The monks of Birkenhead Priory had been granted a charter establishing ferry rights to Liverpool, which was confirmed by Edward III in about 1330.

There followed a period of private ownership by local landowners of the numerous ferry services on the Wirral bank of the River Mersey, including at Woodside.

By the 18th century, an increase in stage coach traffic from Chester spurred the growth of the transportation of passengers and goods across the river.

Construction of a floating landing stage in 1861 allowed for combined usage by the ferries and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.

From 2019 until 2023 the building contained a food court and bar,[14] but the ferry terminal as a whole is currently closed for refurbishment and due to reopen in the summer of 2025.

[15] Located opposite the site of the former Woodside Hotel, the Shore Road Pumping Station was a visitor attraction until 2008 when it closed to the public.

[16] Built in the 1870s, the 'Giant Grasshopper' engine is a working example of a large steam pump, which was used to clear water from the Mersey Railway Tunnel.

In the gardens is a stone plinth and a plaque commemorating Norman Tunna, Birkenhead resident and George Cross recipient.

[19] On 27 June 2007, the Merseytravel transit authority announced that it had acquired the German submarine U-534 to display at the Woodside Ferry Terminal.

[22][23] The area is home to a number of murals by graffiti artist Brezaux, including tributes to Glenda Jackson and Paul O'Grady who were both born locally.

At Monks Ferry, there is a plaque dedicated to Miguel Grau Seminario whose ship Huáscar was built at Cammell Laird.

When reopened on 13 March 1986,[4] the restoration of the historic booking hall had been completed and the large, dilapidated Victorian landing stage replaced.