33 places in and around Merseyside you should visit in 2025
11:22, 01 Jan 2025Updated 11:23, 01 Jan 2025
The Farmers Arms, Frankby(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Merseyside is packed with things to see and do – and lucky for us, we’re never too far away from thriving independent businesses, a scenic walk or a fun activity to get involved in. And as 2025 officially begins, many of us will be keen to try new places, whether they’re on our doorstep or require a bit more travel.
To avoid the January blues, a number of us will want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to somewhere more quiet to unwind with friends and family. In other cases, you may want to venture on an hour or two drive to unwind and explore somewhere completely different.
Throughout 2024, the ECHO has visited many destinations around our region that we think are worth a trip and want to revisit. And if they aren’t already on your radar – they should be.
As we embark on a new year, we take a look at 33 places that we think are must-visits from within Merseyside and beyond. From towns and villages to local farms, businesses and more, see how many you’ve visited in our list below.
This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, we’ve included places the ECHO has visited and featured as part of our destination series. If you have any suggestions for places to visit around Merseyside in 2025, let us know in the comments section below.
33. Village with secret waterfall, Netflix cave and tiny hidden house
Rydal is a small village in Cumbria in the Lake District, located between Ambleside and Grasmere. The village boasts beautiful views, a secret waterfall and a hidden house.
There are many things to see, including Rydal Cave, which was this year rated as one of the best places to visit in the UK by Time Out. You can also visit Rydal Hall with a secret waterfall and Ambleside where you can get something to eat at a traditional pub.
Cumbria’s Rydal Hall(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
These destinations in Rydal can all be reached in a two-hour drive from Liverpool. You can read more about it here.
32. Secluded village with beautiful beach that’s ‘unlike anywhere else’
Driving down a rural country lane into Thurstaston, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on holiday. Just 30 minutes away from Liverpool, the village is home to farms, a caravan park, cosy cafes and beautiful walks.
Thurstaston Beach is small in size but it wouldn’t look out of place on the Cornish coastline. Wooden steps lead down from Wirral Country Park to the beach on the sandy banks of the Dee Estuary. It sits at the bottom of clay cliffs and on a clear day offers beautiful views across to Wales.
Thurstaston Beach, Wirral
There is also the Wirral Way – a walk on the path on the track of an old railway that goes from West Kirby to Hooton in mid-Wirral offering superb views over the Dee Estuary to Wales. Originally the railway formed a circuit of Wirral and this is the missing link.
There are also plenty of cafes to visit where you can grab a coffee and cake. You can read more about it here.
31. Seaside village ‘with no sea’ used to be gateway to another country
The picturesque village of Parkgate on the Wirral peninsula is known for its award-winning ice cream, fish and chips and stunning views across the Dee Estuary to the Welsh hills. But 300 years ago it was home to one of Britain’s busiest ports, described as Cheshire’s gateway to Ireland.
The port was not only used to trade goods from England to Dublin, but also played an important role in Irish migration. As the River Dee went through the natural process of silting in the 1800s, the receding waters gave way to a beach resort where people would go sea bathing.
Joe Lyon from Parkgate Home-Made Ice-Cream.(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Today the water has retreated from Parkgate all together and it is now cut off from the River Dee and the Irish Sea. What was once a beach has been replaced by a saltmarsh and RSPB nature reserve, with a variety of wildlife attracting bird watchers and walkers from across the North West.
From Liverpool city centre, Parkgate is around a 35 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
30. ‘Lovely’ village with scenic walks, beer gardens and family chippy 30 minutes from Liverpool
A “lovely” village with beer gardens, scenic walks and a family chippy is continuing to grow. Coming off the M62, it would be easy to drive into and through Cronton and not stop off.
But no matter if it’s a hot summer day or time to wrap up, it is definitely a destination worth seeking out. Around half an hour away from Liverpool city centre, the village is home to a nature reserve, a beautiful tavern, historic pub, popular chippy, scenic walks and much more.
Emyr Barton (operations manager) and Erin Doran, from the Dandelion Tavern, Cronton(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Popular with families, dog walkers and cyclists, Pex Hill boasts breathtaking views, with visitors being able to see the mountains of North Wales and the Mersey Estuary in clear weather. The nature reserve, owned by United Utilities, is known for its astronomical observatory and a disused quarry.
There also places to visit for something to eat and drink, including the The Dandelion Tavern, The Unicorn Inn and Cronton Fish Bar. You can read more about it here.
29. Seaside town that’s ‘like being in the Mediterranean’ when the sun’s out
Historically part of Cheshire, Hoylake is nestled on the Wirral peninsula between West Kirkby and Meols. Around 250,000 tourists from all over the world descended on the seaside town last summer for The Open at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Here, you can enjoy a walk along the promenade on a sunny day, visit Market Street where there are plenty of places to have something to eat and drink – or paint some pottery – or take your dog for a run on the beach. Hoylake is not short of walks with incredible views.
Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral
It is the home to Red Rocks Marsh – a coastal reserve covering 10 acres of sand dunes, reedbeds and marsh. Red Rocks beach can be accessed from Stanley Road in Hoylake and offers breathtaking views over the Dee Estuary to Wales on a clear day.
From Liverpool city centre, Hoylake is just under a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
28. Stunning Harry Potter location you can visit for free two hours from Liverpool
As many will know, Yorkshire is not too far away and has plenty of scenic walks to boast. Malham Cove is a popular route covers the stunning landscape of Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss waterfall and Malham Tarn, which is Britain’s highest lake.
Last year, it also featured of ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks, presented by Julia Bradbury. The site – around a two-hour drive from Liverpool – is steeped in history, looks out over the Village of Malham and has attracted visitors for centuries.
Malham Cove in Yorkshire(Image: Jess Molyneux)
But in more recent years, it’s seen Harry Potter fans arrive in their masses. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part one, scenes were filmed all around the area, including the cove and Malham Tarn. Fans will notice the natural limestone formation is the location where Harry and Hermione apparate to after an argument with Ron Weasley.
There are also lovely pubs to stop off in in the nearby Malham Village. You van read more about it here.
27. Gorgeous village with ‘biggest beer garden’ and ‘scenic walks’ that’s only 20 minutes from Liverpool
Frankby is steeped in history and known for its historic buildings, scenic walks, popular country pub and incredible five-star hotel.
The Farmers Arms, is a popular pub raved about by residents from all across Wirral, which boasts stunning views, a huge beer garden and everything you want from a traditional, country pub. A destination in its own right, the pub has been at the heart of the community for well over a century.
The Farmers Arms, Frankby(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Nearby is Royden Park, which has woodlands, meadows, fishing mere and wetland mere, as well as a walled garden, miniature railway and more. On Sundays, you can see the steam powered passenger locomotive loved by kids and Royden Park also regularly holds craft fairs.
But in the grounds you can also find a large Mock Tudor house known as HillBark, which was re-erected between 1929 and 1931. You can read more about it here.
26. ‘Hidden gem’ village with Michelin Guide restaurant and award winning cheese shop
Located just to the south of Southport, Birkdale is a typical Victorian village that’s managed to retain many traditional businesses – from a fishmonger to a greengrocer, a butchers and a cheese shop. Sitting among these businesses is an array of independent bars and restaurants that attract both locals and visitors from further afield at the weekend.
Birkdale Village is just a short walk away from Southport beach, which attracts visitors on their way back from a coastal walk. When it comes to places to eat and drink, the village is spoilt for choice.
Mark Moss and John Clarke from Birkdale Cheese Co(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
It also includes an award-winning cheese shop – Birkdale Cheese Co – which sells a selection of classic cheese flavours, from the Birkdale blue and Birkdale mature cheddar, to more exotic cheeses like the 8 Blumen – a swiss cheese wrapped in eight different varieties of wildflower. Customers can sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese or charcuterie board.
It has now teamed up with the nearby Majestic Wines to offer cheese and wine nights. Around a 40 minute drive from Liverpool city centre, you can read more about it here.
25. Four star Michelin village where people ‘immediately made to feel at home’
Nestled within green pastures and rolling fields of farmland, Aughton is home to just over 8,000 people. The village stands between Maghull and Ormskirk, on the border of Merseyside and West Lancashire, and is just a 25-minute train journey from Liverpool Central.
Arriving in Aughton visitors will find a residential area, where tree-lined roads are found in all parts of the parish- and they will also find four Michelin stars. Michelin hands out the prestigious accolade to establishments in its annual guide based on food quality, cooking techniques, value and consistency.
Moor Hall Restaurant, Aughton(Image: Liverpool Echo)
In the 2023 edition, So-Lo in Aughton was handed a star for the first time, while the nearby Moor Hall retained its two stars. The Barn at Moor Hall also held on to its one star. Just up the road from Town Green train station is a row of establishments making their own mark, these include a butchers, a coffee shop and bar.
The area is perfect for a walk and special bite to eat. You can read more about it here.
24. Town that’s Golden Triangle Cheshire ‘without the pretension’
Knutsford boasts two main high streets – Princess Street and King Street – and all the nooks in between are lined with unique businesses, from sweet shops and chocolatiers to cigar lounges and craft ale bars. There’s Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, where an array of sweet treats spanning from nostalgic favourites to modern sweets are displayed to La Casa del Habano, specialising in the exclusive sale of cigarros Habanos (Havana cigars).
You can also head down to craft ale specialists Dexter & Jones, which is run by husband and wife owners, Katy and Adam Rickitt and stocks 1000 beers, mostly from the UK. Knutsford is also spoilt for choice in terms of food options too – there’s a Mowgli, Piccolino and tons of other independents like Lindon Stores, which offers modern British cuisine in a relaxed setting, owned by Laura Christie and Chris Bousted.
Good Morning Britain presenter Katy Rickitt runs Dexter and Jones, Knutsford, with husband, ex-Corrie and Hollyoaks star Adam Rickitt(Image: MEN)
The town centre is also conveniently right next to the entrance to the historic country estate of Tatton Park. Pedestrians can head through the main gates along Knutsford Drive and walk around the parkland for free during daytime hours.
From Liverpool city centre, Knutsford is just under an hours drive. You can read more about it here.
23. Beauty spot people go to watch the sunrise with stunning views
Mam Tor, meaning Mother Hill, is over 500m tall and overlooks the beautiful village of Castleton at the head of the Hope Valley in the Peak District. Often referred to as the “shivering mountain,” Mam Tor has long attracted visitors from across the UK as one of the National Parks’ most famous walks.
It’s found a new audience with apps like TikTok, with many sharing their views after heading to the top for sunrise. Mam Tor is the starting point for the Peak District’s famous Great Ridge walk and it also has a number of caverns just below it.
Mam Tor in the Peak District in Derbyshire(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
There is also a longer circular route which takes you around Mam Tor and boasts more stunning scenery. Around a 15 minute drive away from Mam Tor is Castleton, which has lots of pubs to choose from and shops to browse.
From Liverpool city centre, Mam Tor is around a one hour and 40 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
22. ‘Pocket of countryside’ with spectacular maze, beautiful courtyard and independent brewery
Steeped in history and surrounded by countryside, Brimstage is situated few minutes from J4 of the M53 and definitely has a lot to offer. Off Brimstage Road, behind a beautiful courtyard, a farmers field every year transforms into a spectacular maze that can only be described as a “kids dream.”
Located on Brimstage Farm, the idea was started two decades ago by the Gregory family, who are now in their third generation of farming. On the site, you can not just find their family-fun maze, but also Maizy’s Play Barn, an indoor play area suitable for different ages, as well as outdoor barrel rides, a giant barnyard-themed croquet section and activities such as a climbing wall, a wooden play frame and more.
Brimstage Hall & Courtyard, Wirral(Image: Photo by Iain Watts)
In front of the Maze, Brimstage Hall & Courtyard today is home to The Courtyard Coffee Shop and Café, numerous boutique shops and more independent businesses. A few minutes away down Brimstage Lane, Adam Williams, 47, and his team work to create the “perfect pint” in Brimstage Brewery, which can be found in venues across Wirral and beyond.
From Liverpool city centre, Brimstage is around a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.
21. Beautiful village with grey-stone cottages, cosy pubs and scenic walk
Surrounded by mountains, the small village of Beddgelert in North Wales is definitely worth the trip. Located in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park area of Gwynedd, its name translates to ‘the grave of Gelert,’ a local legend that has been passed down the generations.
With its old stone cottages, traditional pubs and quaint shops, the area gives a feel of being frozen in time and has long attracted visitors from across the UK. The picture-postcard village is tucked in the valley where the Rivers Glaslyn and Colwyn meet and there’s a beautiful stone bridge which crosses the water.
The River Glaslyn flows under a stone bridge in Beddgelert in North Wales(Image: Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Beddgelert is a beautiful day out, no matter what the weather – like many other beautiful villages and destinations in North Wales. You can also stop at other places nearby to the area as there’s plenty to see.
From Liverpool city centre, Beddgelert is around a two hour and 15 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
20. Beautiful tea room is ‘straight out of a fairy tale’
Surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer idyllic views of the Conwy Valley lies one of North Wales’ most famous tea rooms – Tu Hwnt I’r Bont. Located in the small town of Llanrwst, on the edge of Snowdonie, its name translates to ‘Beyond the Bridge’ and it is actually considerably older than the historic Inigo Jones bridge it stands beside.
Built in 1840, the grade II listed site was previously used as a court house before it was acquired by the National Trust, who have since leased the building for over 50 years. Transformed into a beautiful tea room years ago, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is a must-see attraction.
Tu Hwnt L’r Bont tea room in Llanrwst(Image: . Photo by Ian Cooper)
The exterior is well wrapped in a blanket of Virginia Creeper. In the spring and summer months, the foliage is dark green – but as the colder seasons approach, it transforms into a vivid, autumnal red.
From Liverpool city centre, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is around a one hour and 40-minute drive. You can read more about it here.
19. In a quaint little village is a beauty you won’t find on many high streets
In rural Cheshire, between Chester and Crewe, sits the chic little village of Tarporley. The town’s high street is lined with quaint tea rooms and antique shops, along with stylish bars, restaurants and clothing retailers.
Ginger and Pickles, a bakehouse which smells even better on the inside than it looks on the outside, is a family run business that has been in the village for seven years, making all their own products using local suppliers, from Bakewell tarts to flapjacks as well as cakes for any occasion. Directly opposite, across the street, is Ginger and Pickles’ tea room – a sit-down affair, it serves breakfast, lunch (mainly consisting of sandwiches) and afternoon tea (both sweet and savoury).
High Street, Tarporley(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A few doors down you’ll find Little Tap, owned by Myles Carr, which is a bar that specialises in cask beers and small plates. Tarporley also isn’t short on pubs, which include the dog-friendly Rising Sun and in the area, you will also find Bonjour Wines which stocks a variety of wines harvested from around the globe, as well as beers, ales and champagnes.
From Liverpool city centre, Tarporley is just over an hours drive. You can read more about it here.
18. ‘Peaceful’ village with ‘magical’ tea garden and ‘bear pit’
Steeped in history and natural beauty, Eastham definitely has a lot to offer. Heading down Stanley Lane, you’re greeted by historic, idyllic cottages, as well as a number of independent businesses, like The Montgomery Pub & Kitchen, Eastham Village Delicatessens and The Hooton Arms, a wet-led pub which has been serving customers for generations.
A 20-minute walk or the 38 bus will take you to Eastham Ferry, where you take in the views of the incredible Liverpool skyline on a clear day and see ships pass along the River Mersey. A stones-throw away is The Tap pub, which has stood on Ferry Road since at least 1745 and also has the the Bear Pit Café, serving “quality food at a reasonable price.”
Eastham Ferry, with views of the River Mersey (Image: Photo by Colin Lane)
Around the corner from the The Tap is Eastham Country Park, a place where you can wander around the beautiful woodland. Just outside of the country park, The Mimosa Tea Garden, situated next to the car park, gives the illusion of stepping into a “magical” world, filled with fairy gardens, quirky furniture and homemade treats.
From Liverpool city centre, Eastham Ferry is around a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.
17. ‘More Scousers’ moving into ‘really nice’ town
A town not too far from Liverpool is drawing in “more Scouse accents” thanks to its stunning scenery and array of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Burscough, situated just north of Ormskirk, lies along the West Lancs stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, becoming a popular spot for boaters, cyclists, and dog walkers charmed by its quaint character.
At Burscough Wharf, you’ll find a picturesque cluster of heritage buildings that house a buzzing hub of independent ventures. Among them is Hugo’s, a family-owned café bar, with James Smith at the helm, offering brunch, lunch, coffee, and drinks.
The Leeds-Liverpool Canal that leads into Burscough
Just a stone’s throw away from Hugo’s, craft beer aficionados will be delighted to discover The Thirsty Duck across the courtyard at the Wharf, which opened in 2020 and boasts an extensive selection of beers from around the UK and the globe. A little further afield, but still technically within Burscough, is The Farm on Martin Lane.
From Liverpool city centre, Burscough is around a 50-minute drive. You can read more about it here.
16. ‘Chocolate-box’ village that’s the ‘perfect day trip’
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can also visit a small village in Lancashire that looks like something out of a storybook. Full of idyllic cottages and thriving independent businesses, Croston is steeped in history and rural landscape.
Here, you’ll find a cosy little café called Thyme on the Yarrow, which serves an array of breakfasts, lunches and sweet treats. A stone’s throw away from the café, you will immediately spot a beautiful shop with a bright blue door which is home to two local businesses – lifestyle and gift shop Feather & Twigs and clothing boutique The Secret Closet.
Bridge over the Yarrow River in Croston Village(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Situated next to the village green and next door to businesses Out Lane Social and The Lord Nelson, you’ll find The Wheatsheaf pub which boasts everything from real ale to traditional meals, live music and is a perfect spot regardless of the weather. You can also make your way down Westhead Road to find Croston Sports Club and The Black Horse pub, operated by Andrew Edmundson who said customers come from Liverpool to visit the pub “on a weekly basis.”
From Liverpool city centre, Croston village is just over an hour drive. You can read more about it here.
15. Country park a short drive with stunning views and beautiful coffee shop
Located on the western edge of the Peak District National Park near Macclesfield, Tegg’s Nose Country Park pulls in thousands of walkers every year. Boasting panoramic views of Cheshire and beyond, among its quirks is the rather impressive site at the hilltop of an old quarrying site.
If the weather is on your side, visitors may be able to see Liverpool’s cathedrals and Welsh hills while there. But arguably the main attraction is the stunning panoramic views from the top of the hill.
Views from Teggs Nose, Peak District National Park(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Many Cheshire landmarks are visible on the clearest of days, including Jodrell bank around 11-12 miles away. Before you leave, you can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink at The Nose Coffee on Buxton Old Road.
From Liverpool city centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park is just under an hour and a half drive. You can read more about it here.
14. Destination family farm shop with café and butchers that’s easy to get to
Just off the M53, you’ll find a farm that’s been run by the same family for more than 100 years. Loved by locals and visitors alike for its popular farm shop and café that serves produce grown on the farm itself, Claremont Farm in Bebington, Wirral, is another must visit.
Whieldons also run a butchers’ counter inside the farm shop, stocked with local meats and a selection of homemade pies and sausage rolls. Brothers Andrew and Guy Pimbley are the fourth generation of their family to run the tenanted farm, with the help of their parents Ian and Pauline, who are in their 80s.
Claremont Farm, Wirral(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Inspired by The Everyman Bistro in Liverpool, which blazed a trail in the hospitality industry before it closed in 2011, Claremont Farm decided to build a new farm shop and café. The café serves a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu and previous summer events at Claremont Farm have included acoustic nights to outdoor theatre and classic car shows – and its popular pick your own strawberries.
From Liverpool city centre, Claremont Farm is just under a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.
13. Bustling village with ‘country-esque feel about it’ that’s growing in popularity by the day
Located on the edge of St Helens, the historic village of Rainhill is a haven of independents, attracting loyal local customers as well as new from further afield. Among the businesses there are Hayes Butchers, an independent on Warrington Road which occupies a site that has been home to a butchers shop for around 200 years.
A little further down the road, you will find Dane Court, home to businesses such as the Skew Bridge Alehouse, restaurant Blue Mango, The Hop House craft beer shop – and The Wine Club. Opened in June 2018 by sisters Danielle Milnes and Rochelle Garbutt, they have expanded to opening The Wine Club shop opposite, as well as a bistro in what was the Galleria restaurant on Warrington Road, with a function room now also next door.
The Wine Club, Rainhill(Image: Photo by Andrew Teebay)
Heading closer to the station, you’ll find restaurants such as Carouse, Sorelle and venues like the Acoustic bar. But sitting opposite the train station you’ll find a historic pub that has seen more than most in the village, the Commercial Hotel which alongside neighbour the Skew Bridge received a CAMRA award this year.
From Liverpool city centre, Rainhill village is just over an half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.
12. ‘Vibrant’ town by the sea that’s often ‘overshadowed by its neighbour’
Back in July, a Sunday Times article placed the south Sefton town of Waterloo among the UK’s top places to live by the sea. The town’s appeal is significantly enhanced by Antony Gormley’s famous Another Place installation, “good” local schools, and the Plaza Community Cinema.
However, it’s arguably the thriving scene of bars and restaurants that has truly secured Waterloo’s position on this prestigious list. The area has long been a haven for unique independent venues, with their numbers only swelling in recent years while an ever-growing volume of distinctive outlets set up shop there.
Lee Zeverona from Crosby Cheese & Charcuterie, Waterloo(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
From the vibrant South Road stretch to the more subtle charm of St John’s Road, not to mention everywhere else in between, Waterloo is currently basking in the richest variety of food and drink choices it has ever seen. This year, the ECHO visited and spoke to local businesses The Workshop, the Volunteer Canteen, Il Capitano’s, Da Mount Gurkha, Pineapple, Caz’s Kitchen, The Old Tap, Chung Fad, Crosby Cheese & Charcuterie and also paid a visit to The Bus Yard, which initially began as a pop-up on Crosby beach’s promenade.
From Liverpool city centre, Waterloo is around a 20 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
11. ‘Beautiful’ Merseyside village that’s like ‘Lark Lane in its infancy’
Nestled in the east of Birkenhead lies a quaint village that remains unknown, or at least unvisited, by many people across Merseyside. This is changing however, as foodies and Instagrammers begin to catch on to Oxton’s unique offering of independent businesses.
Oxton may be modest in size, but it has a charming high street rich with cafes, bars and restaurants as well as attractive residences and pretty green spaces that locals are proud of. Their pride is showcased yearly during the much-anticipated Secret Gardens of Oxton event, when members of the public open their gardens to the village while all its businesses get involved with food stalls, crafts and entertainment.
Charlie Harrison, owner of Homebrew Bottleshop, Oxton Village(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The ECHO visited the area to see what it was like for ourselves and to meet a number of local business owners. We spoke to Twenty Sixteen café, Low Slow & Dough, Bisque-It, Homebrew Bottleshop and wine bar, The Library.
From Liverpool city centre, Waterloo is just under a 20 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
10. Scenic walk with amazing views and beautiful tea room an hour from Liverpool
Located within the Cheshire Golden Triangle, Alderley Edge has long attracted many Premier League footballers, actors and multi-millionaire businesspeople over the years. In fact, earlier this year, it was named among the UK’s most desirable places to live.
But on the outskirts of the village, you’ll also find a beautiful National Trust site steeped in history and folklore – Alderley Edge. According to The National Trust, the area is “home to some of the most historically significant sites in the north-west of England, from Roman mineshafts and an alert beacon to one of the oldest metal-mining sites in the country.”
Stormy Point, overlooking the Cheshire Plain, at the Alderley Edge National Trust site(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Then there is also the legend of a wizard and an underground army, with the site giving many nods to this story and other mythical goings on that you can immerse yourself in. When you conclude your walk, you can also head to the beautiful Wizard Tearoom for a drink or bit to eat.
From Liverpool city centre, Alderley Edge is just under a one hour drive. You can read more about it here.
9. ‘Smallest’ pub with stunning lakeside views where you can watch the sunset
One of the country’s smallest pubs which boasts stunning lakeside views where you can watch the sunset is right here on Merseyside. Tucked away on the edge of Southport’s Marine Lake, The Lakeside Inn pub has seating out front, with a hatch window to order drinks from the bar, as well as seats indoors and more seating on decking outside, offering views out over the water.
You can faintly hear cars driving past, but out on the lake, it’s a chilled atmosphere and the perfect place to enjoy a drink and escape from the busyness of life. Inside, the venue is also full of charm and combines original features with framed photos of music icons like David Bowie and The Clash.
The Lakeside Inn pub on Marine Lake Promenade in Southport(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
You can also see the the Guinness Book of Records certificate and a red plaque proudly on the wall. Husband and wife Stephen and Sue Kirkbride took over The Lakeside Inn a decade ago and Stephen previously said he has “been all over the world but never seen sunsets like it” from the pub.
From Liverpool city centre, Southport is around a 40 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
8. ‘Vibrant’ town with ‘holiday feel’ people visit whatever the weather
A “vibrant” town in Merseyside boasts an array of unique independent restaurants – not to mention one of the best beaches in the region. West Kirby sits right on the western end of the Wirral, just south of Hoylake, and should be your next day out.
The town is home to dozens of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants – not competing with one another but living in a perfect harmony due to each of their individual charm and range of offerings. Not to mention a beach and promenade which give visitors breathtaking views of the Welsh countryside.
Colin Gordon, owner of The Tapas Kitchen in West Kirby
As part of the ECHO’s destination series, we visited West Kirby and spoke to a number of businesses at the heart of the area. This included Tuile, Mother, the West Kirby Tap, Chaat and The Tapas Kitchen.
From Liverpool city centre, West Kirby is just under a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
7. ‘Cosy’ village with historic pubs, quirky shops and walks under two hours from Liverpool
Full of scenic cobblestone streets and beautiful old buildings, Haworth in West Yorkshire, near Keighley, has long been a must-visit destination, be it for the perfect day trip or a weekend getaway. Home of the famous Brontë sisters, as you walk down Main Street, the heart of this chocolate-box village, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped back in time as this area full of character.
A main attraction in Haworth is of course the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the former family home turned museum. But another stand out is quirky shop called The Cabinet of Curiosities, based in a former Victorian chemists, selling everything from cauldron shaped bath bombs to homemade soaps and candles and more.
ECHO reporter Jess Molyneux visited Haworth in West Yorkshire(Image: Jess Molyneux/Liverpool ECHO)
There is also a number of pubs to visit, such as The Fleece, a traditional Yorkshire pub with great character and amazing pints and gastropub The Hawthorn in Haworth. This year, it was named as the UK’s best roast dinner by Enjoy Travel and has also been included in the Times’ list of the UK’s top roasts, The Express reports.
From Liverpool city centre, Haworth is around a one hour and 45 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
6. ‘Merseyside’s oldest pub where people chat and don’t sit on phones’
The Scotch Piper Inn in Lydiate was first established in 1320. Built around an oak tree, it was originally called ‘The Royal Oak’ but the pub has also been named ‘The Bag Pipes’, ‘Highland Piper’ and ‘The Old Lolly’ – ‘Old Lolly’ possibly referring to Lawrence Ireland, who owned large parts of Lydiate.
That was until, as legend would have it, an injured Highland piper from the 1745 Jacobite rebellion took refuge at the inn. The Piper was said to have fallen in love with the innkeepers daughter, hence the name changed to ‘The Scotch Piper’.
Caroline Godden inside The Scotch Piper pub(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
In the present day, The Scotch Piper is run by Caroline Godden and her partner Mike, the pair having had the pub for six years. Speaking to the ECHO, Caroline said one of the things which makes the pub special is “the people”.
From Liverpool city centre, Lydiate is just under a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
4. Beautiful new farm shop in one of Liverpool’s prettiest villages
The picturesque Woolton Village has long attracted visitors from across Liverpool. Over time, it has become something of a hub for independents, boasting everything from quaint shops to family-run restaurants and cafes.
It’s also got more than its fair share of watering holes, from the White Horse to The Cobden and more. But more recently, the ECHO visited the latest family-run business to open in the area.
Eve O’Brien from Woolton Farm Shop(Image: Photo by Andrew Teebay)
Tucked away off Woolton Street, Woolton Farm Shop is housed inside an old cowshed on a former dairy site, which was transformed in a matter of weeks by owners Eve O’Brien and her husband Neil. Inside, the traditional farm shop has a rustic interior, and autumnal decorations and has shelves full of fruit and vegetables, jars of honey and chutneys, Liverpool-themed gifts and more.
From Liverpool city centre, Woolton Village is just under a 20 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
4. Farm shop named ‘one of the best’ that people ‘travel miles to visit’
Recently named among “the best” in the country, Kenyon Hall Farm on Winwick Lane in Croft, Warrington, has long seen customers “travel miles to visit.” Owned by the Bulmer family, it was back in 1978 that husband-and-wife Tod and Barbara aged 72 and 73, joined the family business.
In later years, their sons Simon, 45, and James, 42, became the next generation to work on the farm, which has been in the family since the 1500s. In 2011, Tod and Barbara introduced the farm shop and café and at this time of year, the Kenyon Farm Hall site also offers an “indoor forest” of real, fresh-cut Christmas trees, as well as wreaths and pots and festive afternoon teas.
Tod, Simon, James and Barbara, owners of Kenyon Hall Farm shop in Warrington(Image: Photo by Iain Watts)
In the summer, visitors can come and pick delicious strawberries and more recently, Kenyon Hall Farm had their busiest pumpkin festival yet, welcoming more than 20,000 people. In October, Kenyon Hall Farm Shop made a list of the 35 best farm shops recently compiled by The Times.
From Liverpool city centre, Kenyon Farm Hall is around a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
3. ‘Cute’ farm shop with ‘sell out’ product people drive ‘from far away’ for
Owners of a “cute” farm shop on the Wirral say their beef sells out “within eight hours” with customers coming “from far away” to get their hands on it. The family of husband and wife Mick and Francesca Russell have had Old Oaks Farm near Neston for a “long, long time” and the couple took over the reins in 2010.
After taking over, they began to sell their own produce from the land. A working farm with cows, chickens and some peacocks, the business offers local produces, as well as selling their own eggs and beef.
Mick and Francesca Russell, owners of Old Oaks Farm Shop, near Neston(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Francesca previously told the ECHO: “There’s lots of little pocket farms around which make lovely produce and we are an outlet for those people. We have people who shop here, who drive from far away because everything we buy is class one and it tastes beautiful.”
From Liverpool city centre, Old Oaks Farm is around a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
2. Farm shop under an hour from Liverpool serving customers for nearly 40 years
Church View Farm, on Southport Road in Lydiate, has welcomed generations of customers through the decades for its fresh produce and pumpkin picking which takes place every autumn. It was back in 1985 that Edie Pope and her late husband, Robert, known as Bobby, bought the farm.
In the early days, they built the farm up and transformed former piggery building into what is now their popular farm shop. At the heart of the community for decades, the farm shop sells an array of fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the farm, as well as sourcing products from other local farms.
Edie Pope at Church View Farm shop, Lydiate(Image: Photo by Colin Lane)
Edie, 77, told the ECHO: ” have a couple that come from Manchester, people come from Runcorn, Warrington, Widnes. I’m a people’s person and I love talking to the people. Some come weekly, some monthly, some fortnightly and some every other day.”
From Liverpool city centre, Church View Farm is around a 50 minute drive. You can read more about it here.
1. Meet the coffee barn, florist and butchers you can visit off the M62
Just off the M62, you’ll find a “popular” destination where “you’ll always find something,” to do, see, or buy. The ECHO’s most recent trip was to the home of Harefield Coffee Barn on Warrington Road, Rainhill.
The site has so much to offer and is a lovely hub of thriving local businesses. There’s also a garden centre, gift shop, florist, woodwork shop, a local butchers – and alpacas in the field behind.
Pam and Ken Simpson inside Harefield Coffee Barn(Image: Photo by Andrew Teebay)
Back in the 1990s, it was husband-and-wife Derek and Sandra Williams who bought the land and first had a little water garden centre. Before retiring in 2016, they put plans in place to transform it and provide a wider offering to the community.
From Liverpool city centre, the Harefield site is around a 30 minute drive. You can read more about it here.