Trip Advisor: The 10 best parks and nature attractions in Wirral

Here is a round-up of the top 10 best parks and nature attractions in Wirral, according to Trip Advisor.

1. Birkenhead Park

Birkenhead Park is known as the People’s Garden and is much loved by the local community. For almost two hundred years it’s been a major landmark here on the Wirral and is greatly valued by locals.

One review said: "We have been to this park many times. There is always some part of the park that we haven’t explored before. It’s a pretty big park, with a good-sized play area for the kids."

Another said: "A delightful park with lots of historic features - not all of which could be appreciated through tree cover, (eg some of the lodges). Good to see that it was being well used by sports teams and families."

2. Wirral Country Park

A Green Flag award winner, this was the first designated Country Park in Britain. You can see magnificent views of migratory birds over the River Dee, walk on Thurstaston Beach or have a barbecue or picnic in the grasslands.

One review said: "Lovely country park - plenty of parking. Lots of routes to walk along with our dog and the view is spectacular over the estuary."

Another said: "Always a good place to walk. Nice views. Access from Wirral way so great for cyclists too. Good coastal walk. Peaceful away from peak times."

3. West Kirby Beach

This busy little beach is only 300 metres long but it lies between a kilometre of sand dunes and a further two kilometres of vast sand flats exposed at low water towards Hoylake and the popular marine lake.

One review said: "This was my first visit to the area and this beach is an absolute must for everyone who loves the fresh air. It was cold and sunny with lots of activities going on to watch."

Another said: "Great place to walk, play with the family and bring your dogs too.
Loads of places to eat and drink for everyone's budgets. Easy parking, train and bus links."

4. Vale Park

Vale Park is a Green Flag park that enjoys views across the River Mersey. It has stunning displays of bedding throughout the summer and there is a fairy village within its grounds. In the summer the bandstand hosts events including music and plays.

One review said: "Nice for the little ones - fairy wood sculptures are really good and worth a visit - close to the promenade for a nice walk with Liverpool views as well."

Another said: "Beautiful area with a real sense of community. I loved the little structures that people had spent time making."

READ > West Kirby says goodbye to the 'king of the skies'

5. Hilbre Island

The Hilbre Islands are one of the most beautiful locations for walking in Wirral, or spotting rare and endangered wildlife. The islands are classed as one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland.

One review said: "Fantastic views and a really interesting landscape. Crabs darting underfoot. Red sandstone appearing from the sand. Shells to collect. Seals playing off the island."

Another said: "Beautiful place to spend a few hours exploring, loads of wildlife and caves, Beautiful scenery and views. Will be back."

6. West Kirby Marine Lake

Surrounded by water on three sides and with strong breezes from the Irish Sea, Wirral is a haven for "Windcatchers" and there is no more perfect place than West Kirby Marine Lake.

One review said: "Great views across the lake especially on a sunny day. Lots of activities going on about the lake which is good to watch especially if it's windy. A nice short walk around if you time it right with the tide."

Another added: "Lovely walk all year round. with great places to eat and drink for every ones budgets. Can watch the sail boats to the wind surfers!"

7. Thurstaston Beach

Thurstaston is a popular destination in Wirral, and is very much part of the ‘coast and countryside’ theme that our peninsula has running through it.

From the coastal aspect, Thurstaston beach is incredibly popular with locals during the warmer months, and all year-round with dog walkers. For visitors to the area, it’s well worth spending a few hours there.

One review said: "Lovely and clean beach. Easy access. Great for dogs. Nice cafe at the top (Wirral Country Park). Pay and display but reasonably priced."

Another said: "Needed to get away from the city, my house office into the wilderness. It was raining but the beach is so beautiful as is the walk down from the coffee shop by the car park. A real escape from reality. Loved it."

8. Royden Park

Royden Park is a large area of parkland near Thurstaston Common, which offers a wide range of activities and facilities.

There are large open areas where children can play freely without fear of traffic hazards and families can picnic.

One review said: "I have visited here several times and it is a lovely place to visit whether you want to sit and relax in the lovely walled garden, or take a stroll through the woodland.

"Parking is pay and display and there is a lovely cafe where you can sit outside and have a hot or cold drink and snacks as well."

Another said: "We spent a nice 45-minute walk after having afternoon tea at the neighboring hotel. Stunning and peaceful. Beautiful and the dog had a lovely time too."

9. Hilbre Island Nature Reserve

The Hilbre Island Nature Reserve has panoramic views across the River Dee estuary to North Wales and Wirral coastlines.

You can watch the island's colony of grey seals and bird watching - an internationally important site for waders.

One review said: "We walked across a high tide and enjoyed the lovely views. We even spotted some seals in the distance. Makes a very peaceful picnic spot and there are many bird species to see."

Another said: "Many years since I did the walk to Hilbre and it was superb. Took us about an hour just strolling and the weaterh was really good. Great to just sit and watch the wildlife and the water and relax. Not too many people there so was very relaxing."

10. Wallasey Beach

Wallasey Beach is a popular bathing beach at the eastern end of the North Wirral Coastal Park.

The Lifeguard Station overlooks the sandy beach ‘recommended’ by the Marine Conservation Society.

One review said: "Very nice beach. Great for dogs. Need to take care when you visit as zero beaches when high tide. Easy free parking right on the seafront."

Another said: "Nice quiet area for coastal walking during the week along Wallasey Beach. Easy to find free parking if you hunt around - during the week out of season.
A nice surprise in Merseyside!"