Places to visit near in Wirral and Merseyside

Starting in Wallasey, explore Wirral’s many beautiful sandy beaches. They include New Brighton Beach and its landmark lighthouse and fascinating Fort Perch Rock, and the wide Wallasey Beach and Thurstaston Beach. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll also enjoy the Eureka! Science + Discovery Centre, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Birkenhead.

The Wirral Peninsula is located on the opposite side of the River Mersey from Liverpool, and has fabulous views of the city. For one of the top things to do in Wirral, jump on the River Explorer Cruise this morning, which departs from both Liverpool and Seacombe, and learn about Liverpool and Wirral’s rich history on its 50-minute journey.

Back on dry land, walk along part of the Wirral Way – one of the best things to do in Wirral. You can tackle as much as you like, whether strolling from West Kirby in a circular walk, or mooching to Wirral Country Park, spotting wildlife along the way.

Next, head to the town of Heswall, which is full of great coffee shops and restaurants such as Burnt Truffle and Gusto. Browse Linghams Booksellers and enjoy the views of the Dee Estuary; for small-town charm, this is one of the top things to do in Wirral.

Wirral is full of unique places to stay, and is home to “the UK’s smallest five-star hotel” – Hillbark Hotel and Spa. Set in 250 acres of parkland and forest, it has just 17 sumptuous rooms. Enjoy fine dining in its two restaurants and two bars and book a treatment in its spa or beauty salon.

Despite its proximity to Liverpool, the Wirral Peninsula often feels like it’s in the middle of the countryside. Start your day at Brimstage Hall Courtyard, a shopping village in the grounds of the medieval Brimstage Hall. Here you can stock up on local produce or grab brunch from Claremont Farm Shop and café.

One of the top things to do in Wirral is explore its excellent art galleries. Start off at Williamson Art Gallery, then head to Lady Lever Art Gallery – both of which are full of stand-out collections. They’re also free of charge to visit.

Go back in time at Port Sunlight , one of the best things to do in Birkenhead. Wander its 130 acres of parks and gardens, and visit the Port Sunlight Museum to learn how William Lever built this “soap village” for the workers in his factory. Like a living museum, it’s also home to an Edwardian worker’s cottage and grocery shop from 1900.

From Port Sunlight it’s a short drive to Thornton Hall – and on the way you should stop in the pretty village of Thornton Hough. This charming spot, with its picturesque green, tea shops and cottages, is another surprising side to Birkenhead.

Now’s the time to relax in comfort in another of Wirral’s top attractions – Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa. Book a spa treatment in its large health club, which has a Roman-bath-style swimming pool, and then enjoy dinner in one of its three restaurants.

It’s time to leave Wirral and explore more of Liverpool’s surrounding attractions, by driving through the Mersey Tunnels and heading to the other side of the river – up to Crosby Beach. The start of the 12-mile (22km) Sefton Coast, the beach is famous for its dramatic Another Place statues by Antony Gormley – which are free to visit. 

Crosby has some fantastic places to eat and drink. While exploring the town, stop for coffee and cake at eateries including The Lake House – which has views across Crosby Beach Marine Lake.

Don’t miss one of the region’s best attractions for kids and grown-ups alike – Knowsley Safari Park. See its resident lions and rhinos on a safari drive, on-foot safari, or you can even catch the baboon bus. A treat for wild souls!

Not far from Knowsley Safari Park, head to Prescot and its Shakespeare North Playhouse. You can catch a matinee performance, and if you’re on a tight budget you’ll love that tickets start from just a few pounds. The theatre is also bringing art to everyone with its “Pay What You Decide” scheme. Check out its opening times before you visit – and its café is a great spot for lunch.

Finally, finish your adventure in Woolton, Liverpool. On the outskirts of the city, Woolton is famous for its Strawberry Field, which inspired John Lennon to write Strawberry Fields Forever. You can now visit the attraction beyond the iconic red gates, and take a walking tour of Woolton.