Heading out of Southport you’ll soon reach Formby. The National Trust looks after a coastal stretch here of dunes and woodland. It is home to a rare and protected colony of red squirrels native to the UK and under threat by the more dominant grey squirrel from North America. You can go for walks and admire the sheer size of the dunes, blown up by the winds off the North Sea.
A short drive south will bring you to Crosby beach and the Antony Gormley statues.
Liverpool is the next place of interest. This maritime city is packed with shopping, eating and entertainment and, of course, there are many museums to explore such as the World Museum, the International Slavery Museum, the Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool. Walk around the remodelled Albert Dock and visit the exhibits in the Maritime Museum, as well as gaze up at the architecture of the three Graces which line the waterfront. With two fantastic cathedrals to admire, and two cathedrals of football in Anfield and Everton, there is much to occupy you.
Across the Mersey you can visit the Wirrall with Port Sunlight and its gallery, museum and garden village or head along the M53 to Chester with its historic centre.
Golf lovers will want to pay a visit to Royal Birkdale, bird watchers will enjoy Marton Mere Wetland Centre and racegoers can attend the Grand National at nearby Aintree.
And with Manchester, Preston and Blackpool all within easy reach, you’ll easily make the most of your hire car.
