VISIT: One or more of Wirral's best beaches according to Merseyrail (and Heswall Nub News) - and before car parking charges

The good news: Wirral has a great coastline.

The bad news: car parking charges are coming to some coastal sites.

But they are not immediate, so there's still time to get the most out of our beaches.

Merseyrail has helpfully profiled its Top Five.

The only catch is that they are all a short walk from a Merseyrail station - fair enough if you're promoting train travel - which means Thurstaston beach doesn't make the cut.

Let's face it, it's too far from Heswall Hills station to town, let alone the beach.

Thurstaston's has much to offer, so first let's sing its praises here.

Thurstaston Common and the Wirral Country Park overlook the beach, which is mostly sand with some shingle and easy to walk on.

The views are spectacular and far reaching in the right conditions. There are rock pools for small children to explore, and in which the adults in their lives can pretend they're not really interested even as they stare hard hoping to see a crab or something darting about in the water.

The walk down to the beach is easier than the walk back up, but both are very much worth the effort. Thurstaston beach is a small but perfectly formed piece of natural beauty.

Now, in no particular order, here's Merseyrail's guide to Wirral's enjoyable beach life.

West Kirby

The last station on the Merseyrail north Wirral lines and still only 30 minutes from Liverpool City Centre, West Kirby is a popular choice and it's easy to see why.

As well as the small but beautiful beach there is the unusual Marine Lake that is surrounded by water on three sides, providing stunning views of the Welsh Hills.

If you have double checked the tide times before you set off, you can walk to Hilbre Island, home to rare wildlife, birds and if you are lucky you may also spot a grey seal popping its head up in the water.

Hoylake

A leisurely walk down the beach from West Kirby will bring you to Red Rocks at Hoylake, an area of extraordinary rust coloured sand dunes, great for paddling and looking for wildlife.

Hoylake beach itself is a little quieter than West Kirby, so the perfect spot for a walk by the sea or building sandcastles.

Before you head home make sure you head to Yog Bar, 3 minutes from Hoylake station and famous for its frozen yogurt with the most ridiculously delicious choice of toppings!

New Brighton

New Brighton is the destination that has everything you could need for a day out. With a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and award-winning ice cream there is no need to settle for sandy sandwiches here.

New Brighton also hosts a bowling alley, cinema and the largest indoor play area in the UK, Bubbles World of Play.

Our favourite thing about New Brighton though is the amazing views of Liverpool from the beach.

Meols

If all you need is a wide expanse of sand for the kids to run around on or to enjoy a walk by the sea then head to Meols beach.

At low tide the sea recedes a long way revealing plenty of space for you to enjoy a day at the beach. When the tide is in, a strip of single beach remains and the promenade still provides a perfect route to walk and breathe in the sea air.

Caldy

Our top tip is to walk a little further west from West Kirby station and you will be rewarded with Caldy beach. The walk will take you past West Kirby's Marine Lake and then to one of Wirral's most beautiful villages with many panoramic view points over the River Dee.

Once you have taken in the views, wander down the railed walkway to the beach, a favourite with locals but not well known to tourists.

It is important to follow key safety advice when visiting any beach:

- Check tide times and only swim within the yellow and red RNLI flags

- If you get into trouble in the water lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about. If possible, raise your hand and shout for help.

Heswall Nub News crops up regularly in front of people from outside the area searching for 'Heswall' or 'Wirral', so we can do a little to help attract visitors.

Would you like your visitor attraction to be profiled here on Heswall Nub News? If so, let us know by clicking or tapping here.