West Kirby & Hoylake
West Kirby & Hoylake are bustling seaside towns with miles of award winning sandy beaches and inviting promenades for the casual walker.
You will be spoilt for choice when choosing from very smart
Wine-bars and restaurants, offering the best in continental cuisine, to the traditional pubs and cafes.

The fantastic views of North Wales are a perfect start for a day trip out to the local nature reserve of Hilbre Islands. Once there you can watch the seals at play, view the wealth of wading and migratory birds or see for yourself the island's famous dinosaur footprint.

(Remember the tides cut off the island from the shore twice a day, so check the tide times before you leave. Also, permits are required for parties of 5 or more so contact Wirral Country Park for further details on 648 4371).

The massive salt-water Marine Lake provides unsurpassed sailing facilities. Its position means wind conditions remain constant. The main shopping area has an abundance of places to eat, from the most sophisticated to the traditional fish and chip supper bar.

A few miles away is Hoylake, which is home to the magnificent Royal Liverpool Golf Club, which will host The British Open Championship in 2006.

Stroll along the promenade, and see the fishermen rowing out to their boats moored off the slip-way. Hurry if you want a bargain, as the fishermen return to land and sell their catch on shore.

For the less energetic, stop at the marine gardens in the summer months where you can watch a game of crown green bowling while listening to the waves rolling in.

Hilbre Islands
Hilbre Islands are the three tidal islands lying at the mouth of the Dee Estuary - Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre. They are designated as Local Nature Reserves and so, access is free of charge.

The Hilbre group is also important as a stopping-off point for the twice-yearly migration of birds along the West Coast of Britain. This was the main reason for the founding of the Hilbre Island Bird Observatory in 1957, which now often sees several very uncommon species of visiting birds.

The Friends of Hilbre will be happy to advice about seal watching on the sand-bank and you can also enjoy the exhibition in the Lookout.

The Islands are cut off from the mainland by the tide for up to five hours out of every twelve and so, before planning a visit to the Islands it is advisable to contact the Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre (after 10am 7 days a week) on 0151 648 4371 .

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