It’s no secret that I love this time of year, even now it’s getting colder and the weather is getting a little wilder I still think it is the best. As much as we love getting out and about in the summer I actually think we get outdoors just as much when the cold weather hits. One of our favourite places to visit is Crosby Beach and usually we end up going here more in the Autumn and Winter than we do at any other time of year. I haven’t shared many photos of our adventures for a while but I’ve been looking back on these photos and they just make me smile, we had a lovely day there.
We aren’t blessed with the most picturesque beaches here in the North West – most of them are overlooked by industrial areas and cargo ships regularly pass by but it doesn’t make them any less special. It’s all a part of where we live and we’re lucky that our nearest beach has the wonderful Another Place statues by Antony Gormley. We’ve been coming here since the twins were tiny and it’s somewhere we love to return to.
When we visit now we need to make sure we have our bobble hats and wellies on rather than sun hats and sandals but there has always been something I love about a beach in winter. We lived in North Wales for a few years when I was a teenager and going to the beaches out of season, when it was quiet and even a little bleak, is firmly set in my mind alongside happy memories. We used to walk our dog there in the evenings and without knowing it at the time it was a great way to slow down and calm my mind. I’m sure my mum knew and that’s why she took me along to control my teenage angst!
We managed to happen upon a lovely crisp day at Crosby recently when it was bright and not too cold – the tide was on it’s way in which meant we got to wander up to the water and stroll along to see some of the iron men. I suppose because it is surrounded by industrial ports you get all sorts of interesting things washed up on the beach – the boys spent so long playing with bricks that had been rounded by the sea. Some were down to to the size of large pebbles but alongside driftwood and seaweed they were perfect for building forts and structures. We collected a huge amount of sea glass and pottery along side the usual shells. The boys were all for taking off their shoes and socks so they could go for a paddle – we agreed that maybe it was a little cold for that but a splash in their wellies would do the trick.
It is such a beautiful spot, there are a few dunes at the back of it and a long promenade to walk along when the tide is in. It is a great way to clear away the cobwebs and even better they have a food van by the car park so we shared a couple of trays of chips before we left. I love going there and spending time as a family, there are no distractions and the boys always seem so happy left to roam and play – even when it is too cold for an ice cream. One of the best things about the walk on a cold beach is when you come home to warm up with hot chocolate and blankets. I could easily do this all winter long.
9 Comments
It looks like a beautiful place to visit. I love the beach in Autumn/Winter too – it’s got a completely different feel to the busy summer months. Gorgeous photos – your kiddos will have such happy memories of this little tradition as they grow up.
November 24, 2017 at 7:43 pmAaah Hayley — these are such lovely pictures!! And yes — you’re right that it may not be that picturesque in comparison to other beaches but the main focus of these is all your beautiful family. Such lovely pics. And I’m so envious that you live so close to the Gormley statues — I love his work and especially that installation. There’s something incredibly moving about those lovely still figures, looking wistfully out to sea.
November 26, 2017 at 9:55 amIn all the years I have lived in the North West I have never been to Crosby beach, how terrible is that. I think I actually prefer going to the beach on a sunny but cold Autumn day, though I can’t pull off a bobble hat look. Your pictures are gorgeous Hayley x
November 26, 2017 at 7:15 pmOh what a lovely outing and looks and sounds like an amazing beach. Loving all the family snaps. We absolutely love beach winter walks. #wrc
November 27, 2017 at 7:48 pmLove this post Hayley, you can’t beat the beach – or a bobble hat. I know I keep saying it but your boys are so cute! xx
November 28, 2017 at 12:46 pmAww such beautiful photos Hayley, I love the reflections in the water shots. I do love a trip to the beach in the winter and especially when it involves a bobble hat x
November 28, 2017 at 3:47 pmI love going to a beach in the winter, especially when it’s sunny! Bobble hats are an essential addition for keeping those ears warm aren’t they? Lovely family pics.
November 28, 2017 at 5:47 pmWe’ve not been to Crosby in years, We really must go again soon. It sounds silly to say but I really do love the beach at this time of year. You’ve captured your time their together beautifully in these photos Hayley xx
November 28, 2017 at 6:36 pmDo you know what I love summer and am definitely a summer girl but without fail we go to the beach (near my parents’ house in Wales) on boxing day and I love it. Yes, it’s cold and sometimes wild but I always get the best pictures and we normally have the place to ourselves, which is the best. This post reminds me of our boxing day, which is getting me very excited for Christmas. Gorgeous hon xxx
November 29, 2017 at 12:29 pm