Wirral/Cheshire for young families?

[AmeliaPat]

DH and I are planning a move back up to north to be nearer family and to finally buy somewhere as our little family is just beginning (eek! exciting).
Grew up on the Wirral so it's been looked at a lot but we'd also consider Cheshire villages etc. Budget is about £290,000.
We've been in Clapham for a couple of years but we really love/miss that villagy feel, community, knowing your neighbours etc. We're not planning to move for a while so good primary schools are important!
At the very beginning of search so all ideas are welcome and appreciated!
Thanks

[treesntrees]

Wallasey Village still Villagey, close to good beaches, lots of independent shops and Mersey Rail station. Don't know about schools.

[turningvioletviolet]

West Kirby - but i'm not sure how much you'd get for £290k these days. But it definitely has everything you're looking for.