Where the River Mersey meets Liverpool Bay is the coastal resort of New Brighton. It started life in the early 19th century and has had many reincarnations. Today it is a blend of old and new from the Victorian buildings to the modern seaside development. There is the solid Fort Perch Rock and the iconic Lighthouse. New Brighton boasts a modern theatre, cinema, laser quest, bowling alley, adventure miniature golf, Bubbles World of Play, model boating pool, marine lake and funfair. There is a beach with firm golden sand ideal for building sand castles and sizable green open spaces where large scale events are held. There is a Travelodge Hotel and other small hotels. You can follow the Black Rock Mermaid Sculpture Trail. There are plenty of eating and drinking establishments on the seafront. A short stroll inland is the Victoria Quarter with its independent shops and restaurants. Take a walk around here and look at the wall paintings – professionally produced they are real works of art on a grand scale.
One of the popular free events in the summer is the Pirate Fest. We accompanied our young granddaughter around the resort to show her all the sights. The first stop was the Fairy Village in Vale Park on the riverside promenade. All the little houses and animals are made of driftwood and change with the seasons. In the park,there is a children’s playground, a cafe and a bandstand where brass bands perform in the summer. This part of the pedestrian promenade is the best place to view the iconic Liverpool waterfront and passing ships. One ship that is going nowhere is the Black Pearl Pirate Ship made of driftwood – a perfect place for youngsters to play. The Pirate Fest is lots of fun with people dressed in costume, re-enactments and live music.
New Brighton is also great for public transport. The buses take you right to the promenade (which incidentally is one of the longest in Britain) and there is a frequent train service from Liverpool. For the energetic you can cycle along the cycle track from Seacombe Ferry as far as Leasowe Castle. if you really must take your car there is plenty of free parking on the prom. Also for those who need extra accessibility there is Shop mobility located in Marine Park on the front where you can borrow a motorised wheelchair.
So there really is something for everyone – even if you just want to watch the waves.