Liverpool and the wider Merseyside areas boast some truly stunning spots that are well worth seeking out and last year, we visited plenty of them.
When living in a city as rich and vibrant as Liverpool, it's easy to take the breath-taking architecture, dazzling cultural options, lush green spaces and more for granted. We decided to take some time to explore our home turf - and beyond - to drink in exactly what it has to offer.
The city and its surrounding areas are tourist hotspots, though there's still plenty worth hunting down for those of us who live here. With that in mind, we ventured to a variety of locations across Merseyside to channel our inner tourists at home.
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After multiple train trips, plenty of steps walked, photos snapped, and more, we discovered heaps of places we'd wholeheartedly recommend to people. If we listed every single spot that captured our hearts, this article would rival the length of Tolstoy's War and Peace.
Instead, we've narrowed our list of favourites down to just five places. Peruse our list below - and let us know in the comments which places are your most favourite in Merseyside.
Quirky venues on Lark Lane
When I moved to Liverpool from Yorkshire back in 2009, I heard lots of people recommending Lark Lane. The bohemian street in south Liverpool is a medley of independent shops, bars and restaurants - with a contentious Co-op thrown in to boot. When I first visited, I was completely enamoured with the quirky venues and the friendly people kitted out in striking, stylish outfits.
I used to visit the Lane on a regular basis, but managed to ramp up my visits in 2022, firmly reigniting my love for the area. At Halloween, I ventured to the Witch Shop; I spent lazy Sundays devouring decadent breakfasts from numerous restaurants; I indulged in the most delicious ice cream from Gelato - with my dog able to enjoy a pup-friendly version, too - and I shopped till I dropped at Larks and Number 13.
Though the street is constantly evolving and changing, it remains a hotbed of independence. Whenever my parents come to visit, we usually end up on Lark Lane and it's always a lovely, fun and relaxed experience.
Childhood nostalgia in Southport
I love the nostalgia Southport offers, so any excuse I have to hop on the train over from Central Station, I'm there. Southport is a spacious seaside town in Merseyside, just a short train ride away from Liverpool's booming city centre. It's often branded cheesy but quite frankly, when did a bit of cheesiness ever hurt anyone?
It truly has something for everyone. There's a long strip of high street stores and an impressive Waterstones I can never resist popping into on my way back to the train station. Southport Pleasureland is complete with thrilling rides and amusements, in pretty and tranquil surroundings. Nearby, the marine lake offers relaxing pedalo rides surrounded by swans.
There's unusual and quirky museums - the wonderfully weird British Lawnmower Museum immediately springs to mind - as well as a strip of arcades jam-packed with retro games tempting visitors with prizes including coins, stuffed animals and electrical goodies.
Stores sell icons of the British seaside, with an impressive array of ice cream flavours to choose from, as well as candy-floss, rock, fudge, pick 'n' mix sweets and more. Sometimes, it feels as though I've wandered into a time-machine that's transported me to my 90s childhood.
The beach boasts golden sand, with the sea twinkling in the distance - even on a cold, cloudy and otherwise miserable day, Southport is a fun and comforting place to be. Despite the current winter chill in the air, I'm already planning another trip to Southport and I wholeheartedly recommend you do the same.
Exploring the scenery at Thurstaston Beach, Wirral
I moved to the Wirral around four years ago after living the city for a year and I honestly absolutely love it. As much as I love visiting the city for a shopping spree or some good food, I find it remarkable how many different walking opportunities there are in and around the Wirral.
When I first moved here, I wanted to find a good dog walk with sweeping scenic views, and that's when I came across Thurstaston Beach. I remember the first time I set foot on the beach, it was New Year's Day 2022 and the sun was shining with a slight crisp chill in the air.
That Thurstaston Beach walk is still something that sticks in my mind today, purely because it was so beautiful. The beach itself is seriously impressive, with gorgeous golden sands and an easy terrain to walk on.
My dog Penny particularly loved the walk, as did plenty of other dogs who were also joyously running across the beach. What I really liked about the walk was the fact that there was plenty of variety, I could choose whether I wanted just a beach walk, or more of a woodland walk on the Wirral Country Park track.
There's an adorable range of coffee shops to choose from for a quick hot chocolate pit stop, including Flissys Coffee Shop and Strawberry Moon Café. Thurstaston Beach is by far one of my favourite places I've visited in Merseyside, it's a gorgeous walk with plenty to see and has a stunning sunset in the summer months.
Beautiful views and culture at the Albert Dock
One of my favourite places to visit in Liverpool will always be the Albert Dock. I always enjoy walking along the docks and taking in the scenery, especially the incredible views when you look out across the water to the Wirral. There's so much to see at the docks and I never get bored of taking a walk along the waterfront.
I love heading into the Tate gallery to have a look at the artwork, followed by enjoying a coffee at one of the many independent cafes along the docks. There's simply so much to do, from visiting the museums to going for a nice restaurant meal, I'll never tire of visiting the Albert Dock.
Shopping in Liverpool ONE and the city centre
I live a train ride away from Liverpool, so always enjoy coming in and visiting the city centre and Liverpool ONE. Whenever I am in need of some retail therapy, Liverpool ONE is always the first place I visit. I firmly believe you can't beat Liverpool when it comes to shopping, there's a real variety of chains and brands to choose from.
From looking for a bargain in Primark to wandering around Flannels, I'll never get bored of heading to the city centre to enjoy some shopping. I love how many great restaurants there are in Liverpool ONE too, with some of my favourite chains such as Wagamama and Zizzi just a stone's throw from the shops.
I love mini golf, so will often round off my shopping trip with a visit to Junkyard Golf, one of my favourite places to go to with friends. There's always something going on in the city centre and I love being spoiled for choice with so much to see and do.
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