Merseyside Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Merseyside, including top places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health information, getting there and getting around.


Introduction to Merseyside

Merseyside is a county in North West England that encompasses the metropolitan area of Liverpool. This county was created in 1974, and in addition to Liverpool, it includes the towns of St. Helens, Sefton, Knowsley, and Wirral. Merseyside is a vibrant destination for anyone looking for an authentic taste of British culture. The home of The Beatles, Liverpool is steeped in history and culture, with plenty of things to do and see.

List of Places to Visit in Merseyside

Merseyside is home to a plethora of attractions, from cultural and historical landmarks to stunning natural vistas. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Merseyside:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Beatles Story - A museum dedicated to the history of one of the most famous bands in the world.
  • The Merseyside Maritime Museum - Tells the story of Liverpool’s maritime history, slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Walker Art Gallery - Liverpool’s main art gallery, home to works by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Auguste Rodin.
  • World Museum - A museum focusing on archaeology, ethnology and the natural sciences with significant collections of Egyptian and Classical archaeology, natural science collections, planetarium, and a bug house.

Natural Attractions of Merseyside: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sefton Park - a large park covering over 200 acres of land and is regarded as one of Liverpool’s most beautiful green spaces.
  • Crosby Beach - famous for its installation by artist Antony Gormley titled “Another Place,” featuring over 100 human figures scattered across the beach.
  • Formby Beach - a charming beach that is ideal for walks, cycling, and picnics, overlooking the Irish Sea.
  • Wirral Peninsula - a nature reserve with a mix of habitats including woodland, grassland, sand dunes, and reed beds. Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Merseyside

Merseyside has some excellent hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the top ones to try out:

  • The Trans Pennine Trail - A 215-mile coast-to-coast route that stretches from Southport to Hornsea
  • Liverpool Loop Line - an 11-mile urban greenway featuring parks and nature reserves.
  • Formby Point Walk - a 6.5-mile circular walk through pinewoods, sand dunes, and coastline.
  • West Kirby Circular - A 6.5-mile coastal walk that takes in beaches, nature reserves, and impressive views of the Dee Estuary.

Best Things to Do in Merseyside: Activities and Tours

Merseyside offers plenty of activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Take a Beatles Tour - Explore Liverpool and learn about the Beatles’ lives and career.
  • Go to a Football Match - Attend a game of Liverpool FC or Everton FC, two of the most successful and storied English football clubs.
  • Visit the Liverpool Cathedral - A magnificent piece of architecture, the Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the UK and one of the largest in the world.
  • Try the Liverpool Nightlife - Liverpool has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues.

Week-Long Itinerary for Merseyside

Day 1: Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum and take a trip on the Mersey Ferry.

Day 2: Explore the Beatles Story Museum and visit the iconic Cavern Club for live music.

Day 3: Take a stroll through Sefton Park and go to the Walker Art Gallery.

Day 4: Spend a day at the Liverpool ONE shopping center, followed by a night out on the town.

Day 5: Hike on the Formby Point Walk and soak in the scenic beauty of the route.

Day 6: Explore the West Kirby Circular walking route and visit the Wirral Peninsula nature reserve.

Day 7: Visit the Liverpool Cathedral and take a football stadium tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Merseyside

Merseyside boasts a food and drink scene to rival any city in the UK, with a mix of local and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Scouse - A hearty traditional meat and vegetable stew, with origins in the Northern working-class community of Liverpool.
  • Liverpool Gin - A premium gin distilled in Liverpool with a unique blend of botanicals and flavors.

Local Beverages

  • Cains Beer - The Cains brewery is one of the city’s most famous and served in several local bars.
  • Liverpool Craft Beer Co - An independent brewery with a range of craft beers that can be purchased on-site and online

Where to Stay in Merseyside: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses

Merseyside offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to affordable hostels, and cozy guesthouses, depending on your budget and requirements. Here are some of the top picks:

  • The Shankly Hotel Liverpool - A boutique themed hotel dedicated to the legendary Liverpool football manager Bill Shankly.
  • Hatters Hostel Liverpool - A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the city with some excellent reviews.
  • 30 James Street Hotel - A luxury hotel with spa facilities and a prime location for visiting Liverpool’s top attractions.

What to Buy in Merseyside: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and gifts to bring home, Merseyside offers plenty of options, including:

  • The Beatles Memorabilia - From postcards to vinyl records, there is no shortage of Beatles memorabilia in Liverpool.
  • Liverpool Football Club Merchandise - Support your favorite team with a range of Liverpool FC merchandise.

Local Culture and Customs of Merseyside

Merseyside has a rich history and a lively cultural scene. Here are some of the local customs and cultural highlights to be aware of:

  • Scouse - A regional dialect specific to the Merseyside region of England.
  • Music Scene - Liverpool is famous for its music scene, with a rich history of producing successful bands and musicians.
  • Football - The city is home to two of the most storied football clubs in England, Liverpool FC and Everton FC.
  • The People - Friendly and approachable, the locals in Merseyside are known for their warmth and welcoming nature.

Best Time to Visit Merseyside

The best time to visit Merseyside is during the summer months (June to August), when the temperatures are warm and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds. Spring and autumn can be an ideal time, with fewer tourists and milder weather. Winter is the quietest season, ideal for travelers looking for good deals on accommodation and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Merseyside

Do:

  • Visit Liverpool Cathedral - This iconic building is an impressive piece of architecture that is worth a visit.
  • Try Scouse - This traditional local dish is a must-try for foodies.
  • Go to a Football Match - The passion for football is strong in Liverpool, and attending a game is an unforgettable experience.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the Weather - The weather in Merseyside can be variable, so pack accordingly.
  • Get too rowdy - Liverpool has a lively nightlife scene, but be sure to behave and respect the locals.

Safety and Health

Merseyside is a safe destination for tourists, but as with any city, it’s best to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Here is some important safety and health information:

Safety in Merseyside

  • Travel in groups - It’s always safer to travel in groups, especially when visiting bars and clubs.
  • Avoid dangerous areas - Be aware of Liverpool’s more dangerous areas and take care when exploring them at night.

Health in Merseyside

  • Get Vaccinated - Make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Merseyside.
  • Take sun protection - The sun can be strong in Merseyside, especially in the summer months, so be sure to protect yourself from sunburn.

Getting to Merseyside: Transportation Options and Logistics

Merseyside is easily accessible by plane, train, bus, and car. No matter where you’re coming from, you can find a convenient way to get to Merseyside.

Airports Near Merseyside

  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport - Located a short distance from the city center, the Liverpool John Lennon airport serves both domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Merseyside

  • Liverpool One Bus Station - Located in the heart of Liverpool, this bus station serves local and national bus routes.

Other Options

  • Train - Merseyside has excellent rail connections to other parts of the UK, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
  • Car - If you’re coming from a nearby city, driving to Merseyside can be an affordable and convenient option, as it allows you to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Merseyside

Merseyside has an excellent transport network, making it easy to navigate the county and explore its various attractions. Here are some of the most convenient ways to get around:

  • Public Transportation - The Merseytravel transport network offers comprehensive rail and bus routes.
  • Taxi - Taxis can be hailed from the street or booked in advance through a local taxi company.
  • Car - Renting a car can be a good option for those looking to explore the countryside and beyond.

Where to Go Next from Merseyside: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Merseyside is well-connected to other destinations in England and the wider UK. Here are some ideas for where to go next:

  • Manchester - Visit the nearby town of Manchester, known for its world-class museums, galleries, and shopping.
  • London - Take a train or fly to the UK capital of London and explore all of its iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London.
  • The Lake District - A couple of hours away, The Lake District is a haven of natural beauty. Ideal for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Merseyside is a destination that has something for everyone. From exploring cultural and historical landmarks to discovering the great outdoors, Merseyside has plenty of attractions to keep you busy and entertained. Whether you’re looking for a city break or a rural escape, Merseyside ticks all the boxes and offers an authentic slice of British culture and heritage.

Liverpool Motorways Liverpool Motorways


    Birkenhead
    Bootle
    Central North Wirral
    Crosby
    Formby
    Heswall
    Newton-le-Willows
    Port Sunlight