West Kirby Beach
West Kirby is a clean and easily accessible sandy beach on the Wirral Peninsula, at the mouth of the River Dee. It offers fine views across the Dee Estuary and towards the hills of North Wales.
The beach itself is relatively small at around 300 metres long.
Located next to the beach is the West Kirby Marine Lake, a large enclosed area of shallow water set up so watersports can be enjoyed in a safe, sheltered environment. The Lake is home to the Wirral Sailing School, which offers courses in sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
To the far side of the lake is a one kilometre long area of sand dunes, noted for its flora and fauna, including the rare Natterjack Toad. At the North-West end, low tide reveals vast sand flats.
From the beach, the red rocks of the Hilbre-Island archipelago can be seen. This consists of three small islands, Hilbre Island, Middle Eye and Little Eye. These islands are accessible from the beach at low tide. Visitors wishing to walk out to the archipelago need to check tide tables and allow sufficient time to walk back as the islands are cut off by the tide for up to 5 out of every 12 hours. The Hilbre Islands have no shops or fresh water. They have been designated a Local Nature Reserve and dogs must be kept on leads whilst on the reserve.
Free parking is available along the promenade and alongside the attractive marine lake. For those who need parking closer to the beach there is a pay-and-display car park at Dee Lane.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year
Merseyside dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Sailing
- Swimming/bathing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Toilets
- First aid point
- Town centre nearby
- Shop
- Slipway
- Promenade
Nearest town
Postcode
CH48 0QG
OS grid ref.
SJ 2099 8685
Parking
There are approx 200 free parking spaces along the promenade. including disabled parking. There is also a pay and display car park at the end of Dee lane.
Water quality
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West Kirby Beach Reviews
Swimming in the 1970s
Carol-Anne Taylor
Apr 11th 2024Me and a couple of other girls from Park High School used to go nude swimming at West Kirby during the hot evenings of 1976, though we put our clothes back on to catch the last train back to Birkenhead! Happy times :-)
A beautiful summers day out
Xenia lewis
Mar 22nd 2021I went on my own to west Kirby beach while staying with a family member. I had the most magical day. Clean with many peaceful spots if you prefer privacy. I can’t wait to visit again.
Watching the windsurfers was my highlight and “walking through” the water. This year I am going back even if I have to get a train from London on my own. My hearts in Kirby now.
Too many unruly dogs off leads & irresponsible owners. Lots of dog faeces.
West Kirby beach
A pleasant beach, close to shops, cafes and restaurants. The marine lake is a fantastic resource and often hosts ‘pay & play’ sessions for kayaking and paddle boarding. There is a specific safe route across to Hilbre, so check signs and the tide table before walking.
You can walk along the sand dunes to Red Rocks and Hoylake Beach (and further to Meols, Moreton, Leasowe and New Brighton if you desire).
Its a very family friendly beach and has easy access to walk into the town and local parks and the Wirral Way.
Our local beach is Thurstaston and we often walk to WK along the beach.