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Get out on the water Café Culture
West Kirby Marine Lake is internationally renowned for its watersports . The world windsurfing speed record was broken here and it also hosts the annual Wilson Cup - the largest , most prestigious event in the international dinghy team racing calendar . But , it ’ s not just for the professionals , the recently refurbished Wirral Sailing Centre is run by a highly qualified team of instructors offering a range of water sports activities , from paddleboarding to windsurfing . Find out more at https :// wirralleisure . co . uk / sailing /
If there is one thing that West Kirby is renowned for , it ’ s places to eat and drink . From oat milk lattes and espresso martinis to woodfired pizzas and award-winning fish and chips . You ’ ll find a host of independent cafes , restaurants , bars and coffee shops throughout the town . Take a tip from the locals and stroll to the far end of Banks Road ( walking away from the beach ) to find some hidden gems off the beaten track .
Park life
Snap the sunset
If the beach is not for you , West Kirby is home to several parks . Ashton Park is the main attraction with a lake , playground , café , tennis courts , basketball court and a football pitch . Just off the promenade you will find smaller parks at Coronation Gardens and Victoria Gardens . Sandlea Gardens is also a hidden gem and a great spot to enjoy a picnic or ice cream away from the crowds .
Cycle on the Wirral Way
Shh … don ’ t tell everyone but West Kirby has sunsets to rival the best in the world . Look out towards Hilbre Island as the sun starts to dip and get your camera ready .
Hit the high street
West Kirby marks the start of the Wirral Way , which extends for 13 miles to Hooton . Cycle , walk or ride your horse along the former Dee railway line . You can access the Wirral Way a few hundred yards from the train station , opposite the Concourse Leisure Centre .
West Kirby ’ s high street is a haven for independent shops , from designer boutiques to stylish homeware stores to high end jewellers . Pick up some local , seasonal food from Colin Lunt ’ s grocery store on Banks Road , to pair with some fresh fish from the Seafood Shack and take your pick from the two family-run butchers , AI Roberts , in The Crescent or Hintons , on Banks Road .
Take a hike If you want to escape the crowds , there are many lesser-known walking trails around West Kirby . Starting at West Kirby beach , head along the line of sand dunes towards Hoylake . To your right , you can watch the golfers teeing off at the internationallyfamous , Royal Liverpool Golf Course , which is due to host the British Open in 2023 . You will cross over Red Rocks Marsh , which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to Natterjack toads and as well as migratory birds in spring and autumn .
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