A magical island, that can only be reached on foot during low tide, is home to dolphins and grey seals.
Hilbre Island is part of an archipelago located in the estuary of the River Dee, off the coast of Wirral. It is part of a group of three islands, along with Middle Eye and Little Eye.
Only 11 acres in size, the small and rocky island is accessible by foot during low tide from the mainland at West Kirby. Archaeological excavations were carried out on Hilbre Island in the 1920s, which unearthed artefacts from the Neolithic, Bronze and Roman periods, showing the island itself was inhabited around 6,500 years ago.
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During the 13th and 14th centuries pilgrims would trek to the island to pay respects to a saint said to have founded the church on the island. Nowadays, Hilbre Island is popular with walkers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers given that it is home to seabirds, grey seals and dolphins.
Other sights on Hilbre Island include Hilbre's lighthouse, the abandoned Hilbre lifeboat station, Lady's Cave and views of some of Wirral's most expensive homes in Caldy and West Kirby.
Visitors to Hilbre Island can enjoy scenic walks and observe the wildlife. Over the years, porpoises and dolphins have been spotted in the water around the island.
Access to Hilbre Islands is dependent on the tides. Following the recommended safe crossing route, the walk to Hilbre Island will take between 45 minutes and an hour.
You can view tide times for Hilbre Islands here.
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