Children love the idea of going in a tunnel under the Mersey and crossing over on a boat. Park at Hamilton Square in Birkenhead, get the ferry to Liverpool (superb, heartbreakingly lovely view) and, after a stroll, picnic and visit to the Albert Dock, get the train back from James Street station. Steep escalators, lifts and friendly station staff. Cheap and good fun.
Hamilton Square is signposted from central Birkenhead and is itself an interesting area. The ferry is a five-minute stroll downhill from the station. Ask if you're not sure.
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Do this trip the other way around. The ferry is a circular route, and Birkenhead to Liverpool is just a 10 minute crossing, but from Liverpool you get a much more interesting trip up or down the river taking almost 40 minutes. You can make the trip on a 'Saveaway' day ticket for £4.30 which is valid for train, bus and ferry travel in the entire city region stretching from Chester to Southport.
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