9 reasons to you need to visit Waterloo this Summer

Named as one of the best places to live last year in a national survey, and the perfect destination for a summer day out, we love this area of Sefton.

Waterloo in Sefton is renowned for its scenic waterfront views, vibrant community spirit, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and bars.

Here are nine reasons you need to visit Waterloo:

History: More than Crosby’s little sister

Many will say that Waterloo is a little overlooked or comes as part of a package with Crosby, but Waterloo is a distinct area and proud of it.

Originally part of Lancashire, it was called Crosby Seabank and made up of cottages and a sandhills leading to the beach.

Due to its beauty and the sea air, Liverpool’s gentry started visiting for days out and holidays and a new hotel was constructed.

As the opening coincided with 18 June, 1816, the first anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, the hotel was named in its honour. Gradually the name spread to the local area and Waterloo was born.

Easily reached by train, Waterloo is on the Southport branch of the Northern Line.

Views: The gateway to Liverpool and some very famous statues

The view from the beach at the end of South Road really is something to behold.

Join 100 iron men from Antony Gormley’s world famous Another Place installation in gazing out from the shoreline across the Irish Sea.

Marvel at the industrial sites of Liverpool’s docks, across to the giant windfarm, south to Wirral and North Wales and north to the Lancashire Coast. You will also catch boats leaving the Mersey to make their way to Ireland and beyond.

Where does Waterloo become Crosby? With this view you won’t care.

Walk: The coast to Formby

Sefton Coastline — Credit: Sefton Council

If the tide is out, follow the beach to Crosby as far as you can go, then join the Sefton coastal path which will take you to Hightown. Take the path that will eventually run to the Lifeboat Road end of Formby beach.

You can catch the train back to Waterloo from Formby or Freshfield, or even Ainsdale if you feel energetic to walk even further through the woods.

Fish and Chips: Yung’s Fish Bar

Enjoy traditional fish and chips or a Chinese meal at this long running Waterloo favourite.

You’ll find Yung’s at 42 Stuart Road, Waterloo.

Sweet treats: Caz’s Kitchen

Credit: Caz's Kitchen — Credit: Caz’s Kitchen

Caz’s Kitchen, based in an old antiques shop, sells a mouth-watering range of cakes and is a jewel in the crown of independent businesses in Waterloo.

Caz says: “We are passionate about proper cake. Good food is good for the soul and a well-deserved treat (not a chemical cake from the supermarkets) is a beautiful thing!”

You will find Caz’s Kitchen at 47 St Johns Road, open from 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Find out more and order here.

Brunch: The Workshop

This bar and restaurant serves a delicious brunch.

Whether you fancy a full English or whipped tofu with blueberries, the choice is mouth watering. Or pop in for lunch, an evening meal, or cocktails. This is a popular hangout, whatever time of the day.

The Workshop is at 47 Crosby Road North.

Find out more on their Facebook here.

Summer tunes: The Lake House

Enjoy the sounds of summer at the Sunset Sessions at The Lake House.

DJ Nick Gartland will bring the tunes while you enjoy the sunset at this stunning venue beside the Marina. Enjoy a cocktail or cooling beer with a view of the marine lake from the garden and huts, or sample the new summer menu.

You can catch the Sunset Sessions on 17, 24, 31 May and 7 and 28 June.

The Lake House is also a hotel and venue for hire, and you’ll find it on Crosby Coast Coastal Park.

Find out more here.

A good pub: The Marine Bar and Kitchen

This South Road pub has just reopened with new management who have vowed to give it a new lease of life.

Boasting two beer gardens and located just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Marine is a great choice for a summer pub meal and drinks.

It is now open for food seven days a week from 12noon until 9pm.

You’ll find The Marine at 3-5 South Road.

See the menus and book a table here.

Film: The Plaza

The Plaza Cinema originally opened on 2 September 1939 but was swiftly closed again because of the war.

However, it reopened and became famous as a live variety entertainment venue featuring well known artists as Tommy Handley, Arthur Askey, Charlie Chester, Ted Ray and Hilda Baker.

It then became a popular cinema showing the latest films until in 1997 the site was offered for redevelopment by its owners. A local campaign was launched and the cinema is now a community run facility.

As well as showing the latest blockbusters, The Plaza has regular events, like 80s specials with that decade’s famous movie Pretty in Pink being shown on 15 June with an added 80s DJ set.

You’ll find the Plaza at 13 Crosby Road North and a charity shop supporting its running costs in St John’s Road.

Find out what’s on here.