New Brighton is the most popular beach on the Wirral, being within easy reach of Birkenhead and Liverpool. Located at the top eastern corner, it has two beaches - the main one facing east across the Mersey towards Liverpool's docks and the other facing North. Between the two is Fort Perch Rock which is open to the public. The beaches are sandy, and at low tide sandbars stretch for miles out into the bay, and are no place to be on an incoming tide. Other hazards include strong currents around Perch Rock, and patches of mud. Lifeguards patrol both beaches between 10.00 and 18.00 from the end of May until the end of August and a few weekends either side. Dogs are allowed at all times and access to the shore is down steps or slipways.
There are good facilities here, including toilets, plenty of cafes and bars, model boating pool, marine lake, supermarkets, New Brighton rail station (about ⅓ mile away) and plenty of free parking.
