New Brighton is a beautiful sea side town on the Wirral, perfect for day trippers if you live in the North West, or even those wanting a staycation if you live further a field. Whether you are there for just one day or longer there are plenty of things to do in New Brighton to keep the whole family entertained and lots of them are totally free, here are some of the best places that we recommend as locals.
Free things to do in New Brighton
Beach
New Brighton is known for its lovely sandy beach that stretches 3/4’s of a mile with its breathtaking views across to Liverpool. You can stay for the day, build sandcastles, sunbathe or even swim in the sea under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards. There is also free parking right next to the beach entrance on the side of the promenade.
Crabbing
Next to the beach on the waterfront is the Marine which is perfect for crabbing. You and your family can sit on the edge with your string and bucket and see how many crabs you can catch with your bait. Just remember to release the crabs at the end of the day.
Fort Perch Rock
Fort Perch Rock is just one of the must see historical sites on the Wirral. It’s a coastal defence battery on the edge of the beach. It was originally built to protect the Port of Liverpool but no houses a museum. You can see some of the Fort Perch Rock for free or pat for a more detailed tour if you want to learn about it’s history.
Vale Park
Their are a couple of New Brighton Parks but our favourite and the one we recommend you add to your itinerary is Vale Park. It’s situated opposite the beach further up from the main strip of shops and is easy to find. It’s a wonderful space for children to play and families to relax. There are two play parks, one at the front that has the gym style play equipment that is suitable for older children and adults as well as the more traditional play park towards the back of the grounds where you will find swings, slides and play equipment. Vale Park is spread across a large area of land meaning you can also enjoy a walk around the grounds admiring the gardens. There is also a coffee shop and public toilets on site as well as the fairy garden (more about that below). In the middle of Vale Park there is a band stand and if you know the dates of your trip it’s worth checking to see if anything is going to be on as there are often events running, especially during the school holidays. If so it is the perfect place to sit back in a deck chair, enjoy some live music or a show and relax in the sun (some events have a small fee some are free).
Fairy garden
Inside Vale Park there is the most magical fairy garden. This is free to explore and draws people in from all over the UK. There are several models to look at, some are interactive and your little one can sit down and play with them, others are just for looking at but they are all incredible and fun to explore. There is so much detail that every time you go you notice something new.
Mermaid trail
Spread out across New Brighton (but within easy walking distance of each other) there are 6 life size mermaid sculptures, all slightly different in design and colour. Trying to spot each one is a great way to explore New Brighton and will also help to keep the children occupied whilst out walking from one area to another. If you want to add a bit more excitement to this trail then ask you children to research the reason why these Mermaids have appeared!
Things to do in New Brighton that you can pay for
As well as some great things you can do for free there are also some fun things you and your family can do if you are willing to pay too. Some are a bit more expensive than others and we always recommend checking the individual websites for the venues in advance to see if you can get discounts for things like booking in advance, family tickets and blue light discount. Here are some of our favourite things to do in New Brighton that cost money:
Arcades
Although free to enter the arcades are rarely a free attraction. Situated on the sea front opposite the beach you will find New Palace and Adventureland arcades, inside are the traditional 2p coin pushers as well as a variety of machines, other games, and attractions. Towards the back of the colourful amusement arcade there is also a play area where your child (up to the age of 12) can enjoy soft play whilst you relax with a hot drink.
Fair ground rounds
If you go through the arcades you can access a fun fair that has rides for children of all ages. You pay per ride so no need to buy wrist bands and you can just walk through and see what you think first.
Bowling
Riverside bowl is situated on the sea front and benefits from the free local parking. If your family are competitive then this is the perfect activity for you as you go head to head to see who can knock down the most pins. Here you can also enjoy some nice food and a couple of drinks and make sure you book online for their best prices.
Aqua Park
During the warmer months Wild Shore opens up on the marina. This is a giant obstacle course that floats on the water where you and your family can don a wet suit and challenge each other to complete the course without falling in! Good luck
They also organise other water sports throughout the year such as SUP’s and wakeboarding depending on just how adventurous you are feeling.
Crazy Golf
If crazy golf is your thing then head to Championship Adventure Golf where you can 18 holes that have been inspired by New Brighton itself. There is no need to book you can simply turn up and play.
Floral Pavillion Theatre
If you know the dates you want to visit New Brighton then why not head to the Floral Pavilion website and see if there are any shows scheduled for you trip. It is a lovely theatre that has a wide variety of shows from pantos to plays, there is also a bar and a restaurant that are pen to the public so you can still pop in for a visit even if you aren’t catching a show this time.
No matter how many of things you manage to cram in to your trip to New Brighton you are sure to have the best time and leave knowing that it’s a great place come rain or shine. Just don’t forget to grab some chips or an ice cream before you leave, this is a seaside trip after all!
Annual Festival
There are two annual festivals in new Brighton, a 4 day family festival on the dips which is full of rides, live music and kids shows as well as a continental food festival that is all about celebrating food from around the world as well as local food. If you love a good festival or just want something else to see and do whilst in New Brighton then check the dates for the next festival and book your trip to coincide with these.
Eat and Drink
There are a number of local restaurants for you to choose from in New Brighton with something for everyone. You can stick to the main stretch of the marine promenade and try somewhere you are more familiar with like Nando’s or Costa Coffee or head inland a little bit and support a local business, cafe or restaurant