Last week, I decided to do something a little different. Instead of my usual rail adventures, I grabbed a day ticket, packed my bag, and set off on a full-day bus journey around the Wirral Peninsula. This wasn’t about rushing — it was about taking in the scenery, visiting new spots, and enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the world go by from the top deck. Here’s how my day unfolded…

My starting point was New Brighton, the Wirral’s iconic seaside town. It’s always got a breezy charm — the lighthouse, the beach, the amusement arcades — and it made for a great place to begin. After a quick stroll along the promenade, I hopped on my first bus heading toward Birkenhead.

After weaving through the streets of Wallasey and Liscard, I arrived in Birkenhead, one of the busiest transport hubs on the peninsula. From there, I caught a connecting bus to Ellesmere Port, crossing from the urban Wirral to the more industrial edges near the Cheshire border.

Along the way, I passed the fascinating mix of landscapes that make Wirral so interesting — industrial estates, retail parks, and occasional glimpses of the ship canal.

At Ellesmere Port, I picked up the 23, and the mood of the trip changed entirely. The scenery opened up, and the route began to show off the Wirral’s quieter, more rural side. The journey took me past farms, fields, and charming little villages before arriving in Neston, a lovely market town with a peaceful vibe.

From Neston, I boarded the 22 bus, which was easily one of the highlights of the day. The route skirts the Dee Estuary, offering beautiful views of the marshlands and distant hills of North Wales. The bus passed through Parkgate — famous for its ice cream and sunsets — and on through Heswall before finally arriving in West Kirby.

By this point, I was ready for a break. I grabbed a bite to eat near the marine lake and took in the peaceful seaside atmosphere. With views of Hilbre Island and a gentle sea breeze, it was the perfect spot to relax halfway through my loop.

Feeling refreshed, I continued on to Moreton, another of Wirral’s underrated gems. This stretch reminded me how interconnected the peninsula is — a mixture of suburban neighbourhoods and small town centres, all with their own character.

From Moreton, I hopped on the 414, my final bus of the day. This route brought me back around toward the north coast, retracing the familiar roads through Wallasey and finally arriving back where it all began: New Brighton. It felt fitting to end the journey here — back at the coast, with the waves crashing in and the sun beginning to lower in the sky.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about travelling by bus — the slower pace, the changing scenery, the chance to visit places you’d usually pass straight through. My loop around the Wirral by bus gave me a fresh appreciation for the peninsula: its coastal charm, countryside peace, and surprisingly varied towns.

If you’ve got a day to spare and a travel pass in your pocket, I highly recommend trying it out for yourself. You might just discover a new favourite spot — or rediscover a familiar one from a whole new angle.

Have you ever done a bus journey like this? Let me know your favourite routes or hidden gems around the Wirral — I’m always up for more adventures!