Find out how you can make the most of summer at Wirral Watersports Centre

Tucked away on the Wirral Peninsula, with sweeping views of the Dee Estuary and the Welsh hills beyond is West Kirby Marine Lake.

At the heart of this lake is the  Wirral Watersports Centre, a vibrant hub of activity offering everything from sailing and paddleboarding to kayaking and windsurfing. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for fun, or someone craving a peaceful paddle with a view, this place delivers. 

It’s all set against the backdrop of a man-made saltwater lake that’s refreshed by the tide and protected from the open sea, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. 

This summer, the centre is making waves with a packed programme of activities: 

• Children’s Holiday Clubs (Ages 8–16): Week-long or two-day sessions filled with sailing, raft building, paddleboarding, and more. 

• RYA-Certified Courses:  Learn to sail, windsurf, or powerboat with expert instructors. 

• Let’s Launch Sessions: Social, adult-friendly watersports meetups with informal coaching. 

• Pay & Play:  Just turn up and hire a kayak, paddleboard, or Funboat—no experience needed. 

What makes West Kirby Marine Lake so special isn’t just the activities, it’s the atmosphere. The lake’s calm waters and panoramic views create a serene setting that feels a world away from the bustle of city life. And yet, it’s just a short drive from Liverpool, Chester, and North Wales. 

Just back from the lake is the West Kirby village, where you can enjoy a spot of shopping, stop at one of the many eateries or maybe just grab an ice cream, frappe, or fish and chips to eat on the prom. 

West Kirby also happens to be the entrance to the Wirral Way – a 12-mile, mainly flat, and traffic-free path through Wirral’s countryside and one of the borough’s most popular walking routes. Whether you are up for walking the full 12 miles and taking a tour of the borough by foot, or you are just after a half mile stroll, this path can be used for a range of walks, all as enjoyable as each other. 

The unique Hilbre Islands are three tidal islands – Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre – and are designated as Local Nature Reserves. At low-tide, you can walk out to the islands from West Kirby beach – and you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that lives there, as well as the incredible views. Grey seals haul out on the sandbanks and fish around the island, and you may even spot a Purple Sandpiper or two feeding by the old lifeboat slipway. 

It is important to take time to plan your journey before heading out on a walk to Hilbre – check the tides times, wear appropriate footwear and be mindful that the island has no shops or drinking water, so you’ll have to wait until you get back to West Kirby itself for that slice of cake and refreshing drink. During the winter, be aware that it might be muddy, slippy and that it gets dark earlier. With the fading light, give yourself time to walk back (leaving the islands at least an hour before sunset). 

Find out more about Wirral Watersports Centre here.

Find all the latest Wirral news here.

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