The Wirral Peninsular
Location
The Wirral Peninsula is ten miles long and seven miles wide and is situated between Wales and Liverpool. West Kirby is located on the northwest corner of the coast of the Peninsula, at the mouth of the River Dee, across from the Point of Ayr, North Wales and the Welsh mountains.
The area is conveniently located just 15 minutes drive from the major town of Birkenhead, 20 minutes from Liverpool (approx 12 miles) and 30 minutes from the Roman town of Chester (approx 20 miles). The M53 is approximately a10 minute drive. West Kirby station provides easy rail access through to Liverpool and Chester.
Climate
The peninsula experiences a moderate climate with higher than average sunshine and lower than average rainfall.
West Kirby
The name West Kirby is of Viking origin, meaning ‘village with a church’. Over 1,000 years ago Norsemen settled around the site of St.Bridget’s church (originally dating back to the Norman period). The nucleus of the ‘old village’ was designated a Conservation Area in September 1973. Today the heart of the village is centred on West Kirby railway station, approximately 1km away.
West Kirby is a traditional seaside resort with a Victorian promenade, a marine lake and a host of speciality shops housed in elegant shopping parades, pubs, bistros, bars and restaurants.
During the summer months West Kirby is a popular destination for tourists. The marine lake supports a wide range of all year round water sports, permitting sailing and canoeing at low tide and particularly popular with wind surfers from up and down the country. The original lake opened in 1905 but, following a serious leak in the 1980’s, was reconstructed and enlarged, extending sporting opportunities.
The views from the promenade of the estuary, the North Wales Clwydian mountain range and Hilbre Islands are breathtaking.
Hilbre Island is a Local Nature Reserve and bird sanctuary situated a mile or so off the coast. It is surrounded by water at high tide. A colony of Atlantic Grey Seals inhabit
the West Hoyle Bank close to Hilbre, on occasions numbering over 500 on return from their breeding grounds on the shores of Wales or Scotland. The island is accessible by crossing the sands at low tide. Tide times are continuously on display. Look out for the islands famous dinosaur footprint.
The Wirral Country Park is situated along the route of the track bed of the former West Kirby to Hooton railway line along the Dee Estuary coast (The Wirral Way).
Community facilities
Concourse – 929 7801 – situated in town centre adjacent to railway station.
Facilities include: 25-metre swimming pool, squash courts, multi-sport activity hall and newly renovated Progressive Fitness suite. Also has own bar facilities, crèche, library, dining and function suite, bar and café.
Clubs and groups
West Kirby Sailing Club
Wirral Sailing Centre – 625 2510 – courses available to age 7 and over.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club – sited between West Kirby and Hoylake. Hosted the 2006 British Open.
Open spaces
Ashton Park – Houses a lake, popular with ducks and model boat enthusiasts, a bowling green, tennis courts and children’s play area.
Sandlea Park is situated in the centre of the town, a short walk from the railway station.
Local attractions
Charles Dawson Brown Museum – Located in the old school building, adjacent to St Bridget’s Church Centre. The museum contains exhibits showing the history of the fabric of St Bridget’s Church over the last thousand years.
Cheshire Oaks – Designer outlet village. Approx 20 minute drive.
Dee Estuary - One of the UK’s most highly protected wildlife resources. During the winter months the mudflats and salt marsh of the estuary support over 15% of the UK population of wader and wildfowl.
Parkgate – Famous for ice-cream and views over to Wales.
Royden Park - An area of sandstone outcrops (continuation of Thurstaston Common) with heathland, birch scrub, gorse, pine woods and mature woodland.
Thurstaston Common/Hill – Part of Wirral Country Park. Triassic red sandstone outcrop. Spectacular panoramic views of North Wales and Liverpool.
Wirral Country Park - Opened in 1973. One of the first designated country parks in Britain. The Wirral way passes through woodlands rich in wildlife, low cliffs and miles of sandy beach with grassy headlands. Visitor centre at Thurstaston with bird hide, snack shop and rest room. 250,000 visitors annually. Cycle hire available – Tel. 0151 512 6046
Trivia
• George Mallory - mountaineer, was schooled in West Kirby.
• Daniel Craig - actor who played James Bond in the 2006 version of Casino Royale, attended Hilbre High School and Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby.
• Selwyn Lloyd - former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Foreign Secretary and and Speaker of the House of Commons, lived in West Kirby.
• Glenda Jackson - actress and politician, attended West Kirby Grammar School.
• The Coral – rock band, are from neighbouring town Hoylake.
• In October 1991, the World windsurfing speed record was set on the West Kirby Marine Lake at 42.16 knots. It was held for 2 years until it was beaten in Australia.
• Tennis tournaments have been held in Ashton Park. Here, players including John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Monica Seles and Pete Sampras have played in competition.
Caldy
Caldy was designated a Conservation Area in October 1974. It is
situated on a prominent, wooded, west-facing slope, offering
dramatic views over the Dee Estuary to North Wales.
The area is cantered on a small historic village nucleus, almost
entirely constructed of red sandstone. Some of the buildings date back to the seventeenth century. The surrounding area is largely composed of substantial residential detached dwellings with extensive grounds, which have gradually come to define the character of the area.