Heswall as a place to live

Heswall is a residential town on the Wirral Peninsula’s southwestern point, close to the River Dee and having a population of around 8,000.

Nearby villages include Barnston, Gayton, Pensby, Thingwall & Irby and the town is close to the urbanized towns of Wallasey and Birkenhead to the northwest. Liverpool lies 9 miles away and Chester 14 miles.

Heswall History

Heswall (Eswelle; a derivation of ‘Hazel Well’) was recorded in the Domesday Book and originally owned by Robert de Rodelent, who also owned much of the land on the eastern side of the River Dee. In 1277, it became the property of Patrick de Haselwall, who was Sheriff of Cheshire.

Right into the 19th century it was a small village, with a small hamlet centred around St. Peter’s Church, with cottages dotted around the heathland.

Its growth is attributed to wealthy merchants from Liverpool who had originally chosen it as a holiday retreat because of the spectacular views across the Dee estuary plus the attractive countryside and invigorating fresh air. However, the subsequent arrival of two railway connections allowed these merchants to commute daily to and from Liverpool.

The Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital originally opened in Heswall as Liverpool Country Hospital for Children in 1909 and stood on the opposite side of Telegraph Road. It had a tall square clock tower and extensive grounds with views over the Dee estuary. The hospital closed in 1985 and supermarket now sits on the site.

In the 2001 Census Heswall was listed as being the 7th richest neighbourhood in the UK.

Heswall Places of interest

Today, Heswall has an Upper and Lower Village.
The Upper Village has a lively busy atmosphere during the day and is a haven for diners in the evening. In contrast, the original Lower Village has managed to retain much of its charming, original character.
Spend a delightful afternoon in Heswall, and enjoy the interesting architecture and award winning restaurants.

Heswall Schools

The area enjoys a number of good local primary schools, including Heswall, Gayton, Barnston and St.Peter’s CE Primary School, with access to some of the Wirral’s most prestigious higher education schools and colleges, namely;

i) Calday Grange Grammar School for boys (6th Form Co-Educational)
ii) West Kirby Grammar School
iii) Birkenhead School
iv) Birkenhead High School for Girls
v) Wirral Grammar School for Boys
vi) Wirral Grammar School for Girls
vii) St Anslem’s College; a Catholic grammar school for boys

Heswall Amenities & Attractions

There are several areas of open space. The largest is the Dales; an area of dry, sandy heathland overlooking the River Dee. It has the status of both Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Within this SSSI lies ‘the Dungeon’, a small river valley cut into the hillside. A path connects the Dales to the Wirral Way Country Park and the coast. Other open areas also overlooking the Dee are the Beacons, and Poll Hill, which is the highest point on the Wirral Peninsula.

Heswall Golf Club; a parkland course of 18 holes with breathtaking views of the Welsh hills from the banks of the Dee Estuary and overlooking one of the United Kingdom’s premier RSPB World Bird Sanctuaries.

Heswall Places to eat & drink

From fine dining, including home-made, Italian, Indian, Thai or broader Oriental food, to pubs, coffee shops or even ice cream parlours, Heswall has a lot to offer to both locals and visitors alike. Notable outlets include;
i) The Ship Hotel of 24 rooms and a very welcoming public bar
ii) Superb lunchtime and evening dining at the Devon Doorway
iii) The low-beamed Fox & Hounds Pub

Heswall Transport

The town and surrounding area is very well served in being reasonably close to the M53 motorway, as well as having a railway station providing regular services to Liverpool and Chester. There is a frequent bus network, both for local transportation to/from Liverpool and Chester.

Heswall History

Whilst this page focuses on Heswall, why not take a look at some of the other places to live on the Wirral.

Start your search for affordable homes in Heswall, Wirral today.

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