Introduction

A guide to places to visit, history and wildlife along the Liverpool, Wirral and Cheshire shores of the Mersey Estuary

Stretching for around thirty miles to the coast, the Mersey Estuary is perhaps best known for Liverpool’s spectacular waterfront and the Mersey Ferry. But there are many hidden gems along its shores, including waterside parks, sandy beaches and poignant reminders of the days of steamships and sail.

Overview of the Guide

The Mersey Estuary: A Travel Guide provides suggestions for places to visit around the estuary from its upper reaches in Warrington to where it meets the sea at New Brighton and Formby Point. Destinations include Liverpool, Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, New Brighton, Port Sunlight, Runcorn, Warrington and Widnes. Places featured in Liverpool include the Three Graces, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, and the city’s largest museums.

Hidden Sights and Activities

In addition to the main tourist attractions, readers will discover some less well-known sights, including lighthouses, a castle, outdoor art, medieval buildings, and a transporter bridge, along with ideas for boat trips around the estuary and its canals and places for a bird’s eye view of Liverpool and areas inland.

Walks and Rides

There are also maps and route descriptions for fifteen suggested walks and cycle rides around the estuary, ranging from trips of a couple of hours to a full day out. The places visited include Bidston Windmill, Liverpool waterfront, Port Sunlight, the Manchester Ship Canal, the Another Place statues at Crosby Beach and the lighthouses at New Brighton and Hale Head.

Maritime History and Wildlife

For those interested in a more in-depth look at the estuary, there are chapters on its maritime history, wildlife and the influences from rivers and the tides. Topics include the development of the Port of Liverpool, the history of the Mersey ferries, how the estuary has been cleaned up in recent decades, modern-day shipping and navigation, and the many nature reserves around its shores. There are also tips on birdwatching and on where to see seals and the Mersey’s little-known tidal bore.

Conclusion

With stunning colour photographs, The Mersey Estuary: A Travel Guide is a must-read for travellers to the area and local residents alike.

Note: to reduce download times, some images have been removed from the ebook compared to the printed version.