Spend the day in… West Kirby..
Let’s go to the beach!
If you weren’t already aware, West Kirby, on the Wirral peninsula, has a fabulous beach perfect for days out with the kids, picnics and traditional sandy fun. West Kirby is less than 90 minutes drive from south Manchester – and if a long drive with sandy kids doesn’t appeal, let the train take the strain, there’s a direct train from Manchester Victoria too!
The beach at West Kirby
West Kirby beach might be just 300 metres long, but it’s framed by a kilometre of rolling sand dunes on one side and two kilometres of sweeping sand flats on the other, making it really rather beautiful, as well as a great spot for beach games.
Popular with both locals and visitors, there’s always something to do to keep the kids on the move in safety.. At low tide, the beach opens up to a vast expanse stretching hundreds of metres, perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, or family games on the sand, while at high tide there’s still plenty of safe space for relaxing, walking and playing games. Even just an hour beachcombing after high tide, seeing what the waves brought it, will cure hours of screen time stupour!
Water sports are popular here and it’s fun to watch windsurfers and kite surfers flying up and down on the waves. They are asked to keep at least 100 metres from the tide line, too, so if you fancy a dip you can do so in safety.
Lifeguards patrol the beach too, adding another layer of security.
The main entrance to the beach is on Dee Lane, which is just a few minutes walk from the train station and nearby car parking, both free and pay-and-display.
West Kirby Marine Lake
If you’re a watersports fan yourself, check out West Kirby Marine Lake. It’s a man-made saltwater lake 52-acres in size but just 5 feet deep and is totally enclosed, making it really safe for individuals and families.
The Marine Lake is home to the Wirral Watersports Centre, where you can learn to sail, windsurf, paddleboard and even try out powerboating. If you read our last blog about Sale Water Park, maybe you’ve already considered taking some lessons – and West Kirby Marine Lake offers great facilities with amazing views!
If getting wet isn’t your thing, you can stroll around the perimeter of the lake, watching others take the plunge, or head along the stretch of beach that runs from West Kirby to Red Rocks at Hoylake. This is a three mile walk, part of the Wirral Circular Trail and offers views of the Dee Estuary and Welsh Hills on a clear day. Grab a coffee and cake in Hoylake before you head back – on foot or by taxi!
Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve
This is one of the Wirral’s best kept secrets! Hilbre Island is a Local Nature Reserve which is actually made up of three separate tidal islands: Little Eye, Middle Eye, and Hilbre Island.
It’s a draw for birdwatchers, and anybody who wants to see native birdlife and birds who migrate here in the summer months. I often think that we’re so caught up in day-to-day tasks and work and routines that’s too easy to forget that’s there’s a whole big natural world doing it’s best to carry on around us, so a trip to Hilbre Island is a great way not only to blow away the cobwebs, but open ourselves to something new and amazing.
Perhaps a little more exciting than birds is the population of grey seals that lives on Hilbre. You won’t always get to spot them, and don’t get too close, but if you walk to the far side of the island by the walkway you can often spot them bobbing around in the water.
It’s accessible on foot at low tide, but you must make sure you know the tide times before you set off and follow the recommended safe route there and back. You can start the walk from the slipway at West Kirby (at the top end of the Marine Lake) and head out to Little Eye, then to Middle Eye on to Hilbre Island. It’s roughly a two mile walk across, so will take around an hour, depending on your pace. If you do want to visit the nature reserve, you should aim to arrive at the island at least two hours after high tide, as this will allow enough time to explore the island and return safely before the tide comes in. It is also important to keep an eye on the tide while on the island, as the water can rise quickly and cut you off. Make sure you leave the island two to three hours before the next high tide.
West Kirby
West Kirby itself is a lovely little town, with lots of independent shops and places to eat, and is definitely worth an explore when you’re there.
Eddie – Friday 22nd August 2025.
