12 things to do in Wirral this Spring and Summer

Here comes summer and if you’re on the Wirral – or you’re planning to pop over the water – there’s loads of things to see and do from now until September.

So if you’re looking for ideas, what about this little lot?

Wirral Ale Trail – Saturday, May 21

Get yourself a seat on the Wirral’s only bus-based Real Ale festival to sample some of the best and quirkiest real ale pubs in the Wirral, along with locally-brewed and unique ales without worrying who’s driving.  Back for its fifth year, pubs include the Coach and Horses in Greasby, the Cock and Pullet in Oxton and The Ship in in Hoylake. Tickets are £22.

More info here.

Caldy Open Gardens – Sunday, May 22, 1pm-5.30pm

Enough to make Alan Titchmarch green with envy, 12 private gardens are opening to the public featuring different styles and sizes of our favourite outdoor space. There will be plants on sale, and the event this year will include a new Children’s Delights garden which will include a fairy garden, face painting, willow wand workshops, fun games and more. The always-popular tea & cakes and BBQ bangers in buns will be on offer, plus live music courtesy of The Sunlight Quartet and artisans from Merseymade will be showcasing and selling their crafts.

For more, email caldyopengardens@gmail.com, call 0151 625 7604 or click here.

Wirral Coastal Walk – Sunday, May 22

The Wirral Coastal walk is back in its stride after a two year absence because of you-know-what. It’ll start at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton and take in loads of stunning Wirral scenery on its 12.5 mile route to Thurstaston Country Park. It is a fun event for walkers of all ages and abilities. Its main attraction, apart from the exercise and the opportunity to view the beautiful Wirral coastline, is that walkers can raise money through sponsorship for their own favourite charity or good cause.

More info here.

Claremont Acoustic Sessions – Friday, June 3 from 7-10.30pm

There are still some tickets left for this fab outdoor musical event down on Claremont Farm in Bebington. Organised by Harry James Music, you can enjoy listening to four of the region’s best musicians – yet to be revealed – along with fab food including pizzas from the Dough Bros. A table for six costs £60 on the grass and £75 undercover (plus booking fee) so it’s a great one to get a few mates together for a brill night out.

More info here.

Floral Pavilion – Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 50^th Anniversary Tour – Tuesday, June 14

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac pay homage to the legendary group. Celebrating 50 years of great music from an iconic band, it includes a tribute to the group’s founder member, Peter Green, as well as live versions of hit songs like The Chain, You Make Loving Fun and Go Your Own Way.

More info here.

Wirral Chamber Music Festival – Sunday, June 26 to Sunday, July 3

Concerts in the community! Founded by two members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, orchestra leader Thelma Handy and cellist Alex Holladay, this young and exciting festival aims to promote a love of classical music by making it exciting and accessible. On at a variety of venues, you can choose from a String Showcase, The Main Event – Brahms String Sextet, the Making Music Family Concert, Pop-Up concerts, and more.

More info here.

Heswall Hall’s Big Room Comedy Club – Friday, July 15 at 8pm

Take your seat in the cabaret style Big Room Comedy Club for a night of fun and laughter with comic acts compered by an ‘amazing’ guest MC. Doors open at 7pm and, as well as laughing your socks off, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks including 2-4-1 cocktails from the Blind Pig bar.

More info here.

Wirral Gin School, Upton

Learn how to make your own gin from its master distillers, and make and take away a full 70cl bottle under the guidance of an expert distiller. Wirral Gin School runs classes every day of the week so you can always book the day that’s best for you – and there’s an onsite bar too. Sessions last between 60-90 minutes and cost £55 for a spirit making session for two.

More info here.

The Port Sunlight Experience and Walking Tour

Credit: JSvideos / Shutterstock.com

A new way to discover the village, you can find out more about the history of this special village at Port Sunlight Museum, experience what life was like here over a century ago in the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage, and immerse yourself in the story of soap at the brand new and interactive SoapWorks. Friendly guides will take you on a 90-minute tour and tours run daily, tickets cost £13 for adults.

More info here.

Lady Lever Art Gallery – Inspired by Lady Lever – Friday, June 24 to Sunday, January 29, 2023

An exhibition celebrating 100 years of history at Lady Lever Art Gallery and the life of the woman it’s named after. Elizabeth Lever was a huge support and inspiration to her husband throughout the development of his business, Lever Brothers, and the building of Port Sunlight village. Although Lord Leverhulme named the gallery after his wife, there’s little in the gallery about Elizabeth herself but the recent rediscovery of a court dress which belonged to her has given the chance to exhibit this fabulous gown for the first time and shed more light on her story.

More info here.

Explore Hilbre Islands – and maybe spot a grey seal

One of Wirral’s best-loved beauty spots, you can find Hilbre Islands at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, one of the ten most important estuaries in Europe for wildfowl and waders. Hilbre Islands are also important as a stopping-off point for the twice-yearly migration of birds along the west coast of Britain and the summer months provide a perfect opportunity to see Grey Seals swimming just off-shore.

More info here.

Wirral Food, Drink and Music Festival, Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4

Credit: Visit Wirral

Headline bands The Coral, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark will take centre stage at Birkenhead Park for evening concerts, following a celebration of Wirral’s best food and drink. So you can enjoy a selection of Wirral’s best produce and delicatessen during the day time, and have a dance at night. Weekend tickets are £81.75, or you can purchase individual tickets for a band of choice.

More info here.

Visit New Brighton

New Brighton boasts a three-quarter stretch of golden sand so it’s a go-to summer destination for day-trippers – and kids love playing on the Black Pearl, a community-built driftwood boat. 

Beyond the marine lake is the 19th century Grade II listed Perch Rock Fort, once part of the sea-defences system, and Perch Rock lighthouse – and it’s also had a refurb which saw the building of the Marine Point leisure complex with loads of shops, bars and restaurants, a cinema and kids’ play centre.

And no visit to New Brighton is complete without a walk around the Victorian Quarter, which has got loads of independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

More info here.