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West Kirby sits at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, with views across to North Wales, a tidal island you can walk to and the start of what is widely recognised as Britain's first country park. Here's our guide to the best things to do when you visit.
Walk to Hilbre Island
The Hilbre Islands – Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre – are a local nature reserve, reached on foot across the sands at low tide.
The only recommended safe route starts at the slipway on Dee Lane, next to the Marine Lake. Head for Little Eye, keeping it on your right, then turn right and pass Middle Eye on your left before crossing to Hilbre. The walk takes 45 minutes to an hour each way.
Wirral Council says you should never cross directly to Hilbre or Middle Eye, or set off from Hoylake or Red Rocks, because of deep tidal channels.
Always check the tide times first, they are on the noticeboard at Dee Lane and available online, and leave the islands before the light fades. The council's management plan says the latest time to be on the islands is 8pm, although tide times do vary.
On the islands you can look out for grey seals and wading birds, and visit the Telegraph Station, built in 1841. Read more in our guide to walking to Hilbre Island.
West Kirby Marine Lake
The Marine Lake covers around 52 acres of shallow saltwater held behind a sea wall, so you can sail at any state of the tide. It opened in 1899 and was rebuilt after a serious leak in 1985.
A walk around the lake wall is one of the best ways to see the estuary, and the lake is popular for sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding. The watersports building on the lake is being relaunched as Wirral Watersports. Check its website for opening news.
The Wirral Way
West Kirby is the start of the Wirral Way, which follows the old Hooton to West Kirby railway line for 12 miles through Wirral Country Park.
The country park was created in 1968 and officially opened on 2 October 1973, and is widely recognised as Britain's first designated country park. For nearly seven miles the route stays close to the Dee Estuary.
West Kirby Museum
The volunteer-run West Kirby Museum at St Bridget's Centre tells the story of the village from the Vikings to the Victorians through carved stones found at St Bridget's Church.
It is free and open on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. The 10th-century Anglo-Norse hogback stone, the best-known object in the collection, is in the church next door.
A special exhibition, Transport through the Ages, runs until Christmas.
Getting there
West Kirby has a railway station and bus links. Since buses came under public control, the 480 and 482 now run hourly and new 483/484 circular services link West Kirby with Arrowe Park Hospital. Read more about the West Kirby bus changes to ensure you take the right route to get there.
There is a pay and display car park on Dee Lane, close to the Hilbre crossing point.
