Moving to Wirral Area Guide
With beautiful scenery and plenty to do, Wirral is an often-overlooked place to relocate.
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Right on the coast, Wirral offers its residents a revitalising seaside experience, but it’s so close to Liverpool that a city escape is also well within reach.
Wirral is set against a stunning natural landscape, with highlights including the area’s five designated nature reserves, as well as Wirral Country Park, the UK’s first official country park of its kind.
It’s a popular spot for holidaymakers, although Wirral locals stick around for its regular events and festivals, as well as the great quality of living.
Interested? Then keep reading for everything you’d ever need to know about moving to Wirral.
Where is Wirral?
Wirral is a metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in the north-west of England. It’s pretty much surrounded by water, with the River Dee, River Mersey and the Irish Sea surrounding three of Wirral’s four borders.
The area is made up of around 60 square miles of the northern Wirral peninsula. The postcode for Wirral is CH49.
Around 6 miles from Liverpool, Wirral’s main settlements include Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bebington, Hoylake and West Kirby. Ellesmere Port, Barnston and Greasby are also nearby. Slightly further afield, Wirral is also not a million miles from the northern edge of Wales.
A brief history of Wirral
The name ‘Wirral’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Wirheal’, which means ‘myrtle-corner’. This is because it’s thought that the land on which Wirral sits was once taken over by bog myrtle. However, the plant is no longer found in the area.
In 1817, the first steam ferry service across the River Mersey began. This allowed Wirral to join the industrialisation that was happening in the rest of Britain. Then, in 1886, the Wirral Railway opened and linked Wirral with Liverpool.
After the Second World War destroyed much of the Wirral harbour, the neighbourhood was rebuilt, and Wirral continued to flourish in industry.
An in-depth look at Wirral
Who lives there?
Wirral is a popular location to live in, with a population of over 300,000.
Wirral is mainly home to families and professionals who want an easy commute into Liverpool.
However, being so close to Liverpool and its sizable student population, Wirral does attract some young professionals too.
Types of property in Wirral
The area surrounding Wirral is the location of lots of spectacular, large family homes. The majority of properties are detached houses, with gardens and plenty of space.
Having said this, Wirral offers some smaller terraced properties and even some flats in certain areas. But you have to keep your eyes peeled, as these are a bit harder to come by.
If you’re looking to rent in the area, you can expect to pay around £624pcm for a one-bedroom property.
Transport links
Wirral has a good range of transport options on offer.
There are loads of bus links that can take you easily and efficiently all over Wirral. To reach Liverpool, buses from Wirral take around 45 minutes.
By rail, there are two Wirral line commuter services that can take you into Liverpool Central, operated by Merseyrail. These run regularly, with trains every 15 or 30 minutes, and additional services during peak times. This line offers easy connections with other National Rail services.
If you fancy being a little more adventurous or don’t have loads of shopping to carry, there are also walking and cycling routes to get you around the local area.
Restaurants and shops
There’s a great selection of places to grab a bite to eat in Wirral.
The Refreshment Rooms
If you’re looking for classic British grub, including fish and chips, then head over to The Refreshment Rooms. Here, you’ll find everything from a steak and ale pie to sausages and mash. They also offer great veggie options to substitute their classic meat dishes.
Burnt Truffle
For what one visitor described as ‘the best roast dinner’ they had ever had, make your way to Burnt Truffle. Obviously, the go-to here is the roast, but if that’s not your thing, then they have lots of other delicious options on offer. Why not try the pan-roasted cod or the famous truffle and parmesan chips?
Re-Fuel
If you’re looking to get your sweat on and then grab a tasty bite, Re-Fuel is the place for you. They have a range of yummy meals, including protein pancakes, tasty omelettes and classic eggs on toast.
Zero Clucks Given
If you’re a vegan or veggie with a KFC craving, Zero Clucks Given will become your new favourite place. Expect vegan chicken nuggets, burgers and wings.
Pyramids Shopping Centre
There are several shopping centres in Wirral, including Pyramids Shopping Centre, which has all the high street favourites on offer.
Socialising in Wirral
Thanks to a fantastic balance of outdoor attractions and cosmopolitan activities, you’ll always have plenty to do in Wirral.
- For drinks and a party atmosphere, head to The Wro. They have endless drinks and live events, including DJs and bands.
- If you’re looking for more excitement, Liverpool is just a short trip away.
- Wirral’s natural surroundings are beautiful and certainly worth exploring. A great park for a breath of fresh air is Wirral Country Park.
- Take in the culture at the Lady Lever Art Gallery.
- Play a game of golf at Wallasey Golf Club.
- Get your sea legs on one of the hop-on-hop-off Mersey Ferries.
Moving to Wirral
If you’re looking for country living with easy access to Liverpool, then Wirral is a really great option.
There are loads to explore, with some great places to try delicious food. It’s truly the perfect place for those with a family looking to relax and enjoy the quieter side of life.
If Wirral sounds like the ideal location for your next home, then make sure to kickstart your property hunt.
