Alan Carr's Secret Seaside Escape: The UK's Best Beach Celebrities Adore Near Liverpool

Celebrity Love for a Merseyside Gem

When Alan Carr, the newly crowned winner of BBC's The Traitors, revealed his go-to escape, he didn't name a glamorous Maldives resort or a French Riviera hideaway. Instead, the comedy icon pointed directly to Formby Beach—a stunning stretch of sand and dunes just a stone's throw from Liverpool. In a recent episode of his podcast Life A Beach, Carr confessed to Liverpudlian actor David Morrissey: “I love Liverpool. Whenever I'm up there touring, I always go to Formby.”

A Coastline That Stole Their Hearts

For Carr, Formby isn't just a beach—it's a nostalgic ritual. The 49-year-old comic, known for his sharp wit and flamboyant style, finds solace in its rolling sand dunes and panoramic views over the Irish Sea. Morrissey, who grew up in Knotty Ash, echoed the sentiment, praising the entire Liverpool-to-Southport coastline. “There's a place called Freshfields up there and Formby Beach. It's really a wonderful coastline,” he said. The duo's conversation turned into a love letter to Merseyside's natural wonders, proving that even A-listers crave authentic, unspoiled beauty.

Why Formby Beach Is a Time Out Favorite

It's not just celebrities who are smitten. Time Out recently named Formby one of the top 40 beaches in the UK—the only entry from Merseyside. The publication raved about its “rolling sand dunes” and “stunning views across the water,” highlighting that it's one of the National Trust's most dynamic shorelines, shifting at an alarming rate of four metres per year.

Prehistoric Footprints and Red Squirrels

But Formby offers far more than a scenic backdrop. The shifting sands occasionally reveal prehistoric footprints, some thousands of years old, preserved in ancient mudflats. Visitors can stroll along the beach to spot these eerie traces of ancient humans. Meanwhile, the woodlands behind the dunes are carefully managed to protect the region's beloved red squirrels. The National Trust even offers downloadable 'squirrel walks' to help visitors spot these elusive creatures.

• Dune adventure: Climb the massive dunes for breathtaking views—on clear days, you can see the mountains of Cumbria.
• Wildlife watching: Look for red squirrels scampering in the pines.
• History underfoot: Keep an eye on the sand for ancient footprints at low tide.

The Celebrity Factor: From Alan Carr to Future Stars

Alan Carr's appearance on Life A Beach came as part of his return to the spotlight after his triumphant victory on Celebrity Traitors. The show catapulted him into a new wave of fame, with fans praising his cunning gameplay and hilarious confessionals. Now, his off-camera preferences are turning heads. His admission about Formby has sparked a surge of interest from fans wanting to walk in his footsteps.

But Carr isn't the first celebrity to sing Formby's praises. The beach has long been a quiet retreat for stars who appreciate its understated elegance. With its proximity to Liverpool—a city currently enjoying a cultural renaissance thanks to the Beatles' legacy and the newly opened Liverpool City Region attractions—Formby is becoming a hotspot for the chic and the famous.

A Million-Dollar View

The walk from Formby train station to the beach passes through what locals call “Millionaire's Row.” Properties on Victoria Road regularly sell for over £2 million, a testament to the area's desirability. The beach itself has seen a massive surge in popularity since the pandemic, drawing day-trippers and tourists alike. Yet, it retains a wild, untamed feel that even the most discerning celebrity can appreciate.

Why This Beach Matters

In an era of overcrowded tourist traps and Instagram-famous beaches, Formby offers something rare: authenticity. The National Trust's careful conservation means the dunes and woodlands remain pristine. The red squirrels, once endangered in the UK, thrive here thanks to dedicated protection programs. And the ever-changing shoreline ensures no two visits are the same.

For Alan Carr, it's a place of joy and relaxation far from the glare of cameras. For David Morrissey, it's a homecoming. For the thousands of visitors who flock here each summer, it's a slice of coastal paradise. And now, with a prestigious Time Out ranking and celebrity endorsements, Formby Beach is no longer a hidden gem—it's a star in its own right.

“Whenever I'm up there touring, I always go to Formby,” Carr said. With its sweeping dunes, ancient footprints, and celebrity-approved charm, it's easy to see why. Whether you're a fan of Alan Carr, a nature lover, or just someone seeking a stunning beach break, Formby promises an experience that lingers long after the tide goes out.

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