Hooton train station offers a unique travel option in that it’s the last station before the Wirral Line forks off to either Ellesmere Port or Chester. Both are a short journey away, while heading the opposite way on the Wirral Line will take you into Liverpool and the coastal end of the Wirral peninsula.

There are also local bus routes available that cover the majority of Wirral. Thornton Hough, Hooton, and Willaston are all easily accessible by car, with Hooton especially close to the M53, giving access to main motorways such as the M56 and M6.

There is plenty of old-village architecture to observe in this part of the Wirral. All Saints Church in Thornton Hough, for example, was founded in 1868 and is a magnificent Gothic structure. St Paul’s Church in Hooton too is a stunning Grade II listed Romanesque revival building.

Willaston Windmill dates back as far as 1800 and was once used to grind cattle food and produce flour. It was the largest windmill on the Wirral but ceased production in 1930 after its sails were crushed in a storm. It’s now a private house with one of its millstones taking pride of place on the village green.

There are a number of pubs and restaurants around the area that offer wonderful family food, live music and other events. If people want to host an event of their own, Thornton Hall is one of Wirral’s most popular venues for weddings, conferences, spa days and more. Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa also offers quality catering for a variety of special events.

Pubs in the area include The Hooton, The Seven Stars, The Red Fox, The Chimneys, The Nag’s Head, and Pollards Inn with some serving carveries – ideal for a family meal.

Thornton Common Road is the home of Wirral Rugby Club; the Memorial Ground offers rugby for children under seven, women’s touch rugby, and competition for seasoned professionals. Cricket can also be played at the Memorial Ground, and the venue is available for formal and informal functions.

Local Thornton Hough Hotel & Spa offers a lot of activities for those looking to keep fit including a gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna and aerobics classes.

Hooton and Willaston are connected to the Wirral Way, a walking and cycling route that covers the majority of the Wirral, and offers stunning views and leisurely walks. For those who like to get away from it all with the family, Manor Wood Caravan Park is one of Cheshire’s leading camping sites, and accommodates tents for campers.

Thornton Hough also has a green in the village which is surrounded by historic landmarks including mock Tudor houses, two churches and a village blacksmith.