Anthony Gormleys ‘Another Place’

If you’re heading to the Merseyside coast, you have to check out Another Place at Crosby Beach. It’s a hauntingly beautiful art installation by Anthony Gormley consisting of 100 life-sized cast-iron statues spread across three kilometres of the foreshore, all staring out toward the horizon.

What’s the vibe?

This isn’t your typical “ice cream and donkey rides” seaside trip; it’s more of a massive, open-air art gallery. People usually spend one to two hours here, wandering between the figures as the tide goes in and out. It is genuinely for the whole family, though it’s more “interesting” than “high-energy entertainment.”

• For Kids: They usually love running between the statues, and since many are “dressed” in barnacles or old clothes by locals, it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt.
• For Teens: It’s an absolute goldmine for photos, though they might get restless once they’ve seen a dozen or so.
• For Adults: It’s peaceful and quite thought-provoking, especially at sunset.

Practical Bits

• Supervision: You need to keep a very close eye on children. The beach has dangerous mudflats and quicksand in places. There are clear warning signs—stay near the statues and don’t try to walk out too far to the distant ones.
• The “Secret” Factor: While the main beach gets busy, you can walk further north toward Hightown for a quieter, “secret beach” feel with dunes and coastal views.
• Costs & Perks: Access to the beach is free. If you have a National Trust membership, it won’t help with entry here, but it is very handy for the nearby Formby (just up the road), where parking is pricey otherwise. Parking at Crosby can be hit-or-miss; there are pay-and-display lots and some free street parking nearby.

Walking and Exploring

The Sefton Coastal Path runs right through here. It’s a linear, off-road route that is mostly flat and hard-surfaced near the promenade, making it easy for strollers or bikes.

• The Route: You can walk from Crosby to Waterloo (about 2-3 miles) along the front.
• Points of Interest: Aside from the statues, keep an eye out for the remains of old rubble on the beach—these are actually bombed-out ruins from Liverpool during the Blitz.

Nearby Refuel Spots

There are a few cafes and restaurants in Waterloo and Crosby village. South Road is just a short walk from the Waterloo end of the beach and is packed with independent bars, bistros, and cafes if you want to avoid the “expensive seaside snack” trap.