The Best Scenic Walks and Trails Near Liverpool

If you’re planning a sunny day out or a crisp winter stroll, look no further than our guide to the best family walks and trails near Liverpool.

From the exquisite beauty of Hale Village, to scenic and sandy Thurstaston beach, we’ve found something for everyone, just a stone’s throw from the city.

So this weekend, why not get the whole gang together for an unforgettable day out? Each destination is only a short drive from Liverpool or can be reached easily by public transport.

Walks and Trails Near Liverpool

Hale Village and Hale Head Lighthouse

Only a short drive from the heart of Liverpool, Hale Village is a charming hidden gem steeped in history. Park your car near the Childe of Hale pub and spend some time exploring the village and its fascinating tales.

The village is renowned for the legend of John Middleton, best remembered as the Childe of Hale. Make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to the famous statue and Middleton’s former home, one of Hale’s remaining thatched cottages.

You can also pay a visit to Middleton’s grave in the churchyard of St Mary’s on Church Road – the grave is easy to spot and reads “Here lyeth the bodie of John Middleton the Childe. Nine feet three. Borne 1578. Dyede 1623.”

Follow the path down to the shore to reach the kissing-gate where you’ll find a sign post to lead you off on your adventure. One of the best walks in Liverpool, the trail route covers Rixton to Garston, with plenty of scenery and wildlife to look out for along the way.

You’ll also discover the Hale Head Lighthouse along the shore path before continuing beside the estuary and back towards the village, where we’re sure you’ll want to reward yourself with a pint!

If you enjoy the historic charm of Hale make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to Woolton Village.

Wirral Way and Thurstaston Beach

Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque of walks near Liverpool, it’s well worth taking a trip to Wirral Way and Country Park as well as Thurstaston Beach. The Wirral Way incorporates Wirral Country Park along the way, so you can take a walk along the disused railway line and beautiful coastal path taking you on a journey along Wirral Penisular.

Wirral Country Park is a fantastic spot to stop off with a picnic or even for a summer BBQ, with spacious areas catering for both. If you cut through the Country Park towards the beach, you’ll find an enchanting, deciduous set of steps leading you down to the sandy seafront.

One of the most dog-friendly walks near Liverpool, take a stroll right along the beach for captivating views and a glimpse of Shore Cottage Studio. The working artists’ studio adds a unique touch to the aesthetic of the beach itself, serving as a creative haven for those in need of inspiration.

Whether it’s a warm day in summer or a breezy autumnal weekend, you can expect a scenic day out that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and restored.

Hilbre Island

Take a trip to Hilbre Island for a day out to remember. Families have flocked to the island for picturesque picnics and impressive views for generations – and it’s easy to see why! Children (and big kids!) can let their imaginations run wild while enjoying the atmospheric scenery of this special spot.

Before setting out, it’s important to check the times of the tide and plan ahead, leaving yourself more than enough time to get back. The island is home to an array of wildlife and is equipped with its very own Bird Observatory.

Though the island is far from eerie on a bright and sunny day, it’s easy to see how the mystical island inspired detective novels by Ann Cleeves. The author and her husband lived on the island working as auxiliary coastguards for four years. Cleeves’ books Come Death and High Water were written on the island itself. Thinking of her time on the island, Cleeves said, “It’s a wild, wonderful, lonely location – the perfect place for a murder.”

So if you’re in search of mystery and adventure, why not go and see for yourself?

Otterspool Promenade to Pier Head

If you fancy challenging yourself to a long walk with plenty of Liverpool sights, Otterspool Promenade to the Pier Head is one of the best walks in Liverpool. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, this is a fantastic way to take in some magnificent landmarks along the way.

Otterspool is home to a fantastic children’s play area so if you’re bringing the children along, make sure you pay a visit. Festival Gardens is also located close to the promenade, and is well worth visiting for its tranquil oriental gardens.

Heading all the way from Otterspool into the city centre is quite a walk, so we’d recommend a well earned break at one of the waterside pubs to break up the journey and make the most of the day. The Brittannia Inn Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery is a great spot to stop off for a quick pint in the beer garden for a bite to eat.

When you reach the Pier Head, you’ll be blown away by the grandeur of Liverpool’s architecture. The Three Graces include the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, showcasing the best of the city and historic foundations dating back to the early 1900s.

Once you’re in the city centre, why not treat yourself to a cocktail at Carpathia Champagne Bar & Restaurant? The rooftop bar is home to a scenic outdoor terrace showcasing unrivalled views across the city.

Sefton Coastal Path

Taking you along the Sefton coastline from Crosby to Southport, the Sefton Coastal Path is an ideal walk for an afternoon of fresh air and scenery. This trail is well-marked so you won’t have too much trouble navigating your way around it and there’s plenty to see along the way.

The seafront offers striking views of Liverpool, New Brighton and North Wales, while we also recommend taking a stroll down to the beach to see Antony Gormey’s famous iron men. ‘Another Place’ by Anthony Gormley features 100 cast-iron, life-size figures staring out to sea at the horizon.

After you’ve taken a few snaps of the iron men, carry on along the path towards Hightown but keep an eye out for remains of war bunkers within the dunes and art installation The Pebble. Eventually, you’ll come to Formby where you’ll find the lovely Ainsdale National Nature Reserve. The trail ends with Royal Birkdale Golf Course and the scenic pier of seaside town Southport.

At this point, it’s probably time for some ice cream!

Parkgate Village

On a sunny day, there are few better places to take a walk than the village of Parkgate. The picturesque coastal resort has entertained families for decades, offering an abundance of wildlife and scenery alongside plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat.

And a day out to Parkgate wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Nicholls. A local favourite, the renowned ice-cream parlour has been serving an array of flavours of high-quality, delicious ice cream to customers since 1937!

The Boathouse is a great spot to stop off for some lunch or to catch some rays from the beer garden. What better way to spend a summer afternoon?

Formby Beach

There are few better family-friendly walks and trails near Liverpool than Formby. With so much to do, why not bring the little ones along for an unforgettable day out?

You’ll make memories to cherish spotting the red squirrels as you explore the enchanting woodland. Perfect for a scenic picnic surrounded by nature, there’s lots of space to stop off for a rest and some sandwiches.

Afterwards, head further down to the sand tunes for breathtaking views, a paddle in the sea and sand between your toes!

Delamere Forest

Perfect for catching the colours of Autumn foliage or rays of summer sun, escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Delamere Forest. A favourite for nature and wildlife lovers, Delamere is home to everything from the small tortoiseshell butterfly to the green woodpecker.

And for those in search of some challenge and adventure, you’ll discover the high ropes of Go Ape overlooking the forest and the lake. But don’t worry, if you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there’s a variety of long-distance footpaths meandering through the forest.

The Sandstone Trial, Delamere Way and Baker Way are well worth giving a go.

We hope you enjoy exploring the best scenic walks near Liverpool! If you enjoy days out with your four-legged friend, don’t miss our guide to the best dog friendly bars and restaurants in Liverpool.