Moreton, Merseyside

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Moreton

Coordinates: 53.4013° N 3.1116° W
Population	13,735 (Total), 6,442 (Male), 7,293 (Female)^[1]
OS grid reference	SJ261899
Metropolitan borough	Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
Metropolitan county	Merseyside
Region	North West
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	WIRRAL
Postcode district	CH46
Dial code	0151 6**
Police	Merseyside
Fire	Merseyside
Ambulance	North West
UK Parliament	Wallasey
European Parliament	North West England
List of places: UK • England • Merseyside

Moreton is a town on the north coast of the Wirral Peninsula, Merseyside, England.

The coast at Moreton is part of a stretch of sand that runs from Meols to Leasowe known as Mockbeggar Wharf, named after Mockbeggar Hall, otherwise known as Leasowe Castle (the name Mockbeggar apparently being an old sailors' term for a lone house). The North Wirral Coastal Park also runs for four miles along this coast, including public open space, common land, natural foreshore and sand-dunes. The park provides for a wide variety of recreational activities; some of the more popular being sailing, sea angling, swimming, cycling, picnicking, walking, jogging, ball games, bird watching and horse riding.

The low-lying land behind the coast is protected by a large concrete embankment. Some of the coastal land is in the Moreton conservation area and provides important natural habitat. The embankment gives a good view at low tide to see a variety of wading birds. There are also good views of the Bidston Hill, Caldy Hill, the Welsh Hills, and out over the Irish Sea. Because of the sandbanks just offshore, Leasowe Lighthouse was built in 1763 and it is the oldest lighthouse in England. It has been restored and is open to the public at times. [1]

Moreton is also known for being the home of the Burton's factory, producer of Cadbury's biscuits. Moreton is also the home of Manor Bakeries, the former Cadbury's cakes department, at Reeds Lane near to Leasowe railway station.

Moreton railway station, on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network, is served by electric trains to Liverpool, Birkenhead and West Kirby.

Moreton witnessed the world's first commercial passenger and mail hovercraft service. The service ran from Moreton to Rhyl and commenced 20th July 1962. However, due to varying reasons including bad weather and technical difficulties the service was cancelled after its final journey on 14th September 1962.