About Merseyside
Merseyside is a county in North West England, with a population of 1.38 million. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the River Mersey, the site of the eponymous Mersey Ferry, and includes the boroughs of Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.
The county takes its name from the River Mersey, which forms its western boundary. The historic county boundaries include the towns of Birkenhead and Wallasey on the Wirral Peninsula; Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Haydock, Newton-le-Willows, Prescot, St Helens, Southport and Tarleton in Lancashire; and Kirkby, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale and Southport in West Lancashire.
The Merseyside Built-up Area had a population of 1,356,000 in 2011; while the wider Liverpool City Region has a population of 2.24 million.
The region covered by the Merseyside County Council until 1974 comprised a much larger area than that covered by the modern county. It included Southport and Wallasey but excluded Kirkby, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale; these areas were transferred to Lancashire.
The area included in the Metropolitan Boroughs of Wirral, Sefton and St Helens since 1974 comprises what was previously part of Lancashire on the west bank of the River Mersey.
The metropolitan boroughs of Knowsley and Halton were created in 1974 from parts of Lancashire and Cheshire; both were added to Merseyside on 1 April 1980 by the Local Government Act 1972. The county has an area of 492 square kilometres (190 sq mi).
The highest point in Merseyside is Parbold Hill in West Lancashire at 185 metres (607 ft), although some higher ground is found in the form of Windmill Hill in Sefton at 200 metres (656 ft) and Bidston Hill in Wirral at 201 metres (659 ft).
Dotted with picturesque villages set against a backdrop of rolling hills and greenbelt countryside, Merseyside offers a wealth of things to see and do for all ages. From exploring one of England’s most vibrant cities, Liverpool, to enjoying a day out at one of the many family-friendly attractions or taking a leisurely stroll along one of the region’s many scenic walking routes, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids or a romantic weekend away with your partner, Merseyside has it all. With its rich history and culture, there are plenty of interesting places to visit and things to see and do throughout the year.
