Merseyside beach named one of ten best in the UK

A Wirral beach is one of the best in the country, according to new findings.

West Kirby beach has been ranked in the UK's top ten, in a list compiled by property letting business holidaycottages.co.uk. The company has collated data on more than 550 beaches across the country, assessing various criteria including: the availability of parking, toilets, lifeguards, cafes, water quality, accessibility, water sports available and whether the beach is dog-friendly.

West Kirby is the only beach in Merseyside to make the cut, after last year being named as the 12th best coastal beauty spot in the country by the Times.

Commenting on the new findings, Shannon Keary, PR & Communications Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk said: “Whether you live by the coast or have fond memories of holidays by the sea from your childhood, here in the UK we really value our time spent at the beach.

"Whilst we all have our own personal favourites, it was really interesting to dive into the facilities of each beach to find which ones have the most to offer, hopefully helping people to discover somewhere new for 2022.

“Being able to filter down to beaches with lifeguards, the highest water quality, the availability of water sports and other factors should really help people to make their decision on where best to enjoy their break by the sea!”

The top ten beaches scored highly in every category, making them a fantastic place to enjoy a summer beach day. West Kirby has been lauded for its sand dunes and offshore island archipelago, Hilbre Islands.

Among only one of 43 unabridged tidal islands in the UK, Hilbre Island is a popular spot, just an hour's walk at low tide. The islands are an important stopping off point for migration birds with the largest island home to the Hilbre Island Bird Observatory.

Reacting to the accolade, David Rawlinson, chair of community interest company, One West Kirby, told the ECHO: "We're so happy to see West Kirby beach named as one of the best in the UK. We agree wholeheartedly, but then we may be a little biased.

"It's a wonderful beach for families to enjoy, for dog walkers, for watersports and wildlife enthusiasts and, of course, the jewel in our crown - walking out to stunning Hilbre Island at low tide to spot seals

"We'd encourage people to visit our award-winning beach and then stay on for a look around all the fabulous independent shops and fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes on our high street.

"We're also delighted the local council has recently announced the raking to clean the beach, which had been suspended during covid and was awaiting approval, will be starting again shortly, just in time for our summer visitors".

The top beaches in the UK, in no particular order, are: