♿️ Making Formby Beach Accessible – Free Sand Wheelchairs Available from National Trust

Formby Bubble
4 days ago
2 min read

Formby isn’t just one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the North West – it’s also becoming one of the most inclusive.

And while we know it’s winter and bitterly cold at the moment, many people still love heading to the beach in January — wrapping up warm, enjoying the fresh sea air, quiet walks, and the peaceful beauty that Formby is famous for.

Many don’t realise that free sand wheelchairs are available to borrow at Formby, making it possible for even more people to experience the magic of our dunes, pinewoods and shoreline — even if standard wheelchairs struggle on soft sand.

The National Trust has five specialist sand wheelchairs available to borrow, designed with large, wide tyres that spread weight evenly and help prevent sinking into the sand. They are ideal for beach trips, family days out, and even woodland adventures on sandy paths.

How to Book:

To book a sand wheelchair, simply email:

formby@nationaltrust.org.uk

Let the team know your preferred date and time, and they’ll get back to you.

A couple of days’ notice is required.

Booking Times:

There are two daily booking slots:

Morning: 10am – 12pm
Afternoon: 1pm – 3pm

(You may be able to book both sessions if availability allows.)

Where to Go on the Day:

Head to Lifeboat Road, which offers the best accessible route to the beach via a boardwalk.
Visit the National Trust welcome team at the van in the Lifeboat Road car park.
You’ll be asked to complete a short disclaimer form and leave contact details before collecting your wheelchair.

Please return the wheelchair on time so it can be prepared for the next visitor.

Useful to Know:

♿️ Best used on slightly damp sand

♿️ Can also be used on sandy woodland paths

♿️ Free to borrow

♿️ Pushed by a companion

♿️ Helps more people enjoy the dunes, woods and beach safely

A Special Thank You:

A huge thank you to Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, who have kindly donated three of the sand wheelchairs now available at Formby — helping to open up the coast to even more people.

Important Travel Update:

Please be aware that Victoria Road car park is still currently closed until Spring 2026 due to a major conservation project. There is no pedestrian access through the work site.

On busy sunny days, visitors are encouraged to: