Can anyone tell me where there are any beaches in the NW(England)where I can take the kids crabbing

May I suggest somewhere like LLandudno(with a pier) Rhos-on-sea  OR Glaston Dock or Fleetwood...very hard to find the right conditions in the NW and we tend to fish and crab in North Wales, usually Old Colwyn(in the bay) best of luck! Love Dawn X

dont know about crabbing but have you tried formby,southport,Crosby ?

Southport is about 3 miles away from the sea! Unfortunatley although Crosby and Formby have nice beaches, especially Ainsdale beach...there aren't many crabs around! The Mersey aint great for them...need places with a Pier or Harbour(I know Southport has a Pier, but it is very rarely in the water!)