Hands up if you love the beach! Wirral beaches are dreamy, and there are plenty to take your pick. As locals, we have chosen a selection of the best beaches in the Wirral for you.
The Wirral’s picturesque and sandy beaches are a great place to enjoy a day out with the family or a peaceful wander, whatever the weather. In addition, Wirral beaches are a perfect place to enjoy sunsets. The sunsets are incredible and some of the best in the country, making it an ideal place for photographers to visit. You’ll have clear views of the Welsh shore and Liverpool’s skyline on one side. Here’s our guide to the best beaches in the Wirral.
Thurstaston Beach
- Sandy beach.
- Plenty of parking is available.
- Picnic and BBQ areas nearby.
- Not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs (steep walk down to the beach).
We are starting with our personal favourite, Thurstaston beach. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to spend the day with the family, head to Thurstaston Beach. It is the first stretch of sand along Wirral’s western coast on the Dee estuary, and it’s perfect for a peaceful dog walk or stroll because it doesn’t get 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. We love to spend an afternoon here together; we sometimes take fish and chips and watch the sunset from Wirral Country Park.
Thurstaston Common and the Wirral Country Park overlook Thurstaston beach. They have stunning views of its long stretch of shingle coast and sandy beach. The Thurstaston park on Station Road has designated BBQ spots for people to use freely or book in advance during peak season. There is also a visitor centre which the Wirral Way runs close to; it’s a great little stop point on longer walks. If you are stopping for refreshments, Flissy’s Coffee Shop is located 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, a lovely and well-maintained family-run farm. A great place for kids to learn about and get up close and personal with animals, a cute café, incredible views, and lots of fresh produce.
New Brighton Beach
- Sandy beach.
- Plenty of parking is available.
- Accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
New Brighton has a little bit of everything you want from the seaside and is the perfect place if you love traditional seaside fun. There are attractions and facilities aplenty; especially popular are the Riverside Bowling Alley and Laser Quest centre, and the Bright Spot Amusement Arcade, which has a small well-loved fairground.
It also features a Travelodge hotel, restaurants, Light Cinema and Caffe Cream Ice Cream Parlour and Coffee Shop, and Championship Adventure Golf at Marine Point. In addition, it is home to the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre. Along the coastline is Fort Perch Rock, a coast battery defence that opens throughout the year, sometimes holding small events. It features an Aviation and Archeology Museum and a ‘Luftwaffe over Merseyside’ permanent exhibition. However, the Fort is only available for appointments, so please contact them to arrange a visit.
Across from New Brighton seafront, just before the shops and restaurants, there is plenty of open green space perfect for picnics, football and other family games and learning to ride bikes.
West Kirby Beach
- West Kirby Beach
- Sandy beach.
- Plenty of parking is available.
- Accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
West Kirby beach is a fantastic place to visit; it offers so much. It’s easy to access, and there is plenty of restaurants, cafes and a supermarket in the town. There is plenty of free parking and a pay and display car park.
It’s from this beach that you can walk to Hilbre Island. The Hilbre Islands are one of the most beautiful locations for walking in Wirral. The islands are an archipelago and are one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland. Therefore, checking the tide times and finding a safe crossing route before walking across 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, public toilets, or fresh water on the islands and very little shelter. Therefore, wearing suitable footwear is vital and always carry waterproof and warm clothing.
When tides and weather allow, West Kirby beach is a great starting point to walk to Hoylake, and if you’re fancy going further, to Meols and beyond. The beach is also next to the famous West Kirby Marine Lake, one of its best facilities in the North West. You can walk around the marine lake, even at night, be careful and don’t forget a torch!
Watersports are popular at West Kirby; Wirral Sailing Centre offers a range of water sports activities, with courses available for all ages and levels of experience.
Meols Beach
- Sandy beach.
- Plenty of parking is available.
- Accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Meols beach is a pretty sandy beach. Both parking and toilets are available here. Just off the A553 to Hoylake, and plenty of access from local buses. Meols beach also has local shops and cafes nearby if you are taking a trip to the seaside and making a day of it. So relax and take in the distant views of Liverpool.
Meols beach is a lovely place to set up camp with the family for the day, let the kids run free and play in the sand, enjoy a picnic, and enjoy each other’s company. This spot shines, producing stunning sunsets, so bring your camera and capture the moment. If you visit Meols beach in winter, bring your binoculars and see how many birds you can spot.
Sand buggying is popular here; check out the Wirral Sand Yacht Club for more information if you’re a thrill-seeker! The four-mile-long North Wirral Coastal Park is next to the beach and adjacent to the sea embankment.
We love visiting the beach and these Wirral beaches are endlessly tried and tested by us. We hope you have enjoyed reading about the best beaches in Wirral! Hopefully, we have inspired you to take a trip yourself. Let us know in the comments.
