12 stunning places to visit in and around Merseyside from little villages to beauty spots

Across Merseyside, you're never too far away from a thriving independent businesses, a scenic walk or a fun activity to get involved in - whether that be during the weekend or when the kids are off school. Some of us like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to try somewhere new and a little more quiet.

Whereas other people like to venture on an hour or two drive to unwind and explore somewhere completely different. But as the Bank Holiday weekend gets underway, we wanted to revisit a number of them which should be on your radar if they aren't already.

Whether these places are on your doorstep or require a bit of travel, these beauty spots and villages are worth seeking out and spending some time in. During the last Bank Holiday, the ECHO rounded up nine gorgeous places to visit in and around Merseyside.

But we've since visited more from across our region and beyond that we think are also worth the trip. Here, we take a look at just 12 stunning places that we think are must visits from within Merseyside and beyond.

This list isn't intended to be comprehensive. But you can find out more about these destinations below.

12. Town that's Golden Triangle Cheshire 'without the pretension'

Knutsford boasts two main high streets - Princess Street and King Street - and all the nooks in between are lined with unique businesses, from sweet shops and chocolatiers to cigar lounges and craft ale bars.

There's something in Knutsford for every age group to enjoy. There's Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, where an array of sweet treats spanning from nostalgic favourites to modern sweets are displayed to La Casa del Habano, specialising in the exclusive sale of cigarros Habanos (Havana cigars).

The premises, managed by Andrew Clegg, comprises of a ground floor cigar shop and walk-in humidor with client lockers and a first floor sampling lounge. If you're thirsty but whisky and cigars are a little too rich for your taste, you can head down to craft ale specialists Dexter & Jones, which is run by husband and wife owners, Katy and Adam Rickitt and stocks 1000 beers, mostly from the UK.

Alongside their passion for ale, Adam is also an actor of stage and screen, appearing on Coronation Street as Nick Tilsley and later on Hollyoaks as Kyle Kelly, while Katy is a journalist and TV news reporter for Good Morning Britain. Knutsford is spoilt for choice in terms of food options too - there's a Mowgli, Piccolino and tons of other independents like Lindon Stores, which offers modern British cuisine in a relaxed setting, owned by Laura Christie and Chris Bousted.

The town centre is also conveniently right next to the entrance to the historic country estate of Tatton Park. Pedestrians can head through the main gates along Knutsford Drive and walk around the parkland for free during daytime hours.

From Liverpool city centre, Knutsford is just under an hours drive. You can read more about it here.

11. Beauty spot people go to watch the sunrise with stunning views

If you haven't already made the trip to Mam Tor in Derbyshire, you should definitely add it to your list. Mam Tor, meaning Mother Hill, is over 500m tall and overlooks the beautiful village of Castleton at the head of the Hope Valley in the Peak District.

Often referred to as the "shivering mountain," Mam Tor has long attracted visitors from across the UK as one of the National Parks' most famous walks. It's found a new audience with apps like TikTok, with many sharing their views after heading to the top for sunrise.

Mam Tor is the starting point for the Peak District's famous Great Ridge walk and it also has a number of caverns just below it. There is also a longer circular route which takes you around Mam Tor and boasts more stunning scenery.

Mam Tor is also well situated for visiting other popular destinations, such as beautiful villages and towns with cosy pubs. Around a 15 minute drive away from Mam Tor is Castleton, which has lots of pubs to choose from and shops to browse.

Castleton also has walks of its own and if you're a lover of history, you can follow a route towards Peveril Castle. Founded soon after 1066 by William Peverel, one of William the Conqueror's most trusted knights, Peveril Castle is a ruined 11th-century castle overlooking the village.

From Liverpool city centre, Mam Tor is around a one hour and 40 minute drive. You can read more about it here.

10. 'Pocket of countryside' with spectacular maze, beautiful courtyard and independent brewery

Steeped in history and surrounded by countryside, Brimstage is situated few minutes from J4 of the M53 and definitely has a lot to offer. Off Brimstage Road, behind a beautiful courtyard, a farmers field has been transformed into a spectacular maze that can only be described as a "kids dream."

Located on Brimstage Farm, the idea was started two decades ago by the Gregory family, who are now in their third generation of farming. On the site, you can not just find their family-fun maze, but also Maizy's Play Barn, an indoor play area suitable for different ages, as well as outdoor barrel rides, a giant barnyard-themed croquet section and activities such as a climbing wall, a wooden play frame and more.

In front of the Maze, Brimstage Hall & Courtyard today is home to numerous boutique shops, a coffee shop and more independent businesses. Part of the Leverhulme Estate, the site is steeped in history and was estimated to have been built between 1175-1350.

Among the local businesses is The Courtyard Coffee Shop and Café, owned by Sandie Matthews, who opened the business back in 2019. Serving everything from hot drinks to home cooked food and cakes, the business welcomes regular customers every week, as well as dog-walking, cycling and running groups passing through Brimstage.

A few minutes away down Brimstage Lane, Adam Williams, 47, and his team work to create the "perfect pint" in Brimstage Brewery. The site itself doesn't have an adjoining taproom or offer seating, but creates everything on site and sees customers come to collect orders themselves - and you'll likely recognise their name seen on their popular bottles and cans in venues across Wirral and beyond.

From Liverpool city centre, Brimstage is around a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.

9. Beautiful village with grey-stone cottages, cosy pubs and scenic walk

Surrounded by mountains, the small village of Beddgelert in North Wales is definitely worth the trip. Located in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park area of Gwynedd, its name translates to 'the grave of Gelert,' a local legend that has been passed down the generations.

With its old stone cottages, traditional pubs and quaint shops, the area gives a feel of being frozen in time and has long attracted visitors from across the UK. The picture-postcard village is tucked in the valley where the Rivers Glaslyn and Colwyn meet and there's a beautiful stone bridge which crosses the water.

Make sure to wear suitable shoes, as the main trail is quite lengthy and can take well over and hour. The known path also doubles back along the River Glaslyn and you can follow the riverbank back to the village.

North Wales Live previously reported how Beddgelert was named one of the 30 most unspoilt villages in Britain by The Telegraph newspaper. This year, it was also named among the UK's most lovely spots, as travel group called Big 7 Travel asked top travel photographers to pick there's.

Beddgelert is a beautiful day out, no matter what the weather - like many other beautiful villages and destinations in North Wales. You can also stop at other places nearby to the area as there's plenty to see.

From Liverpool city centre, Beddgelert is around a two hour and 15 minute drive. You can read more about it here.

8. Beautiful tea room is 'straight out of a fairy tale'

Surrounded by beautiful gardens that offer idyllic views of the Conwy Valley lies one of North Wales' most famous tea rooms - Tu Hwnt I'r Bont. Located in the small town of Llanrwst, on the edge of Snowdonie, its name translates to 'Beyond the Bridge' and it is actually considerably older than the historic Inigo Jones bridge it stands beside.

Built in 1840, the grade II listed site was previously used as a court house before it was acquired by the National Trust, who have since leased the building for over 50 years. Transformed into a beautiful tea room years ago, Tu Hwnt I'r Bont is a must-see attraction.

The exterior is well wrapped in a blanket of Virginia Creeper. In the spring and summer months, the foliage is dark green.

But as the colder seasons approach, it transforms into a vivid, autumnal red. You can also head to the other side of the bridge for another view of the tea room.

During your visit, you may also see few photographers capturing the picture-postcard scene.Keeping an eye on the traffic, you can also stand on the bridge in one of the nooks to get the money-shot.

From Liverpool city centre, Tu Hwnt I'r Bont is around a one hour and 40-minute drive. You can read more about it here.

7. In a quaint little village is a beauty you won't find on many high streets

In rural Cheshire, between Chester and Crewe, sits the chic little village of Tarporley. The town's high street is lined with quaint tea rooms and antique shops, along with stylish bars, restaurants and clothing retailers.

Each business is different in its own interesting way however, one thing which almost all have in common is their sole-ownership and independence. Ginger and Pickles, a bakehouse which smells even better on the inside than it looks on the outside, is a family run business that has been in the village for seven years, making all their own products using local suppliers, from Bakewell tarts to flapjacks as well as cakes for any occasion.

Directly opposite, across the street, is Ginger and Pickles' tea room. A sit-down affair, it serves breakfast, lunch (mainly consisting of sandwiches) and afternoon tea (both sweet and savoury).

A few doors down you'll find Little Tap, owned by Myles Carr, which is a bar that specialises in cask beers and small plates. Having opened the venue eight years ago, when he was just 25, the now 33-year-old Myles is in the process of unveiling a new restaurant across the road called Terrarium.

Tarporley also isn't short on pubs, which include the dog-friendly Rising Sun which serves food alongside its award-winning beers and wines. In the area, Bonjour Wines also stocks a variety of wines harvested from around the globe, as well as beers, ales and champagnes. with local cheeses, chutneys, Cuban cigars and more also on offer to compliment drinks.

From Liverpool city centre, Tarporley is just over an hours drive. You can read more about it here.

6. 'Peaceful' village with 'magical' tea garden and 'bear pit'

Steeped in history and natural beauty, Eastham definitely has a lot to offer. Heading down Stanley Lane, you're greeted by historic, idyllic cottages, as well as a number of independent businesses, like The Montgomery Pub & Kitchen and Eastham Village Delicatessens.

You can also visit The Hooton Arms, a wet-led pub taken over by landlord Lewis Evans around five years ago, which has been serving customers for generations and is also popular for screening sports. A 20-minute walk or the 38 bus will take you to Eastham Ferry, where you take in the views of the incredible Liverpool skyline on a clear day and see ships pass along the River Mersey.

A stones-throw away is The Tap pub, which has stood on Ferry Road since at least 1745 and also has the the Bear Pit Café, serving "quality food at a reasonable price." The cafe's name is a nod to the bear pit inside the nearby country park and today landlords Callum Kee-McParlin and Bob Muir are today at the heart of the pub, after taking over The Tap in December last year.

Around the corner from the The Tap is Eastham Country Park, a place where you can wander around the beautiful woodland. The award-winning park has a range of walking trails and open green spaces, whether you're on a walk with the family or taking the dog out for a few hours.

Just outside of the country park, The Mimosa Tea Garden, situated next to the car park, gives the illusion of stepping into a "magical" world, filled with fairy gardens, quirky furniture and homemade treats. Back in 1972, Pat Gibson-Saxty's parents, Searle and Dorothy, began serving the odd cup of tea outside their home to visitors when the local council decided to make the area a country park and the business has since grow from its humble beginnings, boasting different themed areas and serving everything from sandwiches and toasties to hot drinks, homemade cakes and more.

From Liverpool city centre, Eastham Ferry is around a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.

5. 'More Scousers' moving into 'really nice' town

A town not too far from Liverpool is drawing in "more Scouse accents" thanks to its stunning scenery and array of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Burscough, situated just north of Ormskirk, lies along the West Lancs stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, becoming a popular spot for boaters, cyclists, and dog walkers charmed by its quaint character.

Like many countryside towns, Burscough boasts old-world architecture and traditional pubs, but it's also embracing the new with trendy craft beer spots and quirky cafes popping up. The most delightful way to enter Burscough is via the canal path, where a colourful procession of boats line the waterway. Here, ducklings paddle their first strokes while anglers sit in hope of a catch.

Venturing into the town along this route leads you to Burscough Wharf, a picturesque cluster of heritage buildings that house a buzzing hub of independent ventures. Among these is Hugo's, a family-owned café bar, with James Smith at the helm, offering brunch, lunch, coffee, and drinks.

Just a stone's throw away from Hugo's, craft beer aficionados will be delighted to discover The Thirsty Duck across the courtyard at the Wharf, which opened in 2020 and boasts an extensive selection of beers from around the UK and the globe. A little further afield, but still technically within Burscough, is The Farm on Martin Lane.

As the name suggests, it's a farm, but it also boasts a farm shop, tea room, bed and breakfast, and a campsite. The Farm, which has been open for 16 years, even houses retail units that accommodate separate small businesses.

From Liverpool city centre, Burscough is around a 50-minute drive. You can read more about it here.

4. 'Chocolate-box' village that's the 'perfect day trip'

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can also visit a small village in Lancashire that to me looks like something out of a storybook. Full of idyllic cottages and thriving independent businesses, Croston is steeped in history and rural landscape.

Nestled in the countryside, Croston Village is very picturesque and many visit to walk around and take in the scenery of Croston Moss. Continuing up towards Town Lane, I'm met by a little historic bridge which goes over the River Yarrow, surrounded by stunning cottages, flower baskets and a historic church behind it.

Nearby lies a cosy little cafe called Thyme on the Yarrow, which serves an array of breakfasts, lunches and sweet treats. Suzy Whillis, originally from Philadelphia in the United States, moved to Croston with her husband Dave at the beginning of the year, later taking over the business.

A stone's throw away from the café,, you will immediately spot a beautiful shop with a bright blue door which is home to two local businesses. For years, the site has been home to lifestyle and gift shop Feather & Twigs, owned by Catherine Titherington-Teale and clothing boutique The Secret Closet, owned by Hayley Wright.

Situated next to the village green and next door to businesses Out Lane Social and The Lord Nelson, Becky Gleave, along with her partner Jon Lilley, has owned The Wheatsheaf pub for the last 13 years, which boasts everything from real ale to traditional meals, live music and is a perfect spot regardless of the weather. You can also make your way down Westhead Road to find Croston Sports Club and The Black Horse pub, operated by Andrew Edmundson who said customers come from Liverpool to visit the pub "on a weekly basis."

From Liverpool city centre, Croston village is just over an hour drive. You can read more about it here.

3. Country park a short drive with stunning views and beautiful coffee shop

Located on the western edge of the Peak District National Park near Macclesfield, Tegg's Nose Country Park pulls in thousands of walkers every year. It is also a popular spot for climbers and wildlife watchers.

Boasting panoramic views of Cheshire and beyond, among its quirks is the rather impressive site at the hilltop of an old quarrying site. Here is where millstone grit, a type of sandstone, was mined from the 1500s, right up until 1955, Cheshire Live previously reported.

If the weather is on your side, visitors may be able to see Liverpool’s cathedrals and Welsh hills while there. But arguably the main attraction is the stunning panoramic views from the top of the hill.

Many Cheshire landmarks are visible on the clearest of days, including Jodrell bank around 11-12 miles away. Before you leave, you can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink at The Nose Coffee.

Located on Buxton Old Road, the rustic venue sells everything from hot drinks to delicious sweet and savoury. According to their social media, the business is open every day.

From Liverpool city centre, Tegg's Nose Country Park is just under an hour and a half drive. You can read more about it here.

2. Destination family farm shop with café and butchers that's easy to get to

Just off the M53, you'll find a farm that's been run by the same family for more than 100 years. Loved by locals and visitors alike for its popular farm shop and café that serves produce grown on the farm itself, Claremont Farm in Bebington, Wirral, is another must visit.

Whieldons also run a butchers' counter inside the farm shop, stocked with local meats and a selection of homemade pies and sausage rolls. Brothers Andrew and Guy Pimbley are the fourth generation of their family to run the tenanted farm, with the help of their parents Ian and Pauline, who are in their 80s. The Pimbley family first took on the farm in 1906 - and it's changed a lot over the last 118 years.

After ten years of running the Wirral Food and Drink Festival, the Pimbley family had outgrown its small farm shop. Inspired by The Everyman Bistro in Liverpool, which blazed a trail in the hospitality industry before it closed in 2011, Claremont Farm decided to build a new farm shop and café.

The former assistant head chef from The Everyman Bistro helped to develop a menu for Claremont Farm's café, where he still works to this day. The café serves a breakfast, brunch and lunch menu which includes the likes of seasonal salads, pick your own cooked breakfast, homemade sandwiches and cakes.

Events over the summer at Claremont Farm include acoustic nights to outdoor theatre and classic car shows. It also saw the return of its popular pick your own strawberries.

From Liverpool city centre, Claremont Farm is just under a half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.

1. Bustling village with 'country-esque feel about it' that's growing in popularity by the day

Located on the edge of St Helens, the historic village of Rainhill is a haven of independents, attracting loyal local customers as well as new from further afield. Among the businesses there are Hayes Butchers, an independent on Warrington Road which occupies a site that has been home to a butchers shop for around 200 years.

At the front of the shop is Tony Hayes, who has owned the shop for the last decade but first started working there as a teenager A little further down the road, you will find Dane Court, home to businesses such as the Skew Bridge Alehouse, restaurant Blue Mango, The Hop House craft beer shop - and The Wine Club.

Opened in June 2018 by sisters Danielle Milnes and Rochelle Garbutt, The Wine Club sells wines from across the world and uses local and international suppliers to provide a selection of cheese, charcuterie meats, popular artisan pizzas and chutneys. In the few years they've been based in the village, Danielle and Rochelle have expanded to opening The Wine Club shop opposite, as well as a bistro in what was the Galleria restaurant on Warrington Road, with a function room now also next door.

Heading closer to the station, you'll find restaurants such as Carouse, Sorelle and venues like the Acoustic bar. But sitting opposite the train station you'll find a historic pub that has seen more than most in the village.

Dating back to 1870, the Commercial Hotel was first built to accommodate the increasing number of rail passengers arriving in Rainhill. Mark Woodward, operator of Amber Taverns, took over the pub in September 2020 and recently received a CAMRA award, as well as a nomination for the top eight cask pubs in St Helens, alongside neighbour the Skew Bridge

From Liverpool city centre, Rainhill village is just over an half an hour drive. You can read more about it here.