Wirral’s beaches are dreamy and barely ever crowded. There are more to take your pick from than you probably think. As a local, here is my guide to the best beaches in Wirral.
The Wirral’s gorgeous sandy beaches are great for a day out with the family or a more peaceful wander. The sunsets are incredible and some of the best in the country, making it an ideal place for photographers to visit. On one side, you’ll have clear views of the Welsh shore and Liverpool’s skyline on the other. Here’s my guide to the best beaches in the Wirral.
New Brighton Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Restaurants nearby
Easy to access
Attractions nearby

New Brighton has a little bit of everything you could want from the seaside and is perfect if you love traditional seaside fun. The beach is easily accessible from the car park across from The Floral Pavillion. It’s a pretty beach with a lighthouse and views over towards Liverpool. In the summer, you will find many people here for the day, picnicking and enjoying the beach.

There are numerous attractions and facilities in New Brighton; the Riverside Bowling Alley, Laser Quest Centre, and Bright Spot Amusement Arcade are especially popular and have a small, well-loved fairground. Marine Point also has a Travelodge hotel, restaurants, a Light Cinema, and Championship Adventure Golf. In addition, it is home to the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre. So if you get bored of the beach or the weather is chilly, you won’t be stuck for things to do here.

From the beach, you can see Fort Perch Rock, a coastal defence battery built between 1825 and 1829 to protect the Port of Liverpool. It is now the home of several permanent maritime and aviation-based museum displays, guest exhibitions, and cultural events; however, the Fort is only available by appointment, so please contact them to arrange a visit. Fort Perch Rock is also home to World War Two-themed Escape Rooms and the Mess Cafe.
I always say our favourite place to eat here is Marino Lounge. They’re dog-friendly, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the brunch options are fantastic.
Wallasey Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Restaurants nearby
Easy to access
Attractions in New Brighton

Wallasey Beach is part of the North Wirral Coastal Park. The beach is another lovely spot just down the promenade from New Brighton. There is plenty of sand here, a promenade and a car park. One of the best things about Wallasey Beach is that it can get busy, but it always feels peaceful due to its proximity to the busier New Brighton.

This is our favourite beach-to-beach comb. We always find many interesting bits and bobs to craft with, such as sea glass and driftwood. Its endless views make it a perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The long promenade here is ideal for a walk or bike ride.
Overlooking the beach is a Harvester restaurant, the Derby Pool, which is ideal if you fancy a meal with a view! They have outdoor seating, which is lovely on sunny days.
Wallasey Beach, Wirral CH45 3QS
Leasowe Beach and Leasowe Bay
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
The Green Hut outdoor cafe/takeaway
Easy to access
Lighthouse is lovely for photography

Leasowe Beach and Leasowe Bay are between Wallasey Beach and Meols Beach. Car parking is available at The Gunsite, the site of World War II gun emplacements.
There is little in the way of facilities here, but if you walk down towards Leasowe Lighthouse, The Green Hut is an outdoor cafe/takeaway. It’s perfect for picking up a homemade cake, coffee, or even fish and chips—which are fantastic!

Despite the absence of facilities, Leasowe Beach has an undeniable charm. Many people give their dogs a good run here, children play in the summer, and cyclists/walkers are always along the prom.
Meols Beach
Sand/mudflats
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Pop-up cafe stand near the beach
Long promenade
Quiet spot for a sunset

Meals Beach is a pretty sandy beach, but compared to the other beaches, you won’t find people playing and enjoying the beach area here. More people will be bike riding or enjoying a stroll along the promenade. The sun sets into the sea in the distance here in the summer months, though, which is spectacular!
Hoylake Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Restaurants nearby
Easy to access
Land yachting and kite buggying

Hoylake Beach is right by my home, so I often use it! During the Summer months, the sunsets here are just spectacular. The sun sets into the water in the distance. In the Winter, it sets behind the mountains (See below photo). Land yachting and kite buggying are also popular here; check out the Wirral Sand Yacht Club for more information.

The promenade is long and perfect for a walk or cycle. There’s beach access and plenty of sand if you are able to walk past the vegetation. So next time you find yourself in Hoylake, take the time to visit the beach.
There are many restaurants in Hoylake to choose from while you’re here. We love The Ship Inn. The menu features classic pub dishes, burgers, fish and chips, and vegetarian and vegan options. There are often exciting specials and small plates on the menu, too. The Sunday roasts here are superb.
Park along the promenade.
N Parade, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3AL
Polite Notice
I have received a few emails regarding removing Hoylake Beach from this blog post due to concerns about the growing vegetation. I am including Hoylake Beach in this article, as it’s a beach I and many others use daily.
You can find further information, photos and support for restoring a sandy amenity beach from Kings Gap to the new RNLI station here.
If you want to share your opinion, join the conversation on Hoylake Beach – The Evidence Facebook Page.
Red Rocks
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Restaurants nearby
Easy to access
Try beach yoga here

Between Hoylake Beach and West Kirby Beach is Red Rocks Beach. Red Rocks is a lovely area with sandy beaches and red-coloured rocks. I have the best memories of playing here as a child. You’ll find many people here participating in beach yoga, especially during summer solstice.

To the left of the beach towards West Kirby, Red Rocks Marsh covers 10 acres. It is made up of sand dunes, reedbeds and marshes. The reserve is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest partly maintained by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. If you’re interested in bird watching, this is an excellent area to visit.
The area attracts a diverse range of migratory birds during spring and autumn, and the reedbed provides a habitat for some wintering birds. The open pools provide a home for the rare Natterjack toad. Plantlife here is diverse; the reserve has more than 50 flowering plants. Take your camera with you here!
You can walk to West Kirby along the beach from Red Rocks Beach; make sure to check the tide times.
Street parking on Stanley Road.
Red Rocks Nature Reserve, Stanley Rd, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 1HZ
West Kirby Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Restaurants nearby
Easy to access
Lot’s to do nearby

West Kirby Beach is a fantastic place to visit; it offers so much. It’s easy to access, and the town has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket. There is plenty of free parking and a pay-and-display car park.
From this beach, you can walk to Hilbre Island, one of the most beautiful walking locations in Wirral. The islands are an archipelago and one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland. Checking the tide times and following the safe crossing route before walking across to the islands is essential.

Tide tables are displayed at the Dee Lane slipway. You can also get an idea of the tide times here. When planning a trip to the island, it is essential to remember that there are no shops, fresh water on the islands, and very little shelter. Therefore, wearing suitable footwear is vital, and always carry waterproof and warm clothing.
The beach is also next to the West Kirby Marine Lake, one of the best facilities in the North West. You can walk around the marine lake, even at night. Be careful, and don’t forget a torch!

When the weather allows, West Kirby Beach is a great starting point for walking to Hoylake and, if you fancy going further, to Meols and beyond.
West Kirby Beach, Wirral CH48 0QG
Caldy Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Great for picnics/BBQs
Easy to access
Accessed from the Wirral Way

Our little hidden gem! Just along the coast and visible from West Kirby Beach is the much quieter Caldy Beach. It’s only a short walk or drive from the promenade. It’s on the Wirral Way too.
We love it here because you can BBQ or picnic and relax on the grassy headland above the beach or head down to the sand. It’s a lovely spot for children to play. You will see the sunset beyond Hilbre Island.

There are several places to eat near Cubbin’s Green in West Kirby. We love Hannah’s for lunch, tea and the best cakes!
Thurstaston Beach
Sandy beach
Plenty of parking
Dog-friendly
Picnic & BBQ areas
Steep walk or slipway access
Peaceful, quiet spot

My personal favourite is Thurstaston Beach. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to spend the day with the family, head to Thurstaston Beach. It is situated on the sandy banks of the Dee Estuary, offering views of Wales and the Clwydian Hills. It’s perfect for a peaceful dog walk or stroll because it isn’t as crowded as the other beaches.
The walk down to the beach is via steep stairs; we have always managed it even with a little one, but be prepared to carry them back up when they are tired out from playing. A slipway is located further down the shore next to the caravan park, and there is limited parking there for an easier way down. Although this beach is not as easy to reach as the others in this article, it’s worth the visit because it is so beautiful.

Thurstaston Common and the Wirral Country Park overlook Thurstaston Beach. The park has designated BBQ spots that people can use freely or book in advance during peak season. There is also a visitor centre that the Wirral Way runs close to; it’s a great little stopping point for longer walks.

If you want to stop for refreshments, Flissy’s Coffee Shop is next to the park’s car park, just off the Wirral Way. If you’re fancying a full day out, Church Farm is close by. It is a lovely and well-maintained family-run farm. The farm is a great place for kids to learn about and get up close and personal with animals. It also has a cute café, incredible views, and fresh produce to purchase.
Be safe at Wirral beaches
Check the tide times before you head out, and be aware of local hazards such as rip currents and areas of wet, sinking sand. Keep an eye on children at all times, especially near the water.
Know the risks
Although the sea provides great opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, it’s important to acknowledge that it also presents potential risks. Understanding these risks can help you steer clear of them and ensure your safety. The RNLI’s water safety guides offer valuable tips for recognising hazards in the water and along the coast, enabling you to stay safe and avoid potential dangers.
Call for help
Always carry a means of calling for help when visiting the beach. If you plan to go in the water, it’s recommended that you hold your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch to call for help if needed.

RNLI Wirral Lifeguards
The RNLI Wirral Lifeguards provide safety cover for six beaches on the Wirral peninsular during the summer months. Working from Easter to September.
Rescue equipment is also positioned at key points along the coast.
In an emergency, when the lifeguards aren’t on duty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Click here for beach safety tips and learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe at the seaside.
I love visiting the beach, and my family and I have endlessly tried and tested these Wirral beaches. We hope you have enjoyed reading about the best beaches in Wirral! Hopefully, we have inspired you to take a trip yourself. Let me know in the comments.
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