, such as paintings, pottery, and figurines, available to purchase in independent local shops.
  3. M & S Food Store: A unique way to take home delicious local food products and delicacies.

Local Culture and Customs of Crosby

Crosby, like many towns in the UK, has a rich and unique culture and customs, such as the friendly and welcoming nature of its people and the importance of their football team’s achievements.

Best Time to Visit Crosby

The ideal time to visit Crosby is during the summer months between June and August, with mild weather temperatures and perfect for seaside activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Crosby

Do:

  • Do explore the town’s historical landmarks and natural beauty, including the Antony Gormley’s sculptures and Formby Beach.
  • Do try the famous Scouse stew and other local delicacies.
  • Do attend a sailing or windsurfing class at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave waste behind at the beaches and parks.
  • Don’t forget cash as some local shops and pubs may not accept cards.
  • Don’t underestimate the importance of booking accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.

Safety and Health

Safety in Crosby

Crosby is a relatively safe town, with friendly locals and low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to keep an eye on your valuables and take precautions while using public transportation.

Health in Crosby

Crosby has excellent health facilities, including hospitals and clinics, and strict regulations for food establishments to ensure public safety.

Getting to Crosby: Transportation Options and Logistics

Crosby is well-connected with other parts of the UK, with multiple transportation options available.

Airports Near Crosby

The closest major airport to Crosby is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which operates flights to and from numerous UK and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Crosby

Crosby is well-connected through local bus routes, with several bus stations around.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car, take a taxi or use the train service to visit Crosby, with the closest station at Liverpool South Parkway.

How to Get Around in Crosby

Crosby has a reliable and easily accessible local transport system, with buses and trains available for visitors to travel from one place to another.

Where to Go Next from Crosby: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Crosby is located in a prime position for exploring other northern UK destinations such as:

  1. Liverpool: A vibrant city with plenty of exciting attractions, including the Tate Liverpool Museum and Liverpool FC stadium.
  2. Sefton: A nearby coastal resort town lined with beachfront restaurants, shops, and amusement parks.
  3. Southport: A popular seaside town with plenty of attractions, including beautiful botanical gardens, historic pier, and shops.

Conclusion

Crosby is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday experience with plenty of natural beauty, history and cultural significance, food and drink, and outdoor adventure. Use this travel guide to plan your perfect Crosby trip!