Wonders of Wirral 2014/15 /attractions
WoNDeRs of WIRRal 1 Welcome Nestling between the River mersey and the Dee in North West england, Wirral is a beautiful peninsula boasting 35 miles of stunning coastline and acres of rolling lush countryside. It constantly surprises and delights as the visitor uncovers more and more of its charms. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the sheer diversity of attractions on offer within an area roughly only 15 miles long and 7 miles wide. Ranging from those of international and national standing to those that are much smaller and often more hidden away, and offering something for all ages, tastes and pockets, there really is something for everyone. Wirral is simply bursting with exciting and unique attractions just waiting for you to come and explore. Come soon and discover its many delights for yourself! Key facilities Toilets Disabled Access Parking Café Baby Changing facilities Visitor Centre Shop No Dogs Cycle Parking What s INsIDe? parks & gardens p3/6 Internationally renowned parks, award winning gardens and garden centres that will provide enjoyment and inspirational ideas await you on our beautiful peninsula. map p25/26 how to get here p27 event highlights p28 plan your stay p29 competition p30 WoNDeRs of WIRRal culture & heritage p7/12 One of Britain s most unique model villages, an attraction immortalised in song and the Liverpool city region s oldest standing building... and these are just for starters! active leisure p13/15 Challenge yourself to the world s 18 greatest golf holes on a small scale, take to the water and learn new skills or enjoy nature s bounty at the local RSPB reserve. There is plenty to keep you active in Wirral. family fun p16/19 Whatever their ages, Wirral attractions provide something for all the family to enjoy and participate in. Seaside or rural, traditional or new? The choice is yours. shopping & p20/24 entertainment Town centre or eclectic, out of town shopping in rural surroundings, state of the art cinema and a traditional theatre reinvented for 21st century audiences, Wirral has it all. 2
parks & gardens parks & gardens Birkenhead park Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre, Park Drive, Birkenhead ch41 4hy ( 0151 652 5197 1 carr farm garden centre Carr Farm Garden Centre, Birkenhead Road, Meols ch47 9Re ( 0151 632 1457 2 the world s first publicly funded park, designed in 1847 by Joseph paxton with the aim of creating a park for the people. The importance of its landscape and historic buildings were recognised when it was declared a Grade I Historic Park in 1995. Wirral s flagship park hosts a varied programme of events and exhibitions. Daily from dawn to dusk Visitor Centre open daily 9.30am - 4.30pm Closed 25 & 26 December and 1 January FREE ENTRY Birkenhead park set amongst the peaceful tranquillity of an open field landscape, carr farm boasts an ideal scenic location. Carr Farm offers a unique shopping experience, with plenty to do all year round and all the plants, gifts and accessories you will need to add a touch of inspiration to your home and garden. January to December Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Open 9am - 5pm on Bank Holidays Closed 25 & 26 December and 1 January FREE ENTRY meols birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk /wirralcouncil @BirkenheadPark1 info@carrfarmgardencentre.co.uk carrfarmgardencentre.co.uk /Carr-Farm-Garden-Centre/110281105729608 CarrFarm1982 3 4
parks & gardens parks & gardens Ness Botanic gardens Ness Botanic Gardens, Neston ch64 4ay ( 0845 030 4063 3 port sunlight garden centre Port Sunlight Garden Centre, The Causeway, Port Sunlight ch62 5Dy ( 0151 645 6244 4 a treasure for garden lovers. With outstanding collections of seasonal flowers, trees and shrubs. Breathtaking heather, rock, water and herb gardens, stunning Herbaceous border and Laburnum arch delight throughout the year, ensuring there is always something of beauty and interest to enjoy here. February to October: Wednesday to Monday 9.30am - 5pm (Gardens CLOSED Tuesday for maintenance - Visitor Centre, Garden Kitchen Cafe and Gift Shop open). Winter opening - see website for details. Closed 24-31 December - re-opening New Year's Day. Admission charges apply. for all your gardening supplies, indoor and outdoor plants and a selection of indoor homewares, come along and pay us a visit. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Port Sunlight, we are a garden centre for gardeners but with a touch of home. Whilst here, enjoy a snack or lunch in our popular Sun Lounge Café. Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm Sun Lounge Cafe closes 30 minutes before the garden centre. port sunlight Neston Please note: There are some steep gradients within the gardens. nessgdns@liv.ac.uk nessgardens.org.uk /Ness-Botanic-Gardens/143059692401489 @Ness_Gardens info@portsunlightgardens.co.uk portsunlightgardens.co.uk /Port-Sunlight-Garden-Centre/150129358374728 @PSGC2 5 6
culture & heritage Birkenhead priory Church Street, Birkenhead (car park) Priory Street, Birkenhead (pedestrian entrance) ( 0151 666 1249 / 652 4177 (for information) home to the oldest building still in use in the liverpool city region, the priory provides an oasis of calm in what is now an industrial setting. Find out about the early history of Birkenhead and how the area has changed, and the life of cadets from HMS Conway that was moored in the river nearby. Climb the 101 steps of St Mary s Tower to see the best views over the River Mersey, Cammell Laird and the town. 5 culture & heritage lady lever art gallery Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village ch62 5eQ ( 0151 478 4136 / 478 4788 (group bookings) one of the most beautiful collections of fine and decorative arts in europe, situated in port sunlight village. Home to famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Millais and Rossetti, portraits by Gainsborough and landscapes by Turner. Families will love the hands-on activity rooms and free events programme. Don t forget to end your visit with a browse in the gift shop, before relaxing in the Gallery café. 6 (Summer) Weekends 10am - 5pm Wednesday to Friday 1pm - 5pm (Winter closure at 4pm) Closed Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year FREE ENTRY hamilton square Open daily 10am - 5pm Closed 25, 26 December & 1 January FREE ENTRY Bebington Fotografy Mark McNulty Please note: Disabled access is limited within Priory. birkenheadpriory@wirral.gov.uk /birkenheadpriory @Visit_Wirral ladylever@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever /ladyleverartgallery LeverArtGallery 7 8
culture & heritage mersey ferries Seacombe Ferry, Victoria Place, Seacombe Promenade, Wallasey ch44 6Qy Woodside Ferry, Woodside, Birkenhead ch41 6Du ( 0151 330 1444 san francisco has its cable cars, New york has its yellow cabs and liverpool has its world famous mersey ferries. There s no better way to experience Wirral than from the deck of a famous Mersey Ferry. River Explorer Cruises run all year-round and it is a fantastic way to see the spectacular waterfront views and learn the history of the River Mersey itself. Ferries sail regularly from Woodside, Seacombe and Liverpool Pier Head terminals. Please visit our website or call for further timetable information and prices. hamilton square for Woodside Ferry Terminal James street for Pier Head Terminal, Liverpool 7 port sunlight museum 23 King George s Drive, Port Sunlight ch62 5DX ( 0151 644 6466 port sunlight museum celebrates the unique heritage of the beautiful and historic industrial village of port sunlight. People, formal planning, architecture and parks & gardens - from its foundation in 1888 to life in the village today. Explore the village with our multimedia interactive tour, or join daily guided walks throughout August. New for 2014, Port Sunlight 125 Years of the Social Suburb. Special Exhibition opens 11 May. Museum - Open daily 10am - 5pm Closed 25-26 December & 1 January Admission charge applies. at Port Sunlight Museum open daily, hosting The Royal Visit Exhibition. Bebington or port sunlight culture & heritage 8 Registered Charity No. 1074713 Registered Company No. 371997 customerservices@merseyferries.co.uk merseyferries.co.uk /merseyferries @MerseyFerries info@portsunlightvillage.com portsunlightvillage.com /portsunlightmuseum @Visit_WirralPortSunlight 9 10
culture & heritage Williamson art gallery Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead ch43 4ue ( 0151 652 4177 the Williamson houses fantastic collections of art and maritime history and a busy exhibition and activity schedule. Open since 1928 the Williamson is the home of art in Wirral with a wide range of exhibitions and varied collections, including Birkenhead s own contribution to the Arts & Crafts movement, the Della Robbia Pottery, and ship models galore. Try the new café and shop, stocking work by local artists & craftspeople, and now also a wide range of new and secondhand books. Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm Closed Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year. FREE ENTRY Birkenhead park 9 Weekends and Bank Holidays 1pm - 4.30pm Closed Christmas and New Year. School Holidays 1pm - 4.30pm Half hourly tram operates to coincide with Woodside Mersey Ferry Service. hamilton square culture & heritage Wirral transport museum & heritage tramway 1 Taylor Street, Birkenhead ch41 1Bg ( 0151 647 2128 take a ride back in time on one of our heritage trams. let the memories of a bygone age of classic public transport come flooding back. Wander through our fascinating collection of trams, buses, motorcycles and cycles: see the delight on children's faces as they gaze in wonder upon the miniature world of our model railway while you explore the 1930 s garage scene. There's so much to see - so much to enjoy. 10 11 williamsonartgallery@wirral.gov.uk /williamsonartgallery @Visit_Wirral mtpsenquiries@yahoo.co.uk mtps.co.uk /wirraltransportmuseum @Visit_Wirral 12
active leisure active leisure championship adventure golf King's Parade, New Brighton ch45 2hZ ( 0151 638 9135 11 peak pursuits Peak Pursuits, Marine Lake, Kings Parade, New Brighton ch45 2pB ( 0151 638 8750 01782 722 226 12 championship adventure golf at New Brighton Resort. Voted Attraction of the Year at the Wirral Tourism Awards 2014. We are the premier outdoor, all family golfing attraction where each hole is inspired by 18 of the World's greatest golf holes - including Royal Liverpool! And our brand new second course - Landmark Adventure Golf - themed on Wirral's famous landmarks past and present, opens June 2014! No booking required, just turn up and play. Open from 10am until 7pm (last entry) all week. New Brighton looking for some great outdoor fun and adventure? then get active at New Brighton marine lake with peak pursuits! Enjoy paddle sports, sailing, adventure activities and team building for all. Instructed sessions and courses available by advanced booking. Hourly boat hire available just turn up and have a go. There s something for everyone at Peak Pursuits. Join in the fun and make a splash! 1 April - 31 October 10am - 6pm daily New Brighton info@championshipminiaturegolf.com /Championship-Adventure-Golf/156452377853621 @playminigolf info@peakpursuits.co.uk peakpursuits.co.uk peakpursuits @Peak_Pursuits 13 14
active leisure RspB Burton mere Wetlands RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire ch64 5sf ( 0151 353 8478 outstanding beauty, an abundance of wildlife and a rich history combine to offer something for everyone to enjoy in this quiet corner of the Dee estuary. Immerse yourself in the wetland that is home to breeding wading birds in summer, and an array of ducks and geese in winter. Beautiful butterflies and colourful wildflowers decorate the nature trails, with a stunning bluebell woodland in spring. Take part in one of our exciting events or venture up to Burton Point for a look at the Wirral s only Iron Age hillfort. Finish with a drink and snack in our cosy reception area. Daily, except Christmas Day. Reserve 9am - 9pm (or dusk if earlier); reception building 9.30am - 5pm. Free to RSPB members, small admission charges apply for non-members. Neston or hooton 13 Brimstage maze Behind Brimstage Hall, Brimstage Road, Brimstage ch63 6Ja ( 07709 339 490 family fun In the heart of rural Wirral, Brimstage maze offers farmtastic fun for all the family; and great for children's parties. Our indoor and outdoor play areas include a large soft play barn, pedal go karts, outdoor laser battles, inflatables, barrel train and crazy golf, not to mention the giant maize maze open from July to September. Open school holidays and weekends from Easter to October from 10.30am to 5pm, check the website for details. Admission charges apply all activities are included in the admission charge, check website for details. heswall or spital 14 Registered Charity No. 207076 deeestuary@rspb.org.uk rspb.org.uk/deeestuary /RSPBNorthWest @RSPB_BurtonMere info@brimstagemaze.co.uk brimstagemaze.co.uk /Maizemaze @MaizyMooCow 15 16
family fun family fun Bubbles World of play Marine Point, Kings' Parade, New Brighton ch45 2hZ ( 0151 691 6030 15 church farm Church Lane, Thurstaston ch61 0hW ( 0151 648 7838 16 Bubbles World of play is the ultimate children s entertainment centre offering a whole new concept of play that is both fun, educational and fitness enhancing. Housing the largest and most innovative play frame in the UK. Children are encouraged to learn and explore over 30 different countries and zones from the yellow New York taxis in the Central Park themed baby area to the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China in the over 4 s zones. Open 9.30am to 6pm, 7 days a week (except Christmas and Easter). New Brighton meet the animals, ride on the tractor and learn about food and farming at Wirral s 2012 attraction of the year. Cuddle a guinea pig, feed a goat, collect some eggs and have a go on our new barrel train, then browse the farm shop for home-grown vegetables and tasty treats. Join us for our seasonal events with a difference. Events include the Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Experience and the Fairytale Forest - our newest summer event. Wednesday - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am - 5pm Admission charges apply West Kirby info@bubblesworldofplay.co.uk bubblesworldofplay.co.uk /BubblesWorldofPlay @BubblesPlayNB 17 thefamily@churchfarm.org.uk churchfarm.org.uk /Church-Farm-Wirral/321449978331 @churchfarmfun 18
family fun shopping & entertainment New palace & adventureland The New Palace, Marine Promenade, New Brighton ch45 2JX ( 0151 639 6041 17 Birkenhead market Claughton Road, Birkenhead ch41 2yh ( 0151 666 3194/5 18 every day is a funday at the New palace. New Brighton s original and all-year indoor and outdoor family attraction. Largest Children s Indoor Play area in Wirral, caters for children (toddlers to 13 s). Outdoor Funfair and Brightspot Arcade provides FUN for the whole family. Choice of eateries with views of Fort Perch Rock and to Liverpool across the Mersey. Brightspot arcade Open daily. Closed Christmas Day. FREE ENTRY adventureland Open weekends & school holiday s. 5ft height restriction applies.children s ALL DAY PASS includes free bar of rock, ride & 10% off food. funfair Open weekends & school holidays. FREE ENTRY (tokens for rides extra). See website for dates, prices and seasonal times. New Brighton Nestling in the centre of the town, the market offers the very best of both worlds with its spacious, modern Wirral shopping hall and the friendly, bustling, traditional outdoor market offering bargains and variety. There is a balance to the range of traders and new ones join all the time. Traders range from homemade food & drink, local hairdressers and some of the highest brand clothing at affordable prices. We will always have what you are looking for. Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm conway park collette@wilkieleisuregroup.co.uk wlgltd.co.uk /visitwirral @Visit_Wirral danny@birkenheadmarket.com birkenheadmarket.co.uk /Birkenhead-Market/207042529318458 @WirralMarkets 19 20
shopping & entertainment shopping & entertainment Brimstage hall courtyard Brimstage Hall, Brimstage ch63 6Ja ( 0151 336 4828 19 floral pavilion The Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton ch45 2Js ( 0151 666 0000 20 Brimstage hall and craft courtyard nestles in the heart of rural Wirral. It is a popular attraction featuring many interesting and unusual shops, with the hall itself dating back to the 12th century. Find an abundance of gifts in a variety of eclectic shops and visiting crafters. Whilst here, also sample the home cooking of The Country Mouse Restaurant. With free parking and plenty to suit all ages a visit here will provide much enjoyment for all. Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm and on Sunday 12pm - 5pm. At present there is no evening opening hours. this state of the art theatre and conference centre brings the West end to the North West. Experience the excitement of live performance with the Floral Pavilion s varied programme of musicals, drama, comedy, opera, concerts, dance, family shows and pantomime. Free parking and pre-theatre dining available. Box Office Monday to Saturday 11am - 6pm Sundays 12noon - 4pm New Brighton heswall katy.baggott@leverhulmeestates.co.uk /visitwirral @Visit_Wirral floralpaviliontheatre@wirral.gov.uk floralpavilion.com /floral.pavilion @FloralPavilion 21 22
shopping & entertainment shopping & entertainment the light cinema Marine Point, New Brighton ch45 2hZ ( 0151 214 1370 21 the pyramids shopping centre 150 Borough Road, Birkenhead ch41 2Ra ( 0151 666 2626 22 the light cinema provides a new outlook on how the cinema experience should be enjoyed. The Light is an 8 screen cinema with state of the art digital picture and sound auditorium. Featuring the latest in opera, ballet, theatre and pop concerts from around the globe. See events as they happen with Light Live. This is a programme of events broadcast live to our screens from around the world. In high definition video with 5.1 surround sound. Not just a cinema, but a social hub for the whole community. Monday 10.15am - 11pm Tuesday - Thursday 10.15am - 11.45pm Friday 10.15am - 2.15am Saturday 9am - 2am Sunday 9am - 11.45pm New Brighton situated at the heart of Birkenhead, pyramids shopping centre boasts over 150 stores. Featuring an extensive range of popular high street names including Marks & Spencer, Next, Argos, River Island, LFC, The Perfume Shop, TJ Hughes, The Body Shop, H. Samuel, H&M, Costa and many more. With parking just 2 all day from Monday to Saturday and free on Sundays; The Pyramids Shopping Centre is the perfect destination for all your shopping needs. Monday - Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Friday - Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 5pm Birkenhead central 23 lightcinemas.co.uk/en/contact-us.aspx lightcinemas.co.uk /LightCinemas @TheLightWirral nfo@pyramidsbirkenhead.com pyramidsbirkenhead.com /pyramidsshoppingcentre @PyramidsSC 24
WoNDeRs of WIRRal WoNDeRs of WIRRal A554 12 11 15 21 17 20 New Brighton Wallasey Grove Wallasey Village New Brighton Wallasey Train route Train station Motorway A-road IRISH SEA Hoylake A540 West Kirby RIVER DEE Hoylake Manor Road West Kirby Meols North Wirral Coastal Park 2 A553 Royden Park Thurstaston Common A540 Thurstaston 16 Wirral Country Park 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Birkenhead Park Carr Farm Garden Centre Ness Botanic Gardens Port Sunlight Garden Centre Birkenhead Priory Lady Lever Art Gallery Mersey Ferries Port Sunlight Museum 12 Peak Pursuits 13 RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands 14 Brimstage Maze 15 Bubbles World of Play 16 Church Farm 17 New Palace & Adventureland 18 Birkenhead Market 19 Brimstage Hall Courtyard & Garden Village 20 Floral Pavilion Theatre & Conference Centre 9 Williamson Art Gallery & Museum 21 The Light Cinema 10 Wirral Transport 22 The Pyramids Museum Shopping Centre 11 Championship Adventure Golf 25 Moreton Leasowe Leasowe Arrowe Country Park J2 A551 Heswall J1 Bidston A553 Upton A540 J3 Parkgate A5027 Birkenhead North Birkenhead 9 Heswall Neston M53 A552 Neston 1 Tranmere 19 14 Brimstage Ness 3 A551 Birkenhead Park Seacombe Conway Park 22 18 Birkenhead J4 Burton 13 7 10 Central Green Lane 7 5 A41 Rock Ferry Rock Ferry Liverpool Hamilton Square 6 8 Port Sunlight 4 Bebington Woodside Port Sunlight Bebington Spital Bromborough Rake Bromborough Eastham Rake Hooton A41 Eastham Country Park Eastham RIVER MERSEY J5 J6 Hooton Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council Licence 100019803, 2014 26
WoNDeRs of WIRRal 27 how to get here By RaIl If you re travelling to Wirral by train, the Merseyrail network connects to the national rail network via Liverpool Lime Street Station and Chester Railway Station. By RoaD The M53 motorway forms the spine of Wirral, running from the North to the South. All Wonders of Wirral attractions are located off the M53. The M53 connects to the M56, which in turn meets the M6. Both Liverpool and Chester are around 30 minutes drive away, Chester via the motorway, and Liverpool through either the Kingsway (Wallasey), or Queensway (Birkenhead) tunnels. A toll applies. By ferry A direct cross-river service operates between Liverpool, Birkenhead and Seacombe/Wallasey, seven days a week. Stena Line ferries operate a Belfast route from Birkenhead s Twelve Quays terminal. For rail, bus and ferry timetables Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit traveline.info or merseytravel.gov.uk For national rail enquiries Visit nationalrail.co.uk For Stena Line ferry timetables Visit stenaline.co.uk event highlights march WIRRal history & heritage fair april easter events across WIRRal may WIRRal WalKINg festival secret gardens of oxton oxtonsociety.org.uk farm feast farmfeast.co.uk JuNe 10th WIRRal folk festival wirralfolkonthecoast.co.uk WIRRal BIKeathoN wirralbikeathon.com July festival of firsts festivaloffirsts.com august caldy festival of golf caldygolfclub.co.uk hoylake RNlI open Day hoylakelifeboat.org.uk WoNDeRs of WIRRal september BIRKeNheaD park festival of transport bheadtransportfest.com WIRRal golf classic wirralgolfclassic.co.uk Wallasey motor club promenade stages Rally wallaseymc.com heritage open Days wirralheritage.org.uk october WIRRal half marathon & BtR WIRRal 10K btrliverpool.com halloween WeeK at church farm churchfarm.org.uk NovemBeR INteRNatIoNal guitar festival bestguitarfest.com DecemBeR floral theatre pantomime floralpavilion.com christmas events across WIRRal /whats-on/events-calendar 28
WoNDeRs of WIRRal WoNDeRs of WIRRal plan your stay Whether you re planning to come to Wirral to visit one of our fantastic attractions featured throughout this booklet or planning to go to one of the many events featured on page 28, it is well worth considering a stay. With award-winning accommodation and food & drink venues in a wide variety of settings, you can explore Wirral to your heart s content from a comfortable base while enjoying a high quality offer throughout your stay. Don t forget our awardwinning coast and countryside too for the keen walkers and cyclists amongst you and also, how convenient a base Wirral is for visiting our neighbours, Liverpool and Chester. online For even more information about all that Wirral has to offer, go to. It s packed with all the information you will need to make the most out of your stay. Being able to check accommodation availability and make your booking online is another plus and makes life much easier. Stay informed and get involved! Discover Wirral WIN a 5 star WeeKeND for two! /winaweekend (Terms and conditions apply) Hilbre Islands Enjoy a two night stay at the luxury 42 caldy Road in West Kirby, a delightful three course dinner at the portrait house in hoylake. Afternoon Tea at lawns, thornton hall hotel in thornton hough. the port sunlight museum and garden village experience and a game of miniature golf at championship adventure golf in New Brighton. To enter the competition go to: /winaweekend Competition closes 31st October 2014. /visitwirral @Visit_Wirral Please note the competition may change during the lifetime of the booklet. 29 30
R For more information or to download a copy of our Wonders of Wirral booklet, go to: /attractions Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this booklet. Regretfully the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies and omissions within this publication. Opening times, facilities and admission charges can change without notice. Please check full details via phone or website with the individual Attractions prior to visiting. Wirral Host of The Open Championship 2014 325JUL13SK