BirkenheadUnited Kingdom · Ferry Destinations

All About Birkenhead

The English town of Birkenhead faces Liverpool from the opposite side of the River Mersey. It was established during the 12th-century, and its proximity to the Irish Sea and the cities of the industrial revolution brought it to prominence during the 1800s.

Home to a number of world and United Kingdom firsts, including its street tramway and Mersey tunnel, in recent years Birkenhead has shifted its attention from trade and industry to its cultural delights. Many are in some way connected with the town’s maritime past, and the Birkenhead to Belfast ferry route continues to be an important connection between the north of England and the capital of Northern Ireland.

If you’re looking for ferry tickets to Birkenhead, Ferryscanner is the answer. The Ferryscanner website was created to make it as simple as possible to purchase ferry tickets to Birkenhead and beyond.
 

Routes and Ferries to Birkenhead

The ferry route between Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Belfast is one of the busiest in British waters. Operated by Stena Line, one of Europe’s most trusted ferry companies, services run twelve months a year. There is at least one crossing in either direction per day, with an average sailing time of eight hours.

Those looking for ferry tickets to Birkenhead will have the chance to choose between the line’s early morning departures and its evening departures, which cross the Irish Sea overnight. The Scandinavian inspired-décor on board the ferries which ply this route on a daily basis point to the line’s Swedish origins, while also providing a series of spaces over multiple decks in which to enjoy the journey in comfort.

In addition to restaurants, coffee shops, and comfortable seating, passengers are also able to opt for their own private cabins. These will provide those opting for the evening departures with the chance of a good night’s sleep. The price of a one-way ticket for an adult foot passenger starts at around £32 (€38). The vessels also have space to permit a maximum of 120 cars on their vehicle decks, in addition to the passenger capacity of 1000 people.

Birkenhead is incorporated into Merseyside’s Merseyrail metro system. The closest stop to the ferry departure point is Hamilton Square. It takes an average of just 9 minutes to reach central Liverpool, from where intercity services connect up with towns and cities across the UK.

The nearest airport to Birkenhead is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, approximately 13 kilometers away. Budget flights operate to 45 European destinations all year, with the number almost doubling during the summer months.
 

Ports of Birkenhead

Birkenhead’s port facilities are operated as part of the much larger Port of Liverpool. Ferry passengers have their own dedicated and modern terminal, known as Twelve Quays. The port is divided into two separate parts, known as the East and West Floats, covering four miles of quays. Dating back to the 1860s, the ferry terminal is located close to an impressive relic of this age known as the Central Hydraulic Tower. Due to the size of the ferries making the journey between Birkenhead and Belfast, it’s recommended that you arrive in good time for your scheduled departure. This can mean arriving at least 90 minutes before departure if traveling with a vehicle.
 

Best Beaches

Located on the Wirral Peninsula, the Irish Sea coast around Liverpool (Birkenhead) has a treasure trove of beaches, from long strands of golden sand to tiny rarely visited coves. Here’s our pick of the very best.

Meols Beach

Probably Birkenhead’s favorite beach, Meols Beach reveals an excellent stretch of sand at low tide. Close to a range of local facilities including toilets and places to grab a bite to eat or drink, during the summer you can try your hand at horse riding and sand buggys. The winter months attract birdwatchers from right across the UK.

Moreton Beach

Situated amid the beautiful landscapes of the North Wirral Coastal Park, Moreton Beach is also predominantly comprised of soft sand. As a popular choice for a whole range of beach activities, it is a family-friendly beach that rarely disappoints.

Wallasay Beach

Like Moreton Beach, Wallasay Beach is part of the North Wirral Coastal Park, which stretches for approximately 6 kilometers along the Wirral Peninsula. Backed by dunes and a habitat protected by the nature reserve, its sands offer views across to Liverpool Bay.

West Kirby Beach

Just 300 meters long, West Kirby Beach gets busy because of its attractiveness. The sea promenade is packed with coffee shops and ice cream stands, while the beach also provides a route to the nature reserve on Hilbre Island at low tide.
 

Places to Visit

Be sure to reserve a little extra time to explore Birkenhead’s treasures before or after your ferry sailing, or risk missing out on some incredible attractions.

Birkenhead Park

Set on the outskirts of the modern town, Birkenhead Park is a fine example of British urban parkland and comes complete with not one but two lakes. It is the first publicly-funded park in the UK, modeled by architect Joseph Paxton, and was used as the basis for New York City’s Central Park.

Hamilton Square

A masterpiece of Georgian design, Hamilton Square has the most protected buildings outside of London. It includes the nineteenth-century Town Hall building, and the Cenotaph, honoring the dead of the First and Second World Wars.

Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

This relatively humble structure does little to hint at the wonders that await inside. Its wide-ranging collection of artifacts includes the paintings of Philip Steer and Albert Moore, a gallery of model ships, and the largest assembly of local Della Robbia ceramics available for viewing by the public.
 

Transportation Around Birkenhead

Buses within Birkenhead are operated by Arriva and Stagecoach on behalf of Merseytravel, which is the region’s public transportation executive. The town’s bus station is situated opposite the Grange Shopping Center and Birkenhead Market. There’s a useful manned travel information center open during normal office hours inside, and the chance to board buses for many of the town’s main destinations. Taxis are easy to come by and can be organized by phone in advance. Uber and other ride-hailing apps are becoming increasingly popular in the town as well.