Parking: Paid car park, Morrisons
Facilities: Ice cream, Morrisons next to beach, no toilet (unless you go into Morrisons)
Visiting West Kirby Beach
West Kirby beach is arguably the best beach in the North West, many people think this title belongs to Southport beach but I was brought up in Southport and now visit both regularly so this is purely my opinion based upon years of experiencing both.
I fully intend to update this post throughout the year to give you a fair assessment along with images but this first time it was a cold January day.
Now, I must admit, the weather wasn’t exactly on side during this visit. It was chilly, with a biting wind that cut right through to the bone.
Despite the unpleasant weather, West Kirby had a picturesque view. As the sun was setting and its golden hue shimmered over the water, beaches always provide a breathtaking sight and West Kirby delivers on its promise to impress.
Even on this cold January day it was clear that even the harshest of conditions couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who love this place with plenty of people still enjoying themselves despite the weather.
I arrived just before sunset and was fortunate enough to see the transformation. The sky was ablaze with pinks, oranges, and purples, painting the clouds with brilliant colours that seemed to change with each passing moment.
The sand
The sand is generally good, quite fine with pooled areas. Here’s a few images I took during my visit to show you.
Directions
Sat Nav Postcode: West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG
A bit about the beach itself
A small beach with a big impact, this 300-metre stretch lies between an expansive mile of dunes and vast sandy expanses stretching two kilometres. Its marine lake provides visitors with one of the best facilities in northwest England, recently modernised for all to enjoy.
Visitors to Dee Lane can make their way straight from the pavement onto the beach with ease, while delicious ice cream and coffee shops, as well as conveniently located public toilets are just a short distance away. There are also toilets inside Morrisons but use your discretion here, perhaps make a purchase first.
Lifeguards monitor the beach, particularly in busy months, as well as the tide line that stretches out to Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve, which is found just one kilometre away. Keep in mind that it’s essential to check both tide times and recommended safe crossing routes before making your way across to this island!
Watersports are beloved by many who visit here, but windsurfers and kite surfers must remain at least 100 metres away from the shoreline in order to give beachgoers the opportunity to bask in these pristine waters without fear of disruption.
Please be aware that drinking alcoholic beverages on West Kirby Beach is strictly prohibited. The police will confiscate any alcohol present in the “No Alcohol Zone”.
With free parking available along the picturesque promenade of Marine Lake, and a pay-and-display car park at Dee Lane closer to the beach, West Kirby offers all sorts of amenities. From bars and cafes to sandwich shops and various supermarkets with Morrisons being right next to the beach.
West Kirby Marine Lake, nestled next to the shoreline, offers a serene retreat for watersports lovers. With its calm and sheltered space perfect for activities such as kayaking and sailing.
Wirral Sailing School provides a unique opportunity located right at the lake, offering courses in sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
If you’re looking for an oasis of natural beauty, the sand dunes are a must-see. Meandering through one kilometre of native foliage and wildlife is sure to delight nature lovers alike. Enjoy its captivating hills and sparkling river valleys or uncover vast expanses of flat sands at low tide.
Keep your eyes open and be prepared to catch a glimpse of the uncommon Natterjack Toad, as it can swiftly move across sandy expanses.
The red rocks of the Hilbre-Island archipelago can be seen from all areas of the beach and this consists of three small islands, Hilbre Island, Middle Eye and Little Eye.
If you’re interested in visiting the Hilbre Islands, be sure to check the tide tables before venturing out. During high tides, these islands become inaccessible due mostly to their distance from shore. Make sure that you’ve allowed yourself plenty of time for your exploration as it will take up to five hours every twelve hours during low tides when they can be reached on foot. Furthermore, keep in mind that there are no convenience stores or fresh water sources available here; hence it is essential that visitors abide by its Local Nature Reserve regulations which include keeping all dogs leashed while enjoying this tranquil area’s natural beauty!
A Panoramic view of the beach
Also see my article on Thurstaston beach, New Brighton beach and beaches in Wirral.
Other info
Does West Kirby have a beach?
It certainly does! It has 300 metres of expansive sand which is glorious all year round.
Can you swim at West Kirby Beach?
Absolutely! West Kirby is the perfect destination for swimming with your little ones – its bathing water has been certified as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency, so you can rest easy knowing that paddling in this area will be safe and enjoyable. Just be mindful of the sailing club and also that there is a marine lake which may be more suitable to swim in.
How long does it take to walk to Hilbre Island?
One hour. It takes approximately one hour to traverse the picturesque walk from Dee Lane in West Kirby across Little Eye and onto Hilbre Island – an unforgettable excursion that will be cherished forever.
How long can you park in Morrisons car park West Kirby?
Stores in the Morrisons chain are happy to provide free parking for up two or three hours.
Can you take dogs onto the beach?
Yes, there is no problem with dogs and there is plenty of space for them to run around.
I moved to Wirral in 2006 and love this place. I have raised my two kids here and currently live in Parkgate. When looking for somewhere to live, the Wirral has it all. Beaches, fantastic shops, great commuter links, museums, art galleries, theatres, countryside, it’s near to Liverpool, Chester & Manchester and a whole lot more. Good and bad, I put this website together to try and explore it all and share it as I go. I hope you enjoy my journey!