Wirral is difficult to beat. There are spectacular seascapes, picture postcard villages and bustling centres loved by the fashion conscious and discerning diners.

Wirral is difficult to beat. There are spectacular seascapes, picture postcard villages and bustling centres loved by the fashion conscious and discerning diners. It is a place that has kept its own identity, determined not to be overshadowed by its larger, former Capital of Culture neighbour, Liverpool, and has capitalised on the opportunities its proximity to the city centre has offered.

Millions of tourists pour into the area every year to soak up the atmosphere of pretty villages like Thornton Hough and to drink in the history at popular Port Sunlight Village, home to the renowned Lady Lever Art Gallery.

Wirral's diversity and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Home buyers, eager to live here, clamour for the opportunity to have a home in places like West Kirby, Thurstaston and Neston. Hoylake, Heswall and Parkgate attract attention too. But it is very difficult to go wrong with any place you may choose.

The beauty of this area is that there is a home for every budget, whether you are in the market for a small house full of character of a budget busting million pound mansion.

If you love the coast and are prepared to spend that little bit extra, you can get an idyllic home along the estuary in places like Parkgate and West Kirby. There are beautiful homes in places like Raby and for homes that are full of character, as well as history, there are villages like Thornton Hough, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Ups: Lots of fantastic places to live and visit, plenty to do, more than adequate amenities, great shops and restaurants and friendly locals Downs: Difficult to decide where to live because of so much choice. Although well placed for commuting to areas outside of Wirral, traffic can be very busy, particularly trying to get through the tunnels to Liverpool. Schools: Wirral is a great place to bring up a family, backed up with the large numbers of schools, both private and state, that have excellent reputations and come highly recommended. Transport: Trains run regularly from many places throughout Wirral through to Liverpool city centre and Chester. Bus travel is also fairly easy with routes covering most of the main towns and villages. The nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, located less than ten miles away. Commuting: Major routes like the M53 make travel around Wirral easy. There is also the M56 motorway nearby giving access to other parts of the county and the M6 is not too far away. However, traffic can get very busy, particularly on the journey to Liverpool city centre. Shops: Plenty to choose from in Wirral whether you love high fashion, love picking up the latest designs for your home or you love browsing art work produced by locals. Restaurants/bars: There is everything from classy wine bars, well regarded restaurants, including one with a Michelin star, or places that offer more relaxed eating. Weekend fun: From enjoying a walk along the spectacular coastline, to enjoying good food in Hoylake, shop for all the latest fashions in places like Heswall and you can soak up the atmosphere at places like Port Sunlight Village and Thornton Hough. On July 25th Port Sunlight Village Festival takes place. Expect a fun day out for all the family including a free to enter dog show, live entertainment and salsa and samba dancers. For more information visit www.portsunlightvillage.com