Hoylake

The seaside town of Hoylake has well and truly had the ‘sporting spotlight’ shone on it having hosted The Open Championship in both 2006 and 2014, which has further emphasised its already popular position on the map.

The town features a variety of independent businesses, pubs, wine bars and restaurants. It is also famed for its wonderful coastal views. Neighbouring Meols (formerly Great Meols, and part of the original Wirral Hundred) is predominantly a residential area with small parks, fishing areas, and shops. Both areas have a good range of period homes, plus modern semi-detached and detached housing, with great road and rail links.

There are a number of primary and nursery schools in the Hoylake and Meols areas including Great Meols Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School. Also in Hoylake is Kingsmead School, a co-educational independent for boys and girls between two and 16 years of age.

Both Hoylake and Meols are also in the catchment areas for some of the Wirral’s best performing local schools including West Kirby Grammar School for Girls, and Calday Grange Grammar School. Many other secondary options are also close including Hilbre High School, Pensby High School, and Birkenhead School and Sixth Form Colleges.

Three train stations cover Hoylake and Meols; both areas themselves have main stations whilst Manor Road station sits between. All are part of the ‘Wirral Line’ and run through to the centre of Liverpool. The line also provides links to New Brighton, Chester, and Ellesmere Port.

Bus routes are also available along the main road that connects the train stations of Hoylake, Manor Road, and Meols with regular services that give residents access to other Wirral areas. A short drive from Meols connects drivers to the M53.

Both Hoylake and Meols have a number of places to eat, drink, and relax with family and friends. Hoylake especially has a number of independent bistros and restaurants including Julian’s, Lino’s, Monte Carlo, The Portrait House; cafÃ©s such as Flavours and Ground, wine bars, Chinese and Indian restaurants, yoghurt bar Yog, and a Subway.

Hoylake and Meols also feature more traditional pubs. In Meols, The Railway Inn offers affordable food as does the Hoylake Lights which is part of the Wetherspoon’s family. Hidden gems like The Plasterer’s Arms and the Ship Inn are a real delight!

Both Hoylake and Meols are on the north-west coast of the Wirral Peninsula with Hoylake beach home to the popular Red Rocks. It’s a wonderful place for families to enjoy, with the coastal walk popular with cyclists and dog walkers alike.

Hoylake promenade offers stunning views of the horizon where you will find the lifeboat station which hosts a number of events, especially during bank holidays. A boating lake is also near to the promenade, while Meols Parade also features basketball and tennis courts.

As well as the scenic coastal walk there are other parks and areas in Hoylake and Meols for people to enjoy. Queens Park especially is a favourite for families with young children because of its new play area with swings, slides, and climbing areas thanks to a community project.

On School Lane is Meols Park and Recreation Ground which is home to another play area for locals with children, plus a larger area of grass; perfect for a game of football with friends. Events are also held at Meols Park, including the annual Sparks In The Park firework display and fundraising events such as celebration days.

Hoylake is home to the prestigious Royal Liverpool Golf Club which has played host to the world-famous Open Championship over recent years. It’s one of the most challenging links courses in the world, but for those that want a different challenge there is also a municipal course next to Hoylake train station.

There are other leisure activities available in Hoylake. Hoyle Road Centre and Hoylake Community Centre provide evening fitness classes while Hoylake School of Dance and Anamal Dance Company offer lessons in modern and classical styles for both children and adults.