Seacombe Ferry to New Brighton family-friendly loop
Chris Alston is Cycling UK's Cycling Development Officer for Liverpool City Region, this is his favourite route for beginners and young children.
Chris said: “My 3 children and I have enjoyed cycling this scenic route as a family for several years. Leila, Yvie and Finley are now aged 11, 8, 7, however they have ridden it comfortably since the age of 4-5 years old. It is a relatively flat, traffic free route meaning we can relax and enjoy the views of the Liverpool Waterfront and iconic Royal Liver Building which are instantly in sight as you depart Seacombe Ferry Terminal. There is so much to see and do in such a short distance. Our favourite places to stop are Vale Park, home of the Fairy Garden and The Black Pearl Pirate Ship which was built from driftwood. We always take a rest stop at Café Crème which does the most amazing ice cream and coffee.”
A favourite amongst families and beginners who lack confidence on the busy roads that span the length and breadth of the Wirral Peninsula, Seacombe to New Brighton offers relatively flat, traffic free cycling with scenic views of the Liverpool Waterfront and some of the City’s most iconic buildings. See the infamous Ferry Across the Mersey sail from Seacombe Ferry Terminal and perhaps visit the Spaceport before or after your ride. Your destination at New Brighton has beaches, a soft play centre, crazy golf and a marine lake, so you could take a crab line and some bait if you would like something different to keep the kids occupied. New Brighton is also home to Café Crème, which serves some of the best ice cream and coffee in the region. There’s plenty to see and do before you get to the turnaround point. En route, you have the option to stop at Vale Park to see the Fairy Garden and the nearby Black Pearl, a driftwood Pirate Ship, which is one of the main attractions.
A Cycle Map of Wirral is available from Merseytravel in PDF and paper format. https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/getting-around/cyclingandwalking/Pages/Merseyside-Cycle-Maps.aspx
Parking/Travel: Free parking at Seacombe Ferry Terminal/Spaceport and accessible by Ferry from Liverpool’s Pier Head. There is an option to ride the route in reverse making the start accessible by train using Merseyrail’s Wirral Line. Merseyrail trains have cycle storage in each carriage and Bike&Go hire bikes are available at Seacombe Ferry Terminal and New Brighton Station.
Refreshment Stop: Café Crème (Best Ice Cream and Coffee for miles)
Things to see:
Spaceport Seacombe, Vale Park Fairy Garden, The Black Pearl and Fort Perch Rock.
