Merseyside

Merseyside is primarily urban but sits at the edge of the Lancashire coast and the Wirral Peninsula, both of which offer more open options for van travellers. Liverpool itself repays a day visit – the waterfront with the Royal Liver Building, the docks and the Albert Dock galleries are impressive, and the city has a particular energy that few English cities outside London match. Approaching from the east and using park-and-ride or cycling from a base on the outskirts makes the visit straightforward.

The Wirral Peninsula across the Mersey has a coast path running its full length and several quiet bays on the west-facing Irish Sea shore. West Kirby at the northern tip has a marine lake and views across to the Hilbre Island bird reserve accessible at low tide by foot. The Wirral Country Park along the Dee shore to the south follows a disused railway through pleasant countryside.

Formby to the north of the city is National Trust-managed sand dunes with a red squirrel colony – one of the more accessible red squirrel sites in England. The beach at Formby is wide and the dunes provide a good backdrop for a walk. The National Trust car park here has sometimes been used for overnight stays.

Southport to the north of Formby is a traditional seaside resort with a long pier and an elegant Victorian town centre. It has a different character to the more commercial resorts further along the coast and makes a worthwhile stop. Overnight options in the Merseyside area include campsites on the Wirral and several sites north of the city.