Whether you’re with your family, a group of friends or travelling solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This is my ultimate guide, 27 things to do in Wirral.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Wirral, and now I am raising my son here; it is no surprise that I have become quite the expert in things to do in Wirral! The Wirral offers various exciting activities that cater to all ages. Experience the beauty of its beaches, explore its vibrant towns, and participate in numerous fun-filled activities.
P.S. This guide is in no particular order!
1. Spend a day at one of Wirral’s many beaches
Rain or shine, we will visit the beach. There are so many lovely ones in Wirral to enjoy. However, they are all quite different! Here are a few of my favourite beaches to visit in Wirral.
Thurstastion Beach, perfect for photography
Thurstaston Beach is lovely and relatively quiet, even during the peak of summer. The beach is sandy, and plenty of parking, picnic, and BBQ areas are nearby. However, due to the steep walk down, it’s unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Thurstaston Common is situated above the beach, perfect for a stroll. Also, Church Farm is nearby, making it an ideal family day-out destination.
We love spending afternoons here together. Sometimes, we grab fish and chips and enjoy the sunset from Wirral Country Park. Alternatively, Flissy’s Coffee Shop is next to the Park’s car park near the Wirral Way, where you can grab a hot beverage or a snack.
Thurstaston Beach, Wirral CH61 0HN
West Kirby Beach, the most accessible Wirral beach
West Kirby is the most accessible Wirral beach and is ideal for wheelchair users and families with prams. There are toilets, plenty of restaurants, cafes, and even a supermarket nearby. You won’t have to worry about parking, as free and pay-and-display parking options are available. From here, you can walk to Hilbre Island. The Marine Lake is next to West Kirby Beach and is an excellent spot for walking, water sports, or even crabbing.
West Kirby Beach, Wirral CH48 0QG
Caldy Beach, a proper local gem
Cubbin’s Green is a lovely public nature reserve. It is located between the sea-shore cliff and the Wirral Way—just southeast of Macdona Drive in West Kirby. Follow the path down to the beach and take in the stunning views of Dee Estuary. Even when the tide is high, it never fully reaches the beach’s edge. Caldy Beach is a little local gem perfect for watching the sunset in the summer or paddleboarding with your loved ones. It’s an ideal spot to meet in Wirral for a family outing.
2. Walk to Hilbre Island, West Kirby
West Kirby Beach is the perfect starting point for a 2-mile walk to Hilbre Island, which is made up of three small, interconnected sandstone islands – Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island.
Hilbre Island is one of only 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached by foot from land. When visiting, checking tide times before embarking on the journey is essential. Additionally, there are no shops or fresh water on the islands and very little shelter, so be sure to bring enough provisions. Wear suitable footwear and waterproof clothing.
Click here for the best walking route to Hilbre Island.
Hilbre Island, Wirral CH47 1HZ
3. Get competitive bowling or have fun at the arcades, New Brighton
My family and I love visiting New Brighton; there is so much to do! Whenever we go, we enjoy visiting the beach, playing a game of bowling at the Riverside Bowling Alley or catching a film at the Light Cinema. The traditional arcades are also a highlight. There are plenty of places to eat and drink here, making it the ideal spot for a full day out. Our favourite place to eat is Marino Lounge; they’re dog-friendly, the atmosphere is so laid back, and the brunch options are fantastic.
New Brighton, Wallasey, Wirral
4. See a show at the Floral Pavillion Theatre, New Brighton
The Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton hosts exciting shows, events, and performances. We’ve been to many different performances here and always had a great time. It’s a lovely theatre to take children to and introduce them to the stage!
The Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2JS
5. Walk or cycle the Wirral Way
The Wirral Way is a path that runs along an old railway track. It spans from West Kirby to Hooton, and along the way are views of the Dee Estuary that reach to Wales.
This foot and cycle path is even more special because it once formed a complete circuit of the Wirral railway line. Today, it is an ideal cycling trail for families and kids who want to avoid busy roads. But if you prefer a more relaxed outing, you can always take a short stroll, soak up the fresh air, and spot wildlife.
6. Enjoy Ness Botanic Gardens, Little Neston
This award-winning paradise, covering 64 acres, was founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley, a plant collector and Liverpool cotton merchant. With over 15,000 plants from China, Tibet, the Himalayas, and Burma, the garden boasts a diverse collection of seasonal flowers, shrubs, and trees. Ness Botanic Gardens hosts yearly outdoor events, including concerts and guided tours.
Ness Gardens, Neston Rd, Little Neston, Ness CH64 4AY
7. Get creative at The Potting Shed, Hoylake
If you fancy getting creative, The Potting Shed in Hoylake is a great place to spend a few hours painting pottery. They have gone above and beyond to ensure your visit is fun and suitable for all ages. They have a huge selection of pottery, and the staff are helpful. There is even a cafe on site to make the most of while you paint. This is a lovely way to spend time and create something memorable.
Read my review of The Potting Shed here.
The Potting Shed, 12-14 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AE
8. Feed animals at one of Wirral’s lovely farms
Wirral has a wide variety of farms to choose from, where you can pet animals, take a tractor ride, pick fruits, purchase locally grown produce, and indulge in delicious food onsite. Visiting a farm in Wirral is an excellent opportunity to create unforgettable moments with your family and learn through hands-on experiences. The farms also offer seasonal events, such as pumpkin picking.
Here are 5 Wirral farms you can visit.
Wirral’s free Urban Farm, Tam O’Shanter
A charitable trust runs Tam O’Shanter Farm, which has alpacas, sheep, goats, hens, ducks, pigs, ponies, rabbits, and guinea pigs, to name a few. I fondly remember visiting this beautiful farm with my family growing up. It’s still lovely today, with free entry and plenty of fun educational experiences.
Tam O’Shanter Farm, Boundary Rd, Bidston, Birkenhead CH43 7PD
9. Catch a ferry across the Mersey!
Head across the Mersey and visit Liverpool. With departures from Pier Head (Liverpool), Seacombe and Woodside, the River Explorer Cruise is a fun way to get to Liverpool. You can start your journey at any terminal and purchase a return ticket. Once you’ve arrived, head to one of the free Museums in Liverpool for lunch and make a day of it.
Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wallasey CH44 6NR
10. Visit the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Birkenhead
In 1928, the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum was opened to the public, thanks to the generosity of John and Patrick Williamson, who funded the museum through Birkenhead Borough Council. The museum has an extensive collection of artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and maritime history. The best part is that they offer free admission to their exhibitions, enabling everyone to experience the joy of art without worrying about the cost.
The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 4UE
11. Search for magic at Vale Park, Wallasey
I highly recommend checking out Vale Park if you want a magical way to spend a few hours. The park offers stunning views of the River Mersey, plenty of open space to play and explore nature, and a unique fairy village my son adores.
He loves to create stories about the fairies that live there and eagerly tries to spot them hiding amongst the trees. Additionally, during the summer, the park boasts a bandstand that hosts various events such as music and outdoor theatre, making it a fantastic spot for kids.
Vale Park, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45
12. Walk to Red Rocks, Hoylake
Red Rocks, located west of Hoylake on the Wirral Peninsula, is a hidden gem that boasts SSSI status. It is an area of sand dunes and reed beds. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, wildlife spotting, and sunset watching.
Despite being one of my favourite places in Wirral, Red Rocks is often overlooked. Most people tend to flock to West Kirby Beach or Hoylake promenade instead. As kids, my cousins and I would spend hours playing at Red Rocks, which is accessible from both West Kirby and Hoylake.
Learn more about Red Rocks and how to visit here.
Red Rocks Nature Reserve, Stanley Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 1HZ
13. Visit Royden Park, Frankby
Royden Park is a 250-acre park featuring woodlands, meadows, fields, and a lake. It is situated beside Thurstaston Common and offers large open spaces with picnic tables, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful day outdoors.
Royden Park provides visitors plenty of opportunities to explore and have fun – from visiting the visitor centre, complete with café, to enjoying a walled garden or joining ranger-led events programs. There are also miniature railway rides and pathways for woodland walks.
For those wanting to try fishing, the Roodee Mere contains water all year round but is only open to Association of Wirral Angling Clubs licence holders.
Royden Park, Hill Bark Rd, Frankby, Birkenhead, Wirral CH48 1NP
14. Try watersports at the Marine Lake, West Kirby
West Kirby Marine Lake is a unique spot that covers 52 acres and has a lovely promenade. You can participate in various activities there, such as sailing, kayaking, birdwatching, and picnicking. We enjoy walking around the promenade the most, particularly when the sun sets or spending a leisurely afternoon crabbing with the kids.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of benches where you can relax, devour fish and chips and appreciate the breathtaking views of North Wales in the distance.
Learn more about West Kirby Marine Lake and how to visit here.
West Kirby Marine Lake, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG
15. Join in a forest school session, Birkenhead
My son loves a forest school session. Like a lot of children, he thrives on learning outdoors. We have taken part in a few different forest school sessions across Wirral. One of our favourites was with GROW-Wellbeing. This not-for-profit organisation delivers creative, personally affirmative opportunities for children, young people, and adults to engage in activities in the natural environment.
They use forest learning, creative arts, storytelling, nature studies, outdoor adventures, games, play, and eco-therapy. They aim to support the growth and development of resilient children and young people committed to the future stewardship of the natural environment.
GROW-Wellbeing, Boundary Rd, Birkenhead, CH43 7PD
16. Get lost in a maize maze, Brimstage Farm
The farm offers a range of exciting summer activities that cater to the whole family. Your ticket gets you access to the maze and the farm’s facilities, including an indoor soft play centre called Maizy’s Play Barn, a sandpit, massive jumping pillows, splashers, crazy golf, zip lines and more. The Farmhouse Kitchen serves delicious meals, and there is an ice cream parlour, too. It’s a lovely day out for children.
Brimstage Farm, Brimstage Rd, Birkenhead, Wirral CH63 6JA
17. Explore Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead
Birkenhead Park, also known as the People’s Garden, officially opened in 1847 and is the first park in Britain purpose-built for the entire population. Unlike other parks of its time, it was funded by public money and made freely accessible to all, regardless of social class, age, colour, or wealth. This was a radical idea in a rapidly growing industrial town, and it became a pioneer in developing public parks worldwide, breaking down barriers and providing a space for everyone to enjoy.
The park features a lake, woodlands, beautiful gardens, and various wildlife to admire. We love to follow the park’s many trails and enjoy a picnic on the grass. The park hosts many activities you can get involved in, too.
Birkenhead Park, Park Dr, Birkenhead CH41 4HY
18. Visit the Port Sunlight Museum, Port Sunlight
Port Sunlight is a pretty village founded by ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever in 1888. The primary purpose of creating this village was to provide housing for Lever’s ‘Sunlight Soap’ factory workers. However, today, it is much more than that. Port Sunlight has a fascinating museum, beautiful architecture, parkland and a thriving community.
The Port Sunlight Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the village’s history and the story of its founder. Visitors can discover how the village developed over the years through various displays, films, interactives, models, and artefacts. The museum is packed with tales and nostalgia, from displays of vintage soap packaging to Ringo Starr’s first performance with the Beatles in the village in 1962.
Port Sunlight Museum, 23 King George’s Dr, Bebington, Wirral CH62 5DX
19. Learn more about Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton
Fort Perch Rock, located on the coast of New Brighton, was built as a battery in the early 19th century to safeguard the Port of Liverpool. Today, it houses several permanent museum displays centred around maritime and aviation and frequent guest exhibitions and cultural events. You can join a two-hour guided tour to discover the fort’s rich history, including the hidden secrets within the 15-ft. thick sandstone walls.
The Mess cafe is perfect for unwinding next to the log fire while enjoying tea and coffee, fresh cakes, a selection of paninis, and authentic Italian pizza. Follow The Mess’s Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest events.
Fort Perch Rock, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral CH45 2JU
20. Find Thor’s Rock/Thor’s Stone, Thurstaston
Thor’s Rock, a large red sandstone in the woodland of Thurstaston Common, has captured the intrigue of many generations. The rock’s origins are shrouded in mystery, and several legends surround it. Some believe Thor struck the rock with his hammer, while others suggest it was a place of Viking worship. However, the rock is most likely a natural formation called a tor, which is formed due to quarrying and the natural weathering of the area.
Despite its enigmatic origins, it is a known fact that Vikings settled on the Wirral during the 9th century. Many local place names have been derived from Viking origins, such as Thurstaston, which means “village of a man called Thorsteinn” in Old Norse.
Thor’s Rock, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HH
21. Relax at one of Wirral’s fantastic pubs
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively night out or a quiet drink in a cosy setting, Wirral has some fantastic pubs!
The Black Toad, Hoylake
One of our personal favourites is The Black Toad in Hoylake. It’s a welcoming spot that suits a casual after-work drink and a family-friendly outing with board games. The pub is owned and operated by Michelle and Robin, who established the craft beer micropub and bottle shop on Market Street in Wirral in July 2019.
They take pride in offering a wide range of local beers, with 90% of their selection sourced from the area. Unsurprisingly, The Black Toad was recently recognised as a runner-up in CAMRA Wirral Pub of the Year. They have plenty of outdoor seating when the weather is doing its thing, and the snack selection is a real treat!
The Black Toad, 32 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 2AF
22. Step back in time at Birkenhead Priory, Birkenhead
Birkenhead Priory is the oldest standing building on Merseyside. Founded in 1150, it served as a Benedictine monastery for nearly 400 years and was vital in supervising the first regulated Ferry across the Mersey.
The site includes the tower of St Mary’s, the first parish church of Birkenhead, which is now a memorial to those lost in the 1939 disaster aboard the Laird’s built submarine Thetis. The chapter house is an Anglican church, and a chapel is dedicated to the training ship HMS Conway.
Despite being surrounded by factory units and shipyards, the Priory remains a peaceful oasis, hosting various events throughout the year.
Birkenhead Priory, Priory St, Birkenhead CH41 5JH
23. Dine at one of Wirral’s fabulous restaurants
Wirral has many restaurants offering diverse cuisines to cater to every palate, from traditional pub-style food to international flavours.
The Tapas Kitchen in West Kirby is fantastic. The staff is accommodating, and the food is so well-flavoured. We try something new on the menu every time we visit and have never been disappointed. Read their fantastic reviews here.
For a top Sunday roast, The Ship Inn is fantastic. The menu primarily features classic pub food, such as burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and a range of vegetarian and vegan options. You can also indulge in their excellent selection of small plates. This is one of our favourite spots in Hoylake.
Click here for restaurants in Hoylake.
The Ship Inn, 80 Market St, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BB
24. Get competitive at Championship Adventure Golf, New Brighton
Whenever we play crazy golf, we tend to get a little competitive! You should check out Championship Adventure Golf if you’re in New Brighton. It’s an outdoor course where you can choose to play one or both of the courses available.
You can choose from the Famous Golf Holes Course or the Landmarks Course, which showcases 18 holes inspired by Wirral’s landmarks and attractions from the past and present. This activity suits all ages and abilities and provides all necessary equipment. Additionally, you can explore New Brighton after your visit.
Championship Adventure Golf, King’s Parade, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 2HZ
25. Visit Eureka! Science and Discovery, Seacombe
Seacombe is also now home to Eureka! Science and Discovery. At Eureka, they are all about discovering how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics shape our lives—connecting daily with the extraordinary. It’s a great addition to your trip if you’re catching the Ferry and fancy making it into a day out. Perfect for children up to 14 years.
Eureka! Science and Discovery, Victoria Pl, Wallasey CH44 6NR
26. Take part in the Wirral Ale Trail
The Wirral’s only bus-based Real Ale Trail offers a unique experience to explore some of the best and quirkiest real ale pubs in the Wirral. Passengers can enjoy locally brewed and unique Real Ales without worrying about driving. The ticket includes unlimited travel on a dedicated bus service during the Wirral Ale Trail.
It takes place twice a year, in May and September. All pubs are carefully selected based on their Real Ale selection, atmosphere, and hospitality. Visitors can sample unique ales, some brewed exclusively for the trail. However, the pubs also support local gin and cider makers and offer a variety of other beverages.
27. Head over to Liverpool for the day
It’s so easy to visit Liverpool for the day from Wirral! Liverpool is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. You can explore the city’s fascinating maritime heritage at the Albert Dock, stroll around the beautiful parks and gardens, and visit world-class museums and galleries. You can also enjoy fabulous shopping, take a ferry across the Mersey, or soak up the lively atmosphere in one of the city’s many bars and restaurants.
I hope you enjoyed my ultimate guide of things to do in Wirral. Of course, there are so many more. These are my favourites, and I will continue adding to this blog post. So, if I’ve missed out on something great, please let me know in the comments, and I can feature it in this article. Have fun exploring Wirral!
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