THE WIRRAL
16. HIDDEN GEMS
CULTURE
20. THANK YOU
12. HISTORY AND
14. MERSEY TUNNEL
ABOUT WIRRAL
Welcome to the Wirral
Tucked between the River Mersey and the River Dee, the Wirral Peninsula is one of the North West’s best-kept secrets, a place where sweeping coastlines, green countryside, and thriving communities come together to create something truly special. Perfectly positioned between Liverpool and Chester, the Wirral offers the charm of village life, the energy of a growing business hub, and the calm of the sea breeze all within easy reach.
The Wirral’s rich history and culture are proudly woven into every corner. From the worldrenowned Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, home to one of the finest art collections in the UK, to the village’s beautiful architecture and manicured gardens, the area reflects a legacy of creativity and innovation. This heritage is mirrored in the presence of Unilever, one of the world’s most influential companies, which has been at the heart of the Wirral’s economy and community for over a century.
Beyond its cultural and industrial achievements, the Wirral is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Golf lovers can enjoy some of the country’s most prestigious courses, including the celebrated Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, host of The Open Championship, as well as Caldy Golf Club, Heswall Golf Club, and Wallasey Golf Club, all offering spectacular views across the coast. For those who prefer a slower pace, there are miles of scenic walking and cycling routes along the Wirral Way, nature reserves to explore, and golden beaches perfect for a peaceful escape.
The peninsula is also home to a growing food and drink scene, with award-winning restaurants, cosy pubs, and vibrant cafés showcasing the best of local produce. Waterfront dining in West Kirby to the bustling independent shops and eateries of Heswall and Oxton Village, there’s something for every taste and style.
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, the Wirral offers a unique blend of opportunity, beauty, and community spirit. It’s a place that captures the heart, rich in character, connected in every way, and full of reasons to stay a little longer.
ATTRACTIONS, ADVENTURES & TIMELESS HISTORY
The Wirral is brimming with things to see and do, offering a perfect mix of coastal charm, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Explore miles of stunning coastline like the golden sands of West Kirby and Hoylake to the dramatic views across the Dee Estuary, and take a leisurely stroll along the Wirral Way, a scenic route that stretches through peaceful countryside and seaside towns.
Art and history lovers will be captivated by the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, home to one of the UK’s finest collections of art and decorative pieces. Golf enthusiasts are spoiled for
choice, with world-class courses such as the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, host to The Open Championship. As well as Caldy, Heswall, and Eastham Golf Clubs, all offering challenging play and breathtaking coastal views. For those who prefer to unwind, the Wirral’s many parks, nature reserves, and beaches provide the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or a family picnic by the sea.
Foodies will find plenty to savour too, with an ever-growing selection of independent restaurants, cafés, and gastropubs showcasing the best of local produce. From the vibrant dining scene in Heswall and Oxton Village to waterfront favourites in West Kirby, there’s something for every palate.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Perfectly positioned between the River Mersey and the River Dee, the Wirral enjoys an enviable location on the North West coast, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Just a short drive across the Mersey Tunnel takes you to the vibrant city of Liverpool, famous for its rich musical heritage, museums, and waterfront attractions. To the south, the historic city of Chester offers Roman walls, boutique shopping, and the renowned Chester Zoo. The Wirral’s excellent road and rail connections make travel effortless, while its blend of coast, countryside, and community offers all the charm of a peaceful peninsula with easy access to some of the North West’s most iconic destinations.
A GROWING HUB
This area of the country is actually known as England’s Golf Coast, with some of the most prestigious and famous courses in the country, with golfers coming from all over the world to play every day on a different course and these are the perfect base to explore them all.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, a multiple-time host of The Open Championship
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club links at Hoylake can be beautiful, uplifting, challenging, and even daunting when the wind blows and the summer rough is deep. The course was created to be a demanding test of golf and remains so today. Being one of the oldest of all the English seaside clubs, it lies at the very heart of the history and development of the game in Great Britain.
Despite its, at first glance, flat and benign appearance, Hoylake makes the trickiest demands of a player’s shot selection, distance control and accuracy. When Open Championships are hosted here only the ultimate masters of these elements emerge victorious as Champion Golfer of the Year. Royal Liverpool’s 13 Opens have delivered 13 different Champions, comprising an array of amateur stars, history makers and modern-day giants - with many of them claiming wins of huge historical significance.
Eastham Country Lodge
Situated in a picturesque area of the Wirral, overlooking the River Mersey, this is a fine test of golf that won't leave you fatigued or your legs weary. It is a mature parkland course with plenty of natural hazards that will excite you, frustrate you, and if you keep your concentration, ultimately reward you. The greens in particular are well guarded so your iron play will be tested to the full.
Heswall Golf Club
As an England Golf Championship Venue, the Club has, and continues to, host several prestigious tournaments including qualification for The Open Championship on 4 occasions. In 1930, Bobby Jones famously qualified for The Open Championship held at nearby Hoylake, part of his Grand Slam.
Wallasey Golf Club
Wallasey Golf Club
HISTORY AND CULTURE
THE NORTHS HIDDEN GEM
The Lady Lever Art Gallery is a museum founded and built by the industrialist and philanthropist William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme and opened in 1922. The Lady Lever Art Gallery is set in the garden village of Port Sunlight, on the Wirral and one of the National Museums Liverpool. The Art Gallery houses one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art. It has the best collection of Wedgwood Jasperware anywhere in the world and its collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings is internationally renowned.
Lever built Port Sunlight to house the workers at his soap factory, Lever Brothers, which eventually became the global giant, Unilever. The village represents one man’s vision to provide industrial workers with decent, sanitary housing in a considered architectural and picturesque form. Port Sunlight is arguably the finest surviving example of early urban planning in the UK, and has remained largely intact since its foundation by William Hesketh Lever in 1888.
The village is home to more than 900 Grade II listed buildings set in 130 acres of parkland and gardens. More than 30 different architects created the buildings, monuments and memorials we still see today, and nearly every period of British architecture is represented through revival design. The village is a good example of the aesthetic movement, which emphasised visual and sensual qualities of art and design, and the Arts and Crafts Movement, with its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship.
THE MERSEY TUNNEL: CONNECTING WIRRAL TO LIVERPOOL
Birkenhead Priory, founded around 1150 on the Wirral side of the River Mersey, was home to monks who operated one of the earliest ferry services between Birkenhead and Liverpool. Originally, this service was offered freely or at a very low cost, but as demand grew, it became increasingly difficult for the Priory to sustain. To ease the strain of transporting passengers and providing hospitality, the monks petitioned for permission to charge for food, lodging, and travel. In 1318, they were granted the right to do so, and in 1330, a royal charter from King Edward III formally authorised the Priory to operate the ferry for men, horses, and goods, and to collect reasonable tolls for the service. As these rights were based on the Wirral bank, this helped establish a long-standing local association between ferry and later toll collection and the Wirral side of the Mersey.
The Wirral enjoys a unique and enviable location, perfectly positioned between two of the North West’s most historic and vibrant cities, Liverpool and Chester. Just across the River Mersey, Liverpool is easily reached in minutes via the Mersey Tunnels, train or ferry, offering world-class shopping, music, and cultural experiences.
In the other direction, the Roman city of Chester lies only a short drive away, renowned for its ancient walls, charming cobbled streets, and boutique atmosphere. This close connection gives the Wirral the best of both worlds, peaceful coastal living with immediate access to the energy of Liverpool and the heritage charm of Chester.
HIDDEN PLACES TO VISIT THAT NEED TO BE SHARED!
Eastham Country Park spans over 100 acres of beautiful broadleaf woodland, offering the perfect escape for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and orienteering. Well-maintained, surfaced paths wind through the trees, making the park accessible for all to explore and enjoy. At its heart sits the welcoming Visitor Centre, where the Eastham Country Park Rangers are based, always ready to share their knowledge of the area. The gardens surrounding the centre are lovingly tended by the local Women’s Institute, adding a personal touch and a strong sense of community spirit. Visitors can also stop by the charming on-site café for refreshments or an ice cream after a stroll, and just a short walk away, The Tap pub provides the ideal spot to relax and soak up the friendly village atmosphere. Throughout the woodland, keen-eyed visitors can spot traces of the park’s Victorian past, including remnants of the former Victorian zoo, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history that still lingers among the trees.
Thurstaston Hill and Caldy Hill, part of the Wirral Country Park, offer some of the most stunning views on the peninsula, looking out across the Dee Estuary towards Wales. The hills are a haven for walkers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, with scenic trails winding through heathland, woodland, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Wildflowers bloom in season, and the elevated paths provide perfect spots for picnics or simply soaking in the peaceful, panoramic landscape.
The Wirral Way is a scenic 12-mile trail that follows the route of a former railway line from West Kirby to Hooton, perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging. Winding through woodlands, open fields, and quaint villages, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle while showcasing the natural beauty of the Wirral. Along the way, visitors can enjoy wildlife spotting, picturesque views, and the charming atmosphere of the historic route.
