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The estuary of the River Mersey dominates the southern half of Merseyside, and cuts the North Wirral Peninsula off from the rest of the county. The coast is lined with sand dunes to the south of Southport and onwards to Formby Point, with the Ainsdale Sand Dunes designated as a National Nature Reserve.

Very little is known about the area surrounding the Mersey Estuary until the 11th century when it was documented as being a small fishing port. By the start of the 13th century Liverpool had grown considerably due to the silting up of the River Dee, and the consequential decline of nearby Chester.

From the 17th century, long sea journeys became commonplace and Liverpool developed into Britain's main port for transatlantic shipping, also prospering from the slave trade. Liverpool was the major departure port for millions of European emigrants seeking their fortunes in the United States. Shipbuilding almost supported the city during the 19th century, but the industry declined after World War II, when Liverpool was the principal port involved in the Battle of the Atlantic, making it a frequent target for German bombers.

The city centre has been stylishly redeveloped and amongst many other things features a seven mile dock and the well-renowned Liver Building. The city continues to be the main British port for transatlantic freight shipping, and has been named as the European Capital of Culture 2008.