Getting the train is back and you can visit all of these Merseyside places with Merseyrail this summer

Summer’s here – and things are looking up!

We can’t wait to get out and about to all the places we couldn’t always visit in 2020, and there’s loads on the ‘to do’ list, whether it’s hitting town for a much-missed shopping spree, catching up with friends over food and a glass of wine, or heading off for a fun-filled day out with the kids.

As life gets back on track, so can you! 

Merseyrail can get you there quicker and easier than ever with regular services across the network, and it’s still great value.

You can get a Family Ticket which gives a family of up to five unlimited off-peak travel* for only £13, or buy a Day Saver** online here and make as many journeys as you like for just £5.50 for adults or £2.75 for a young person (children under five travel for free). Your family ticket can also be purchased from your nearest station.

And with tons of fab destinations just steps away from a Merseyrail station, it means you can leave the car at home and, in the words of a very old advert, ‘let the train take the strain’ while you relax and enjoy great times together.

You could start with these:

Albert Dock

Nearest station: James Street

The Dock’s definitely a place to head to right now with loads of shops, new bars and restaurants. You might want to enjoy a pie and a pint at The One O’Clock Gun pub, opened in June by the team behind Maray, or try out the new super-sized terrace at Italian favourite Gusto or the fab new cocktail bar, The Long Shot. Throughout summer Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is bringing the Great British Seaside to its waterfront, which’ll mean lots of family fun and more.

Castle Street

Nearest stations: Moorfields/ James Street

Castle Street’s become one of the go-to favourites for anyone wanting good food or a delicious cocktail. You’ve got old favourites like Castle Street Townhouse, Gino D’Acampo – My restaurant, Maluco and San Carlo, along with new places like Iberian restaurant BoBo and Rox Cocktail Bar. You can even set your sights on gaming fun with Point Blank Shooting or go on a history hunt – did you know Castle Street was one of the original city streets?

Liverpool ONE

Nearest station: James St

It’s not just about the shops – although there’s plenty of those from high street chains to designer stores – there’s also tons for kids and families to do in this heart-of-the-city area. You can watch a film on the big screen, have a game of ping pong at Roxy Ball Room, test your putting skills at Junkyard Golf, or just chill or picnic in Chavasse Park. And did we mention the brill bars and restaurants?

Baltic Triangle

Nearest station: Central

Not content with being one of the most vibrant areas for food, drink and music in the city, the fun just continues at the buzzing Baltic: you can view street art, visit vintage markets, play arcade games and have the best – and possibly most bizarre – bingo game. You can even grab a game of golf, unwind with a coffee or, now, treat yourself to a facial at a vegan beauty bar or check in to its new hotel.

New Brighton

Nearest station: New Brighton

It’s got golden sands – but New Brighton is more than just a beach. Beyond the marine lake is the 19th century Grade II listed Perch Rock Fort and Perch Rock lighthouse, and there’s the Marine Point leisure complex, with shops, bars and restaurants. In August keep a look out for The New Brighton Pirate Fest – The Battle for Devil’s Nest, a swashbuckling extravaganza setting sail on the weekend of August 17 and 18.

Lark Lane

Nearest station: St Michael’s

With countless restaurants and cafes to choose from, plus delis, supermarkets, galleries and more, Lark Lane really comes to life in Summer, and its proximity to Sefton Park makes this the perfect place to grab a lazy lunch with your loved one, an ice-cream with the kids or a cold beer with your mates. It’s also a thriving little nightspot with a beat, a vibe and a warm welcome for everyone.

Southport

Nearest station: Southport Station

It’s hard to know where to start with Southport – from its beautiful beach to its gorgeous gardens, or its wild watersports. You can dive into Splash World to ride the fast flumes, or if you’re feeling full of energy you can cycle along one of its specially-created routes, or have a walk down its historic 1,000-metre long pier. You can take a trip to Southport Pleasureland for all the fun of the fair or, from this summer, you can bag a bargain, grab a bite or raise a glass to celebrate the new Southport Market.

Formby Beach

Nearest station: Formby

There are so many reasons why Formby is one of the most popular beaches – and it’s not just because of its pinewoods which are home to the cutest (and very famous) red squirrels. There are miles of glorious sand and dramatic sand dunes as well as walking trails which reveal a prehistoric past.

Chester/Chester Zoo

Nearest station: Chester station

Always guaranteeing a great day out, as well as its animals, fabulous gardens and green spaces (there are 35,000 animals in 128 acres of gardens), Chester Zoo boasts loads of fun attractions like its play area and Lazy River Boat Trip. And when you visit, you support conservation projects constantly being undertaken by the zoo and its staff. The journey does include bus, and from Chester station you can get a connecting bus that will take you directly to Chester Zoo

Don’t forget, you’re still advised to wear a mask out of respect to others.

Meanwhile, Merseyrail’s cleaning team is hard at work with enhanced cleaning throughout stations and on trains to help keep you safe.

Don’t forget it’s FREE parking at Merseyrail stations too, making your journey even easier!

For more details go to www.merseyrail.org

*/** Anytime except between 06.31-09.29 Monday to Friday, rules excludes weekend and bank holidays.