The Wirral is a little peninsula that juts into the Irish Sea between Liverpool and north Wales.
But there’s nothing small about this place in Merseyside, with its open wide skies, vast tidal beaches and army of offshore wind turbines.
I visited the small coastal town of Hoylake, which is quiet, understated and charming – the perfect escape from the urban heft of Manchester. Do you fancy a trip there?
Holidays abroad for Britons may be making a tentative comeback as the coronavirus lockdown eases, but many people will opt to stay close to home.
After a busy period of travel, a day trip now seems like an ambitious aim to me. However, the coast is in striking distance from my home city of Manchester by public transport and car. Here’s a look at five of the best places you can visit.
A beautiful stretch of sand within sight of the city of Liverpool, made special by sculptures of male figures dotted along the shoreline, which come and go with the ebb and flow of the tide. TAP/CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE
A wonderful spot on the edge of the Wirral Peninsula, with north Wales across the water, sweeping sands offering low tide hikes and a marine lake to wander round. It feels like the end of the world. TAP/CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE
A famous long stretch of the Lancashire coast, encompassing miles of sands and including the genteel seaside town of Lytham St Anne’s and its totemic windmill. An excellent day out in all seasons. TAP/CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE
A much-loved resort on the Mersey coastline north of Liverpool. The pier, which turns naked and exposed when the tide goes out, is a highlight. Long walks across the sands are a treat any time of the year. TAP/CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE
Back to the Wirral and what was once Liverpool’s seaside playground. One side of the town sits at the point where the Mersey River meets the sea. Plenty of coastal walks and fish and chip lunches to be had here. TAP/CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE
I’ve lived in the north of England for 18 months now. There’s a great deal to explore here, from industrial cities to the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Here’s a scattering a 12 shots from my northern discovery so far. There is a lot more to discover…
It didn’t take me long to return to the Wirral Peninsula after being bowled over by the seaside and estuary town of West Kirby.
On the opposite of this nub of land is the resort of New Brighton, which sits at the mouth of the mighty River Mersey and close to the great city of Liverpool. In Victorian times it was a coastal mecca with a pier, mighty tower and many visitors.
That period magnificence may have disappeared, but this area has engaging views, open seas and industrial colour, fishermen and a landmark lighthouse. It’s a northern spot well worth visiting.
This memorable day trip started with a train from Manchester to Liverpool and then my first ride on the ‘Scouse Metro’ which takes you beneath the Mersey to Birkenhead and deeper into the Wirral peninsula. At the end of the line is the town of West Kirby.
It sits on the estuary of the River Dee as it flows into the Irish Sea, with the north Wales coast across the water. But for much of the day there’s little water as the tide is out, creating a vast expanse of open sand. This was a day of rain and leaden skies, making the sense of space even greater.
West Kirby also has a marine lake circled by a road – a natural place for walks. It adds to the sense of place in this distant part of a great northern peninsula.
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