The coastal park with a beautiful sandy beach an hour from Greater Manchester

Half term is in full swing and the weather is suitably warm and sunny - well, when the sun does decide to make an appearance. There’s no better way to make the most of it than with a trip to the beach.

We’ve got a few on our doorstep to choose from, but if you’re looking for somewhere a bit different, there’s a beach just an hour’s drive away from Greater Manchester which offers just that. The North Wirral Coastal Park is a tranquil four-mile stretch of huge sand dunes, grasslands and meadows.

Although it’s only a stone’s throw away from the popular New Brighton Beach, this coastal spot is often overlooked by visitors. It might not have loads of tourist attractions or facilities, but there is a gorgeous stretch of unspoilt sand at Leasowe Beach, nestled inside the park.

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The dog-friendly beach is vast with lots of room to spread out in. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day or have a paddle in the sea.

Our colleague Emily Sleight at the Liverpool Echo recently visited the beach and compared it to those found in Wales, thanks to the stunning sand dunes. She recommends following the circular path through the coastal park, which can be done on foot or by bike, and even by horse if you’re that way inclined.

The walk offers lots of variety along the way with plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for the historic lighthouse which was built back in 1763 by The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company to guide shipping safely to the Port of Liverpool. It's also the oldest lighthouse built from bricks in the United Kingdom, making it a key attraction for many.

There is one spot you can grab a bite to eat nearby, and