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Looking for the best things to do in Wirral? Wallasey, sitting proudly at the northeastern tip of the peninsula, delivers an enviable mix of coastal heritage, family entertainment, and natural beauty.
Whether you're after sandy beaches with Liverpool skyline views, Victorian parks with fairy villages, or hands-on science fun for the kids, this corner of Wirral has something for everyone.
1. New Brighton Lighthouse
Also known as Perch Rock Lighthouse, this Grade II listed landmark has stood at the confluence of the River Mersey and Liverpool Bay since the 1820s.
Back in 1683, there was a small wooden tripod that held a lantern, which was once the guiding light for many ships. The lighthouse was maintained thanks to fees paid by foreign boats that passed it.
The striking white tower was constructed using interlocking Anglesey granite and remained in continuous operation until it was decommissioned in October 1973. Although the lighthouse isn't open to the public, it makes for exceptional photographs; you must go at sunset and see it when the sky transforms behind it.
At low tide, you can walk to the base of the tower for closer views. The lighthouse was restored and repainted in 2001, and since 2015, an LED light source has operated, visible from land. But you cannot go inside.
2. Fort Perch Rock
Just outside, along the lighthouse is Fort Perch Rock, another Grade II structure which is considered to be a fort. It was built between 1825 and 1829 to defend the Port of Liverpool. It was adorably nicknamed the 'Little Gibraltar of the Mersey.
The red sandstone fortification was built with high walls and originally housed 18 guns.
Today, the fort serves as a museum featuring permanent maritime and aviation displays and hosts cultural events throughout the year. You can take a 2-hour guided tour to discover secrets hidden within the 15-foot-thick sandstone walls. The Mess café operates daily, and a World War Two themed escape room, 'Escape the Fort', opened in 2022 and runs daily, with bookings being essential.
The original construction cost £27,000.
3. Floral Pavilion Theatre
The beautiful theatre sits on the Marine Promenade and overlooks the River Mersey. It brings a mix of comedy, music, drama, children's shows, and events to New Brighton.
Back in 1913, the theatre opened as an open-air summer venue, and following demolition as part of the town's regeneration, it reopened in December 2008 to a striking new glass-fronted design. The legendary Ken Dodd performed the reopening show, fitting, given his first appearance at the Floral was in 1940. The Panoramic Lounge offers floor-to-ceiling views over the river estuary, and pre-theatre dining is available before most shows.
4. Eureka! Science + Discovery
Housed in the iconic Seacombe Ferry Terminal building, this £14 million attraction opened on 11 November 2022 and has already won Gold awards for Inclusion and Accessibility, plus Liverpool City Region New Tourism Attraction of the Year.
Designed for children aged 0–14, the interactive centre explores how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics shape our lives. Four immersive themed zones include Bodies, where you can walk through a ginormous digestive system, Nature with its climbing area and tree house, and Homes featuring a supersized cat called Luna.
The Burrow offers construction opportunities to young children (mainly seven-year-olds) and lets children construct what they want in the imagination playground. There are activities during school visits for Little Explorers on Wednesday-Friday during term time.
The museum also has the Discovery Cafe, but for now, it is closed. The museum is open 10 am to 3 pm from Tuesday to Friday and extends its hours until 4 pm during the weekend.
5. Vale Park
This Victorian gem is a Green Flag park covering 9.5 acres on the banks of the River Mersey.
Originally a private estate called Liscard Vale purchased by the council in 1898, the park retains the flavour of Victorian times with winding paths through wooded plantations and a laburnum arch. Summer band concerts have been a tradition since opening day, when Tranmere Prize Gleam Silver Band played the National Anthem, and the Doric-columned bandstand opened in 1926.
Children adore the fairy village created within the grounds, with tiny houses and driftwood sculptures, including miniature castles and mythical animals. There is also a rose garden and a football pitch.
6. New Brighton Beach & Promenade
The UK's longest promenade sweeps past a golden stretch of sand offering views across Liverpool Bay to the city skyline. In the summertime, it makes for perfect walks.
The beach underwent a multi-million-pound redevelopment that transformed the seafront with the Marine Point Leisure and Retail complex, opened in 2011, featuring an 8-screen cinema, restaurants, and cafés.
A model boating lake provides family entertainment. The beach is lifeguarded during the summer months. Along New Brighton, there are also lots of seaside cafes and restaurants serving British classics, and a Morrison's Cafe nearby for cheap eats.
