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Hidden Gems
Birkenhead Park
Birkenhead Park is a fabulous public park in the centre of Birkenhead on the Wirral Peninsula. It was designed by Joseph Paxton and opened on 5 April 1847 as the first publicly-funded civic park in Britain. It was the inspiration behind Central Park in New York.
More information on Birkenhead Park
Hilbre Island
The Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve is contained within the Dee Estuary off the coast of the Wirral at West Kirby. The estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, and a Wetland of International Importance. You can walk out to the three tidal islands of Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island itself but you must watch the tides.
More information on Hilbre Island
Formby Point
Formby Point is a large area of beach, sand dunes and pine woods. This ever-changing sandy coastline set between the sea and Formby town offers miles of walks through the woods and dunes. The shoreline and dunes are rich in wildlife, and prehistoric animal and human footprints can sometimes be found in the silt beds.
Norton Priory
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is a fantastic day out, with an award winning museum, excavated medieval ruins, a lovely Walled Garden and an extensive woodland and sculpture trail. It has a wide ranging events programme throughout the year, with great events and activities for visitors of all ages.
More information on Norton Priory
Carr Mill Dam
Carr Mill Dam is the region’s largest body of inland water and is surrounded by picturesque lakeside trails and walks. It also holds national competitive powerboat and angling events. It started out as a mill pond built to power Carr’s Mill but was expanded to provide water to the new St Helens Canal in the 1800s. A great spot for birdwatching.
More information on Carr Mill Dam
Knowsley Hall
Knowsley is a 2,500 acre privately owned estate and historic Hall just 15 minutes from Liverpool city centre offering sprawling fields and manicured lawns and an array of awe-inspiring rooms to suit all events. It also has a world-class Safari Park, award winning accommodation and a spa.
More information on Knowsley Hall
Martin Mere Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is the largest international wetland conservation charity in the UK. You can have a fantastic day out at Martin Mere seeing, feeding and learning about wetland birds and mammals as the only attraction in the North West that has a beaver enclosure. New for 2011 is the Canoe Safari Experience, this self guided canoe safari involves three people sitting in a Canadian style canoe for up to an hour as a fun and interactive way of getting close to wildlife and nature.
