9 reasons you should visit Parkgate this Summer

Summer is just round the corner, so it’s time to start planning some days out around the city region.

Here is our look at Parkgate, Wirral, one of our favourite spots for an afternoon out.

History: The former shipping port that became a tourist destination

It’s hard to imagine now but Parkgate was once a thriving trading centre.

When the hunting park of Neston was sold a small community grew up at the gate to the park and it became Parkgate. The River Dee had begun to silt up and Parkgate became a place to travel to Dublin for trade and passengers.

However, by the 1870s, a new channel was cut to Flintshire and there was increasing silting of the sand.

This led to the decline of Parkgate as a trading post and tourism emerged with a smart promenade replacing the trading buildings and people visiting to take the air and enjoy the views.

Eventually nature took over though, and the beach gradually became the grassy marshland we see today, making the area one of the most unique visitor destinations in the region.

Views: Right across the estuary to Wirral

Parkgate views from Elephant Lounge — Credit: Elephant Collective

The views from The Parade in Parkgate are spectacular.

Across the marshland, that was reclaimed by nature, look out across the Dee Estuary to North Wales, or across to the Irish Sea.

The unique landscape is a haven for wildlife and if you’re lucky, you will spot ducks, geese, wading birds, and birds of prey up close.

Walk: The Parkgate Circular

Enjoy this 4.8-km circular trail near starting on The Parade. It is an easy route and should take you just under an hour to complete.

This is a popular trail but will be quieter during the week, is open year-round and dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.

Fish and Chips: Parkgate Fish and Chips

What could be better after a bracing walk than fish and chips?

As well as fish, the homemade steak and chicken and mushroom pies are popular or grab a portion of salt and pepper chips.

Not the cheapest fish and chips you will buy, but great food eaten with one of the best views in Merseyside.

Find them on The Parade, open until 9pm but check times for weekday opening here.

Ice Cream: Nicholls of Parkgate

If the coastal air has left you needing a sweet pick me up, what is better than an ice cream?

Nicholls have been serving ice cream for 75 years and offer dozens of delicious flavours, all handmade and using the finest Italian flavours.

Choose from banana, chocolate chip, black cherry, caramel fudge, tutti fruity, lemon and lime, Turkish Delight and much more.

They also sell sweets.

Find them on The Parade. Opening times vary throughout the year and are weather dependent so check if you are visiting in the evening by calling 0151 336 1274.

Lunch or evening meal: The Boathouse

The Boat House - Parkgate — Credit: The Boat House

Enjoy lunch or an evening meal with some of the best views that you will ever have as an accompaniment to your food.

The Boathouse is situated right at the end of The Parade and is a great way to end your trip to Parkgate.

The treacle baked ham is delicious and for vegetarians the stuffed peppers come highly recommended. Sunday lunch is also a treat. Find them at 1 The Parade.

Check the menu here.

Live Music: Elephant Lounge

Elephant Lounge - Parkgate — Credit: Elephant Collective

As well as an evening menus, serving New York style pizza or a bowl of Scouse from 4pm each night, every Monday and Thursday the Elephant Sessions feature live music from 8pm. You can listen to some laid-back sounds while watching the sun go down.

Find the Elephant Lounge on The Parade, open until 11am.

Check out the events calendar for more information about live music and see the full day and evening menus here.

A good pub: The Red Lion

Sunday Roast at the Red Lion Parkgate — Credit: Red Lion Parkgate

If you’ve built up a thirst from walking along the seafront then drop into the Red Lion.

The historic pub that dates back to the busy trading days, has a great selection of cask ales so if you’re not the driver you can sample a pint of a house or guest beer.

There is also a varied food selection featuring the best in pub grub and the Sunday lunch is a good choice too.

See the food and drinks menu here.