8 Of The Best Things to Do on the Wirral This Summer 2026

Because There Is No Better Place to Be in Summer Than Right Here. Here are our top things to do on the Wirral this Summer.

The Wirral is one of those places that genuinely comes into its own in the summer. The coastline stretches out golden and beautiful, the evenings are long and warm, the community buzzes with energy and there is always something happening somewhere on the peninsula.

We are incredibly lucky to call the Wirral home. And this summer, there is genuinely so much on offer that we could not resist putting together our own local guide to the best of it.

Whether you are a Wirral local looking for new ideas or visiting the peninsula for the first time, here are our favourite things to do on the Wirral this summer.

1. West Kirby Beach, Marine Lake and the Walk to Hilbre Island

We might be a little biased given that our showroom sits right in the heart of West Kirby, but honestly, West Kirby Beach and Marine Lake deserve to be at the top of any Wirral summer list. On a warm day, there is genuinely nowhere better.

West Kirby Marine Lake is the perfect place to get active on the water, offering a full range of watersports for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you are trying paddleboarding for the first time or watching the sailing from the shore with an ice cream in hand, the atmosphere is always joyful and welcoming.

And then there is the walk out to Hilbre Island. One of the Wirral's most magical experiences and one that never gets old. At low tide, you can walk across the sands from West Kirby to the island, a tidal island nature reserve that sits at the mouth of the Dee Estuary and offers the most breathtaking views across to Wales and beyond. It is home to grey seals, migratory birds and a sense of complete peace that is very hard to find anywhere else.

A word of warning though. Hilbre Island is only accessible at low tide and the crossing must be timed carefully. Always check the tide times before you set off and follow the recommended safe crossing routes. The rewards are absolutely worth the planning.

Why we love it: The combination of the lake, the beach, the watersports, the coastal walk and the brilliant independent cafes and shops in the village makes West Kirby one of the most complete summer days out on the peninsula. Add Hilbre Island and it becomes genuinely unforgettable.

Top tip: Check the tide times at https://www.visitwirral.com before planning your Hilbre Island walk and allow plenty of time for the crossing and return journey.

2. We Are Wirral Family Festival, Birkenhead Park: 18th July 2026

Birkenhead Park is the world's first publicly funded park, a green masterpiece designed by Joseph Paxton and a genuinely beautiful place to spend a summer's day. And this July it plays host to one of the most exciting events on the peninsula's calendar.

We Are Wirral is shaping up to be the biggest celebration of live music the peninsula has seen. Taking place on 18th July 2026 in the stunning surroundings of Birkenhead Park, it promises a spectacular day of music, family friendly fun and the kind of community atmosphere that makes the Wirral so special.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and settle in for a brilliant summer day in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the North West.

Why we love it: Live music, a world class park and the whole community coming together. It does not get much better than that on a summer's day on the Wirral.

Top tip: Arrive early to find a great spot and make the most of the full day. Keep an eye on the We Are Wirral event pages for line-up announcements and ticket information.

3. New Brighton Food and Drink Festival: 23rd to 26th July 2026

New Brighton has become one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of the Wirral in recent years and this summer it plays host to one of our favourite annual events.

Now in its fourth year, the New Brighton Family Food and Drink Festival returns from 23rd to 26th July 2026. Street food, local flavours, brilliant drinks and the seafront as your backdrop. It is the kind of event that feels effortlessly enjoyable from the moment you arrive. Wander between stalls, try something new, sit with a drink in the sunshine and soak it all in.

New Brighton itself is well worth exploring beyond the festival too. The Floral Pavilion offers a brilliant programme of West End shows, comedy and live music by the sea throughout the summer, making it easy to turn a festival visit into a full day or evening on the coast.

Why we love it: It champions local producers and makers in the most beautiful setting. Great food, great community and great vibes every time.

Top tip: Go early to beat the crowds and leave room to try a little bit of everything. The local food stalls are always the highlight.

4. Live Music on the Wirral: Summer Nights Out to Remember

One of the things that makes the Wirral such a special place to live is the incredible live music scene that runs right through the summer months. From intimate venues showcasing rising talent to bigger nights that draw crowds from across the region, there is something for every taste.

Future Yard in Birkenhead is one of the most exciting live music venues in the North West, showcasing the very best of local and emerging musical talent in a brilliant independent setting. If you have not been yet, summer is the perfect time to discover it.

Across the peninsula, many of the Wirral's brilliant pubs and bars offer live music throughout the summer months, from acoustic sessions on a lazy Sunday afternoon to full band nights that keep going well into the evening. The atmosphere in Wirral pubs on a summer weekend is something truly special, warm, welcoming and full of that brilliant local community spirit that you simply cannot manufacture.

Keep an eye on local listings and the Visit Wirral events calendar to find out what is on near you throughout the summer.

Why we love it: The Wirral's live music scene is thriving and there is genuinely something for everyone. Supporting local venues and artists is one of the best things you can do this summer.

Top tip: Check out Future Yard's listings at futureyard.org and follow your favourite local pubs and bars on social media to stay up to date with their summer music programmes.

5. Adventure Golf: Fun for the Whole Family

If you are looking for something that the whole family can enjoy together regardless of age or ability, adventure golf on the Wirral is an absolute winner. And this summer there are two brilliant options to choose from.

Championship Adventure Golf in New Brighton brings the fun of the fairway to the seaside, with a brilliantly designed course that is challenging enough to keep adults entertained and fun enough to keep the kids absolutely loving every hole. Combine it with everything else New Brighton has to offer and you have a fantastic full day out.

For something a little different, Viking Quest Adventure Golf at Moreton Hills Golf Centre takes the adventure theme to a whole new level, with a themed course that children in particular absolutely love.

Whether you are a serious golfer looking for a fun twist or a complete beginner just looking for a brilliant laugh with family or friends, adventure golf on the Wirral delivers every time.

Why we love it: It is fun, accessible and suitable for absolutely everyone. The kind of activity that creates brilliant memories and has everyone smiling from the very first hole.

Top tip: Book ahead during peak summer weeks as both courses get busy, especially at weekends and during the school holidays.

6. Wirral Pride 2026: 8th August, New Brighton

Formerly known as New Brighton Pride, Wirral Pride returns to New Brighton on 8th August 2026 and it promises to be one of the most colourful, joyful and inclusive celebrations the peninsula has seen.

New Brighton is the perfect backdrop for an event like this. The seafront, the energy, the brilliant bars and venues that line the coast all come together to create an atmosphere that is completely unique. Wirral Pride is a celebration of community, identity and togetherness and it is one of those events that makes you feel genuinely proud of the place you call home.

Whether you are going to celebrate, to support or simply to soak up the brilliant atmosphere, Wirral Pride is an event that everyone is welcome at and one that gets better every single year.

Why we love it: It celebrates everything that makes the Wirral community so special. Inclusive, colourful and full of joy from start to finish.

Top tip: New Brighton gets busy on Pride day so plan your travel in advance and make a full day of it. The atmosphere builds throughout the day and the evening always delivers something really special.

7. Lady Lever Art Gallery and Port Sunlight: May Morris: Crafting a Legacy

Sometimes the best summer days are not about big events or packed beaches. Sometimes they are about discovering something beautiful at your own pace. And the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight is one of the most underrated gems on the entire Wirral.

This summer the gallery hosts a very special exhibition, May Morris: Crafting a Legacy, opening 16th July 2026. A celebration of the wide-ranging work of May Morris, daughter of the legendary William Morris, it promises to be a stunning and thought-provoking exhibition in one of the most beautiful gallery settings in the North West.

The Lady Lever itself houses a stunning permanent collection including many Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and the world's finest collection of Wedgwood jasperware. And the village of Port Sunlight that surrounds it is equally worth exploring, with beautiful architecture, wide leafy streets and a fascinating history.

Combine the gallery with a walk around the village and lunch at one of the local spots and you have a genuinely wonderful summer afternoon.

Why we love it: It is free to enter, genuinely world class and completely unlike anything else on the peninsula. A brilliant option for couples, families and anyone who loves art, architecture and history.

Top tip: Check the gallery's events programme before you visit as they regularly host special family activity days and events alongside the main exhibitions throughout the summer.

8. The Paul O'Grady Story Exhibition

Some exhibitions feel like more than just an exhibition. And The Paul O'Grady Story is absolutely one of them.

This major free retrospective delves into the private archive of one of the Wirral's most beloved and iconic sons, revealing Paul's life in front of and behind the camera in a way that has never been seen before. Running from 4th December 2025 through to late 2027, it is available to visit throughout the summer and beyond, making it perfect for fitting around any plans you have on the peninsula.

Paul O'Grady was born in Birkenhead and the Wirral was always home to him. This exhibition is described as his gift to his hometown, and that description alone tells you everything you need to know about how special it is. Whether you grew up watching Lily Savage, adored him on Blind Date or simply loved him as the warm, funny and deeply kind person he was, this exhibition will stay with you long after you leave.

Why we love it: Because Paul O'Grady was one of us. And celebrating his life and legacy right here on the Wirral feels like exactly the right thing to do.

Top tip: This is a free exhibition so no booking is required, but check ahead for opening times and any special events taking place alongside it. It is well worth taking your time and exploring every corner.

One Final Thought

The Wirral is a genuinely special place. And summer on the peninsula reminds us of that every single year. The beaches, the community, the events, the hidden gems and the brilliant independent businesses that make this place so unique are all reasons to feel very lucky to call it home.

And of course, every great summer day on the Wirral eventually ends the same way. Back home, in the kitchen, making something delicious with the people you love most.

At James James Kitchens, we have been designing kitchens on the Wirral for over 50 years. If you would like to create a kitchen that is as special as the place we all get to call home, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the James James Kitchens team today.