6 reasons why Wirral should be on your 2024 bucket list

It’s just minutes away through the tunnel or ‘over the water’, so why is Wirral one of the last places some of us think of heading to?

Wirral has got the best beaches, some cracking attractions, as well as plenty of places to eat, drink, shop, and more.

So don’t keep missing out! Put Wirral on your bucket list of things to see and do this year, starting with this little lot…

Amazing walks and scenery

Whether you make a beeline for the coast or further inland for countryside, there are loads of walks taking in just a few miles, or more – and stunning views come as part of the package. If you’ve got a few hours to spare, the Wirral Coastal Walk will take you the length of the coastline from New Brighton to Thurstaston, with views across the Mersey, beautiful beaches lining the coast against the Irish Sea, and more rural countryside overlooking the River Dee – and so many places of interest to see on the way.

The Wirral Way is another good one to consider. The disused railway line is now a stunning coastal path running along the peninsular, incorporating Wirral Country Park and stretching just over 12 miles from West Kirby all the way to Hooton in Chester. Great for a leisurely walk, and you can also cycle the trail and stop off along the way in places like as West Kirby and Parkgate (don’t forget an ice cream from Nicholls).

But there are shorter walks too – with well-marked footpaths across Thurstaston Common; a lovely walk from West Kirby and back taking in Grange Hill and Caldy Hill which both have amazing views of Liverpool Bay; Heswall Dales and Fields; the Willaston Circular walk, and we could go on… Just get your walking shoes on and wander.

For more walks in Wirral click here.

Beautiful beaches

In the always-popular seaside town, New Brighton’s is one of the busiest beaches because it’s got a gorgeous ¾ mile stretch of golden sand – and kids will enjoy playing around the Black Pearl, a community-built driftwood boat – and, from the beach. amazing views of the Liverpool city skyline.

But while it’s the one everyone knows, it’s certainly not on its own: Thurstaston Beach is a sandy beach along the Dee Estuary with a visitor centre and close to the Wirral Way, making it a good stop-off for those on a walk; Wallasey Beach is another sandy beach, with views across Liverpool Bay, sand dunes and nature reserves, and Red Rocks is a large beach with a shallow bay overlooking Hilbre Island (and a good one for bird-spotters).

Not forgetting, of course, beaches at Meols, West Kirby, Hoylake, Moreton, and Leasowe!

Fabulous food

It’s hard to know where to start with this one because there are so many places to eat and drink whether you’re looking for a gourmet restaurant or a brilliant bar, perfect pub food or hearty farm fayre. It’s basically got the lot!

For fine dining you might want to head towards Lawns Restaurant at Thornton Hall Hotel which has got three AA Rosettes and offers a choice of international cuisine; chef Gary Usher’s Burnt Truffle in Heswall which is one of the best for beautiful bistro food, or Brasserie 1593 in the fantastic setting of Leasowe Castle.

The multi-award winning and very trendy Wro bar in West Kirby has got a great mix of fabulous food and drink, and has regular live music; The Jug & Bottle in Heswall is well known for wholesome food and really good wine from all over the world, and The Red Fox in Thornton Hough is one of the best country pubs with landscaped lawns and terraces you’ll want to sit in when the sun shines and cosy nooks and crannies and roaring fires for when it doesn’t. The Ship at Parkgate, The Mouse at Brimstage, The Fox and Hounds in Barnston … all – and more – worth a trip out.

Great attractions

You’ll never be short of things to see and do, and if it’s art you’re into Lady Lever Art Gallery has got one of the UK’s fine and decorative art collections, regularly changing displays and tons of crafts and ideas for the kids; while The Port Sunlight Experience and Walking Tour gives you the chance to learn more about the village created by Lord Lever for workers at his soap factory.

At the museum there you find out what life was like over a century ago in the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage, and you can immerse yourself in the story of soap at the brand new and interactive SoapWorks. (It’s also where the home used as Aunt Polly’s house in Peaky Blinders was filmed!).

Birkenhead Priory is the oldest building on Merseyside, while at Wirral Tramway and Transport Museum you can explore a fascinating collection of buses, cars, motorcycles, and bikes and take a trip on one of their historical trams. 

Eureka! Science + Discovery has got hundreds of hands-on, innovative and interactive activities, and in New Brighton’s Victoria Road Quarter you can see amazing wall art from some of the world’s best street artists. 

History and Heritage

As well as amazing places like Port Sunlight and Birkenhead Priory where you can step back in time, Wirral is home to tons of historical attractions like Leasowe Castle, thought to have been built for Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby, as an observation platform for the Wallasey races which took place on the sands in the 16th and 17th centuries (and since 1982 has used as a hotel, bar and brasserie) and Leasowe Lighthouse – the oldest brick lighthouse in the UK!

Beyond the marine lake in New Brighton is the 19th century Grade II listed Perch Rock Fort, once part of the sea-defences system, and Perch Rock lighthouse; and Hamilton Square in Birkenhead is well worth a visit with the most Grade I listed buildings outside London.

There are 26 conservation areas in Wirral – including Port Sunlight and Hamilton Square – which are of national importance, and a trail that takes in many historic sites.

Perfect parks

Wirral is park central with, not least, Wirral Country Park which celebrated its 50^th anniversary last year and is the backbone of the Wirral Way. Parts of the park are designated wildlife sites and there’s a stunning waterfall at a wooded area known as ‘The Dungeon’. It’s a hive of activity throughout the year, along with other parks including:

Birkenhead Park – known a the ‘People’s Park’ and the first publicly-funded civil park in the world. Declared a Grade 1 listed landscape by English Heritage in 1995, it was a major influence in the design of New York’s Central Park and boasts several listed buildings including the Grand Entrance – an ionic styled gateway with three arches flanked by lodges – and its Swiss Bridge, the only covered bridge of traditional wooden construction in the whole of the UK. It’s got cycling and walking trails, tennis courts, fishing lakes, a visitors’ centre and gallery.

Eastham Country Park– as well as superb views across the Mersey it’s blessed with an abundance of wildlife. There are 100 acres of woodland which make it ideal for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and orienteering. There are picnic areas and in spring and summer the Tea Garden serves drinks and food. Events are often held in the park, and you can find information on these and things to do at the rangers’ office.

For more new in Wirral click HERE.