Walking Britain’s First ever Country Park: The Old Thurstaston abandoned Rail Route

Thurstaston railway station, a former stop on the Birkenhead Railway, is a central highlight of the Wirral Way within Britain's first designated country park. Opened in 1886 and closed to passengers in 1954 and completely shut down on May 7, 1962. The site today retains its original platforms as a physical link to its steam-era history. Britain's first designated country park was Wirral Country Park, opened in 1973 on the Wirral Peninsula, transforming a disused Victorian railway line into a public space for recreation, featuring trails, diverse landscapes, and views over the Dee Estuary. It predates the National Parks, which started with the Peak District in 1951, establishing a new model for accessible countryside close to urban areas. While the main station buildings were demolished, both platforms remain intact as features of the park. The old goods yard has been repurposed into a visitor center and car park. The former trackbed is now the Wirral Way, a 12-mile linear path popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. During World War II, the line transported munitions to heavy anti-aircraft gun emplacements located on the nearby cliffs. Thomas Ismay, founder of the White Star Line (of Titanic fame), influenced the railway's coastal route to keep it further away from his nearby mansion, Dawpool. Visitor Information for 2026 Facilities: The Thurstaston Visitor Centre offers information on local ecology, a cafe, and restrooms. Activities: Visitors can explore Thurstaston Beach at the foot of the 60-foot clay cliffs or hike up to Thurstaston Hill for views across the Dee Estuary to North Wales. Parking: Paid parking is available at the main visitor center site (approx. £4 for 4 hours as of early 2026).  #Thurstaston #wirral #wirralway #wirralcountrypark #DisusedStations #railwayhistory #explorewirral #abandonedrailway #beach #northwalescoast #riverdee #flintshire #uk #thurstastonbeach #england #northwales #DeeEstuary #abandonedrailway #fyp camera's used: DJI Pocket 3 DJI Mini Drone DJI Osmo Action 6