The Wirral peninsula is situated across the River Mersey from Liverpool. It is accessed via one of two Mersey tunnels connecting Liverpool with Wallasey and Birkenhead. Wirral is a short drive away from Chester and North Wales to the south and is within one and a half hour's drive from the Lake District to the north.It forms one of the metropolitan boroughs of Merseyside.
Get in
M53
Get around
See
'''Tranmere Rovers Football Club'''. Although this club has always lived in the shadow of Liverpool it has a long tradition and a great family atmosphere - well worth a visit.
'''Eastham Ferry and Eastham Country Park'''. Eastham Country Park lies approximately 1 mile from the M53 Motorway junction 5) and is reached locally by the A41 (New Chester Road) and Ferry Road via Eastham Village. Public Transport - the nearest Merseyrail Station is Bromborough (approximately 1 mile distance). A bus services is available along the A41 to Bromborough and Eastham Village to Eastham Ferry. Since the Middle Ages, a ferry service operated across the river Mersey between Eastham and Liverpool, the early ferries being run by monks from the Abbey of St. Werburgh. By the late 1700's, up to 40 coaches each day arrived at a newly built pier, carrying passengers and goods for the ferry. Paddle steamers were introduced in 1816 to replace the sailboats, but the demand for a service declined in the 1840's with the opening of a railway link between Chester and Birkenhead Woodside Ferry. In 1846, the owner of the ferry, Thomas Stanley, built the Eastham Ferry Hotel and shortly after, the Pleasure Gardens were added to attract more visitors. The gardens were landscaped with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, ornamental trees and fountains. Attractions included a zoo, with bears, lions, monkeys and antelope, an open air stage, tea rooms, bandstand, ballroom, boating lake, water chute and a loop-the loop roller coaster. Entertainers performed in the gardens during summer, and included Blondin, the famous tight-rope walker who once wheeled a local boy across a high wire in a wheelbarrow. In 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal was opened by Queen Victoria, bringing added prosperity to the area and a Jubilee Arch was built at the entrance to the Pleasure Gardens in 1897 to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee. In its heyday Eastham Ferry was known as the 'Richmond of the Mersey', but its popularity declined during the 1920's and the last paddle steamer crossing took place in 1929. The Pleasure Gardens fell into disrepair during the 1930's and the Iron pier and Jubilee Arch were later dismantled. In 1970, to commemorate European Conservation Year, the area was designated a Country Park and today, it is once more a popular place of recreation.
'''The Wirral Way'''
The Wirral Way, a path on the track of an old railway, 12 miles long and goes from West Kirby to Hooton in mid-Wirral. It is situated within Wirral Country Park.
Wirral Country Park features a 12 mile footpath following the line of the old West Kirby to Hooton Railway line offering superb views over the Dee Estuary to Wales. Today it is a must for a family day out and it's facilities include Visitor Centre, Bird Hide, Toilets, Picnic Areas, BBQ area, Cafe, and Green Shop. The Green Shop contains an information and sales desk where you can pick up leaflets, guides, books of special interest and information staff will be happy to assist you. You can access the beautiful beach from the bottom of Station Road or Tinkers Dell Steps.
Do
Visit West Kirby. A Edwardian seaside town which is unspoilt by modern chains and offers views across to Wales and Hilbre Island as well as a rare Marine Lake walk.
Buy
A cycle map of Wirral from any Local Council office. Shows the many Sustrans cycling routes around the Wirral.
Eat
'''Mr. Chow's Chinese restaurant''', Parkgate, South Wirral, Tel 0151 336 2385. An up-market Chinese restaurant, with fantastic food and excellent service. Views of North Wales across the Dee Estuary. Book early.
'''Mighty Mikes''', 12, Mill Park Drive, Eastham, Tel: 0151 327 1638. Fish & Chips and Chinese Take-away. The best take-away in the area by far. Closed Tuesdays.
'''Ellie's bistro''', Greasby village, Tel: 0151 678 0104. The best bistro in west Wirral, wide selection of fresh coffees, wines and excellent food. Great food, wide range of wines, good atmosphere and live music on Thursdays.
Drink
'''The Irby Mill''', Greasby. A small traditional country pub, with a thatched roof. Serves a good selection of real ales.
'''The Fox and Hounds''', Barnston Village. A distinctly homely atmosphere exists in the two bars and snug.
Sleep
'''Yew Tree Hotel''', 56 Rock Lane West. Approx __49.50.
'''Leasowe Castle Hotel''', Leasowe Road.
.
The Greave Dunning. reasby Road, Greasby. Nice pub with food
Get out