Explore beyond the city
There are so many fantastic places to visit close to Liverpool. To not venture out of the city when you come to Liverpool would mean seriously missing out! Take a look at our guide below and once you've experienced what our wonderful city has to offer, simple hop on a train to explore.
All destinations are within 45 minutes from Liverpool city centre stations.
Trains run every 15 minutes 7am - 7pm on the majority of routes and if you're travelling after 9:30 or on a weekend or bank holiday you'll never pay more that £5.95. This is the price of Day Saver which covers unlimited travel across the Merseyrail network. Return tickets start from just £4.45.
All zone Day Saver tickets are now available to buy online. This covers unlimited travel across the Merseyrail network any time except 6:31 - 9.29 on weekdays. Simply click the link below, get your tickets and then all you need to think about is all the places you can go. All other tickets are available to buy at any Merseyrail station.
Day one itinerary - explore Wirral and Chester
Did you know that you could be at the seaside in just 20 minutes when in Liverpool? Over the River Mersey is the stunning Wirral Peninsula, home to New Brighton beach and Marine Point. Take a morning stroll along the beautiful sand, past the famous Black Pearl shipwreak.
Grab some breakfast from one of the many New Brighton cafes and restaurants, ready for some serious retail therapy at Cheshire Oaks.
The X8 connecting bus from Chester station will take you to one of the UKs most famous designer outlets. At Cheshire Oaks there are over 145 designer and high street shops including Armani, Burberry and Polo Ralph Lauren, bargains are ready and waiting to be snapped up! Plenty of restaurants provide break a for lunch.
Once you're shopped out, head back to Chester city centre. Chester is bursting with history, with the famous Roman walks and Amphitheatre. Wander down the cobbled streets lined with the iconic black and white Tudor buildings before heading to the river for dinner. Choose from high-end culinary experiences to just as delicious street food.
Regular trains will take you back to Liverpool (just 45 minutes) whenever you're ready. The last train from Chester to Liverpool departs at 23:00.
Day two itinerary - discover the Sefton coast
With trains every 15 minutes it’s easy to make a few stops along the Southport line in a day. Start off travelling straight to Southport, only 45 minutes from Liverpool. Here you’ll find the tree lined boulevards of Lord Street and the wide sandy beach with views all the way to Blackpool. Take a stroll along the pier before grabbing breakfast at one of many cafés.
If you haven’t already brought them, buy a bucket and spade before hopping back on the train for 13 minutes to Freshfield. From Freshfield station it is just a short walk to Formby pinewoods, home to the rare red squirrel. Smaller than their grey counterparts and a protected species, you can even feed them with the squirrel food available.
As you wander through the pinewoods you’ll next find yourself in the white sand dunes of Formby Point. A beach to rival faraway resorts, having a paddle and soaking up the sea air is the perfect escape from the busy city.
Just four stops back down the Southport line towards Liverpool is Blundellsands & Crosby. If you’re not all beached out, a visit to Crosby isn’t complete without a selfie with Anthony Gormley’s Iron Men. The 100 life-sized cast iron statues that gradually disappear with the tide are a photographer's paradise.
Crosby is more than just the Iron Men though, check out our 'From morning 'til night, the best places to eat in Crosby' guide and treat yourself to some local food and drink at one of the independent coffee shops, bistros, restaurants and bars.
When you’re ready, your train ride back to Liverpool is just 20 minutes!
For many more destinations and events, have a browse of Destination Merseyside.
Getting around the city
Liverpool is famous for its waterfront, home to The Albert Dock and the iconic Liver Building. But head over to the other side of the city centre and you’ll find the imposing St George’s Hall, fantastic independent bars and shops on Bold Street and spectacular panoramic views of the whole city from St John’s Beacon. However, if the walk is putting you off, then hop on the Merseyrail Loop.
There are four Merseyrail stations in the Liverpool city centre, providing easy access to everything Liverpool has to offer in minutes.
Buying your train ticket
Don’t worry about getting confused by different train tickets! Merseyrail staff will always make sure that you have the cheapest ticket for your journey. If you’re travelling further afield in the UK, you can also buy your long distance tickets at any Merseyrail station.
Merseyrail are one of the cheapest train networks in the country, to give you an idea, returns cost from just £2.50 and even less for children.
Plus, if you’re heading out on a weekend or after 9:30 on a weekday you will never pay more than £5.95. That’s the price of a Day Saver, which gives you unlimited travel across the whole of the Merseyrail network, so you can hop and off the train as much as you want!
