Summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach and you don’t have to travel far from Manchester to find one. A picnic on the sand and a paddle in the sea is the best way to spend a sunny day and keep the kids entertained during the school holidays.
With vast expanses of sand and stunning views over to the Welsh mountains, Red Rocks beach is worth the 90 minutes’ drive from Manchester. Located on the north-western tip of the Wirral Peninsula, Red Rocks is a stunning sandy beach overlooked by a rust-coloured rocky outcrop.
Kids will love exploring the interesting rock formations, which set this beach apart from other coastal destinations nearby. With a huge expanse of sand there’s plenty of space to run around, play games and spread out.
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From Red Rocks you can see over to Hilbre Island, situated in the mouth of the Dee Estuary. You can even walk over to Hilbre - and the two islands next to it - when the tide is out, although it’s important to check the tide times before you do so you don’t become stranded.
The beach is also home to the Red Rocks Marsh nature reserve, which consist of sand dunes, saltmarshes and a reed bed. The 10-acre reserve is a haven for wildlife and it’s home to a small population of natterjack toads. It’s also an important spot for migrant birds, with over 200 species being recorded here, so it’s worth bringing your binoculars.
The beach is accessible from Stanley Road in Hoylake, or you can even walk along from the beach at West Kirby. Be aware that there are no facilities at Red Rocks so make sure you come prepared.
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