Although the days might be shorter and darker, there are still plenty of things to do in winter in Wirral.
The weather can be a bit dramatic, but winter is still a brilliant time to explore Wirral. From pottery painting and theatre trips to frosty beach walks, Sunday roasts and cosy pubs, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house without pretending you enjoy being freezing cold.
Here are some of my favourite things to do in Wirral in winter, including indoor activities, family-friendly days out and a few easy ways to make the most of those crisp, clear days by the coast.
These are my favourite things to do in Wirral during winter. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at my ultimate guide to things to do in Wirral, packed with local recommendations and hidden gems.
1. Get creative at The Potting Shed, Hoylake
We love to get creative all year, but there’s something so lovely about painting in the winter. The Potting Shed in Hoylake is the perfect spot to spend a few hours painting pottery.
The staff here are engaging and helpful, and they always make our visits enjoyable. It’s family-friendly, and they have loads of pottery options catered to each season, including Christmas plates, Halloween bowls, and more!
Plus, there’s a café inside where you can sip while you paint. It’s a lovely way to craft something special or personalise a special gift for a loved one.
The Potting Shed, 12-14 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AE
2. See a show at the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton
The Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton is a lovely place to visit in winter, especially if you want something indoors that still feels like a proper treat. We’ve been to lots of shows here over the years and have always had a brilliant time.
It’s a smaller venue, which makes it great for children, especially if you’re introducing them to theatre for the first time. Every winter, the Floral Pavilion usually has a festive programme, including Christmas events and a panto.
The Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2JS
3. Visit the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead
The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead first opened to the public in 1928. It was funded through Birkenhead Borough Council by father-and-son philanthropists John and Patrick Williamson.
Inside, you’ll find artworks, ceramics, sculpture and objects linked to maritime history. Best of all, it’s free to visit, which makes it a lovely winter option when you want to get out of the house without spending a fortune.
Image credit: Facebook.
The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead CH43 4UE
4. Enjoy a day out at New Brighton
My family and I love a trip to New Brighton because there’s always something to do, even when the weather can’t make up its mind. In winter, we usually end up bowling at Riverside Bowl, watching a film at The Light Cinema or spending far too long in the arcades.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, so it’s easy to make a day of it. Marino Lounge is usually our top choice for food. It’s dog-friendly, laid-back and brilliant for brunch, which is ideal if you’ve got kids to feed and a dog giving everyone the eyes under the table.
New Brighton, Wallasey, Wirral
5. Visit Eureka! Science and Discovery, Seacombe
Seacombe is now home to Eureka! Science and Discovery, which is a brilliant indoor option when the weather is wet, and you’re running out of ideas. It’s based inside the Seacombe Ferry Terminal building and is designed for children and young people aged 0 to 14, with hands-on exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.
They also run events and extra activities throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit. If you’re planning to go on the ferry too, it turns the whole thing into more of a day out, especially in winter when you need something easy, indoors and genuinely child-friendly.
Eureka! Science and Discovery, Victoria Pl, Wallasey CH44 6NR
6. Treat yourself to a proper Sunday roast
Wirral has plenty of lovely places to eat, but in winter I’m usually after something filling, preferably with roast potatoes.
For a top Sunday roast, The Ship Inn in Hoylake is fantastic. It’s one of our favourite spots, with a menu full of proper pub classics like burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, small plates, and vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a great place to warm up after a walk.
Click here for restaurants in Hoylake.
The Ship Inn, 80 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BB
7. Wrap up and get out walking
I absolutely love that so much of Wirral can be explored on foot. We’ve got countryside, pretty towns and villages, and miles of beautiful coastline, so there’s nearly always somewhere worth wandering. Even in winter, you can usually find a walk that suits your mood, your energy levels and how much mud you’re willing to tolerate.
Here is a selection of my favourite walking routes in Wirral.
8. Warm up in the pub after a walk
The Wirral has some fantastic pubs, and one of our favourites is The Black Toad in Hoylake. It’s a welcoming little spot on Market Street, especially if you’ve just been for a windy walk along Hoylake Promenade and need somewhere to defrost.
The Black Toad opened in July 2019 and is a craft-beer micropub and bottle shop with changing beers and a beer garden at the back. It is dog-friendly too, which is always handy if your winter walk involves muddy paws.
When the weather behaves, there’s also front outdoor seating, but it’s just as good to hide indoors with a drink and a snack. Their snack selection is excellent!
The Black Toad, 32 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AF
9. Step back in history at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton
Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton was built between 1825 and 1829 as a coastal defence battery to help protect the Port of Liverpool. Today, it is home to permanent maritime and aviation museum displays, as well as guest exhibitions and cultural events.
Guided tours are available to book and last around two hours, giving you a chance to learn more about the fort’s history and the secrets hidden within its 15-foot-thick sandstone walls. Fort Perch Rock is also home to Escape The Fort, escape rooms set inside the fort with a World War II theme.
The Mess café is a cosy spot for tea, coffee and something to eat while you’re there. It is based inside Fort Perch Rock, but check its latest opening times before visiting, as these can change.
Fort Perch Rock, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral CH45 2JU
10. Support local businesses, shop locally
Wirral has so many brilliant independent shops, cafés, bakeries and makers, and winter is a good excuse to have a proper look around. Oxton Village, Heswall, West Kirby and Hoylake are all lovely for finding gifts, picking up something for the house, or just treating yourself to a coffee and cake while you’re out.
Shopping locally is one of those small things that actually does make a difference. Plus, it usually means you end up with a much more thoughtful gift than a last-minute panic buy.
The treats pictured above are from the wonderful Abba Cakes in Hoylake.
Winter in Wirral doesn’t have to mean staying in until spring. Whether you choose a rainy-day activity with the kids, a crisp walk by the sea, a cosy pub, a Sunday roast or somewhere local to shop for gifts, there are plenty of ways to make the colder months feel a bit more special.
Thanks so much for reading. I hope this has given you a few ideas for winter days out in Wirral. Let me know in the comments if there’s anywhere or anything you think deserves a place on the list!
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