Charming UK bay is a hidden gem sitting in quiet shadow of bustling city

Travellers interested in exploring the often make a beeline for . But situated on the north bank sits a picturesque bay defined by salt marshes and home to a range of incredible .

Oglet Bay sits at the southernmost edge of Liverpool, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of the nearby city. In fact, Oglet Bay is often referred to as “Liverpool’s last piece of ” for its and farmland abundant with diverse wildlife and birdlife.

Getting to Oglet is no great strain, only a 30-minute drive from Liverpool city centre that leads you through the suburb of Speke. Oglet is also incredibly close to the and only an eight-minute drive from the transport hub.

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But it is Oglet Bay’s close proximity to the airport that has put it in danger of being taken over by airport expansion plans. But locals have banded together to create the Save Oglet Shore & Greenbelt campaign to emphasise just how important the natural environment is to the community.

Oglet Bay is characterised by its mud banks and salt marshes, with nearby clay cliffs lining the River Mersey. The area’s unique ecosystem and surrounding greenbelt have made it a major feeding and roosting area of endangered birds. Large flocks of dunlin, black tailed godwits and many other species can be found feeding in the mud. In the bay itself, waders and wildfowl are visible year-round, with large influxes occurring in the winter.

Keep in mind, there are no formal visitor facilities at Oglet Bay so travellers should come prepared with equipment and food. There are also local guidelines in place to preserve the area’s ecological integrity that visitors should also be mindful of.

According to the Save Oglet Shore & Greenbelt campaign, the area’s woods, ponds and streams are also home to bats and many endangered farmland birds. The future of the area is still tenuous as a solar farm is already being built nearby, so there is no time like the present for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to visit the area and show their support.

Oglet Bay is adjacent to the village of Hale and has a quaint offering of cafes and pubs for travellers to explore. Hale is known for its tranquil setting, as well as its most famous son, the Childe of Hale. According to folklore, the Childe was one of the tallest men in history and has a commemorative statue in the village centre.

That said, Oglet Bay makes for a better day-trip destination than an extended staycation due to the sparsity of tourist resources. Still there is an undeniable serenity and natural significance in this part of Merseyside that is worth exploring and certainly protecting.

If you are planning a trip to the area, it is best planned in conjunction with a larger trip to Speke or during the warmer month when visibility across the water is better. One key date to keep in mind is the Speke Tudor Festival.

This annual event takes place annually in the Tudor Hall and will be held on May 4, 2025. The family-friendly festival celebrates English history with folk dancing and historical costumes.

Another Liverpool hidden gem to keep on the radar is . This seaside town is less than three miles north of Liverpool and offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and attractions.