If you fancy a little break from the city, you can hop on a train, bus or ferry and be strolling along the beach in as little as just 20 minutes. Wirral is the perfect destination for a quick getaway from Liverpool.
When the city feels a little busy, it’s great to venture out and explore local areas. I live in Wirral and love sharing insider tips about my lovely home. Here’s a brief itinerary and why Wirral is a perfect day trip from Liverpool.
Let’s start with how to get to Wirral from Liverpool
You could drive, catch a bus, train, or ferry to Wirral.
Car: Driving is the quickest, and getting to Wirral from Liverpool can take just 20 minutes. This itinerary is based mainly at West Kirby, where there is plenty of parking. Location: West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG.
Train: I recommend getting the train for convenience. It’s affordable, and you can even get day savers to cover the area. That way you can explore as much as you like. Trains run regularly, and the journey only takes roughly 35 minutes to reach West Kirby from Liverpool Central. Plan your journey with Merseyrail here.
Bus: There are many bus services covering Wirral; for this itinerary, we suggest getting the 437 Arriva service, which is regular and takes you to West Kirby Station. You can find the timetable here.
Ferry: A little out of the way for this itinerary; however, you could catch a ferry across the Mersey there or back for something more fun and to make the day even more enjoyable. The 50-minute River Explorer Cruise offers stunning views of Liverpool’s skyline and the River Mersey. You can find the timetable here.
Visit West Kirby
I opted for West Kirby as the destination for this day trip itinerary. It’s a fantastic place to explore for the day, and you have easy access to other areas of Wirral if you want to explore more. If you fancy a light breakfast or a drink when you arrive, grab something from Toast at West Kirby Station. It’s a lovely little coffee shop where you’ll get a proper friendly welcome and a great coffee.
West Kirby beach
After a quick pit stop, head over to West Kirby beach. I love visiting West Kirby beach for hours in the summer with a picnic and plenty of beach essentials for the kids or simply wrapping up warm in the winter and walking around the Marine Lake with a hot chocolate.
The sandy beach at West Kirby stretches for several hundred metres and is backed by sand dunes and a promenade facing the Irish Sea. During low tide, the beach provides an expansive area for walking, sunbathing, and playing. The sand is flat and firm, perfect for beach games. It’s one of my favourite places in Wirral and is ideal for families to enjoy seaside fun. Click here for tide times.
Next to West Kirby is the Marine Lake which has a 6.3 km path along the edge of the lake, providing breathtaking views of the estuary and the Welsh mountains. Perfect for a walk or crabbing with the kids! There are several shops and a Morrisons supermarket located near the beach if you need to pick up supplies on your day out.
Accessibility
The beach promenade and Marine Lake are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Additionally, there are several disabled parking spaces nearby, and an accessible toilet situated on the promenade. The Wirral Watersports Centre offers free rental of Sand Cruiser Beach Wheelchairs for those who wish to enjoy the beach area at West Kirby.
Visit Hilbre Island
2 miles | Easy walk | Takes 45 minutes to reach the island
You could spend your day trip at West Kirby beach or extend it by walking to Hilbre Island. One of the best things about visiting Hilbre Island is the sense of isolation and tranquillity that visitors experience. You will feel a million miles away from Liverpool here!
You can find the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve in the Dee Estuary, this area is highly esteemed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. Additionally, it is a Ramsar Site, which is a Wetland of International Importance and a candidate EU Special Area of Conservation. The islands are an archipelago and are one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that you can reach on foot from the mainland at low tide. The sea views are just incredible, and it feels like a real adventure. Visitors can sit on the beach or atop the cliffs, look out for seals, and soak up the island’s natural beauty.
I take my six-year-old to Hilbre Island regularly, it’s a very doable day out, even for little ones, but it’s something we like to plan prior. It’s important to note there are no shops or fresh water on the islands and little shelter. So, plan and pack your bags accordingly, wear suitable footwear, check the weather, and dress appropriately.
Safety
Crossing over from West Kirby 3 hours after high tide is safe, and you must leave the island at least 3 hours before the next high tide. Before visiting Hilbre Island, it is essential to check the tide times and research the safe crossing options. You can purchase tide tables locally or find them displayed at the Dee Lane slipway. Click here for tide times.
You can read a review of my walk to Hilbre Island here.
Location: Hilbre Island, Wirral CH47 1HZ.
Is there parking near West Kirby beach?
There is a free parking area along the promenade. However, it tends to fill up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is best. Alternatively, there is a large car park called Dee Lane, which is managed by the Wirral Council and is located near the lake. Visitors can park there and walk to the beach, but parking fees apply. Be sure to check the signage for current information. Click here for Dee Lane car park prices and further information.
Enjoy delicious food and drink before heading back
Okay, fish and chips at a seaside town is an absolute must! So, check out the popular Marigolds just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. If you fancy more of a sit-down meal, there are a few spots we love. One is Forza, where you can get Wirral’s best pizza and pasta. It’s relaxed and also just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and the beach.
The Tapas Kitchen is fantastic; the staff are so accommodating, and the food is full of flavour. We try something new on the menu every time we visit and have never been disappointed. Read their fantastic reviews here.
I hope this article has helped you plan a day trip to Wirral! There is so much more of Wirral to explore, but I think a trip to West Kirby is the perfect way to take some time out of the city.
Guest blog by Shayle Hollie.
