For a bit of fresh air take a stroll around one of Liverpool's open spaces. From parks to beaches, promenades and waterfronts, there's so many places to safely head to blow the cobwebs away.
As we head into another national lockdown, heading out into the fresh air is important now more than ever and there are so many beautiful places in the Liverpool City Region to explore with your household or support bubble. So wrap up warm and have a look at a few of these out doors spaces we have listed below.
For more information on the restrictions in place in the Liverpool City Region please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
PARKS
SEFTON PARK
Sefton Park is one of the most popular parks to head to in the city. The magnificent 200-acre park is a lush green landscape to visit to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not only will you find acres of open green space, there is the famous glass Palm House, a boating lake, a cafe and an abundance of flowers to admire.
CALDERSTONES PARK
Calderstones Park is a stunning 94 acre family park in South Liverpool and is home to a woodland, a lake, fields, beautiful Japanese & old English gardens and even a one thousand year old oak tree! There is also a cafe for relaxing with a cup of coffee.
CROXTETH COUNTRY PARK
This 500 acre country park is home to some of Liverpool’s oldest public buildings. Steeped in history you’ll find Croxteth Hall in the centre of the green spaces, a truly stunning building to visit. There is also a real working Home Farm, a Victorian Walled Garden and nature reserve to see too.
STANLEY PARK
Stanley Park is a 110 acre, Grade II listed green space just north of the city centre. The park is famous for dividing the home grounds of two of Liverpool’s biggest football teams, Anfield, home to Liverpool FC and Goodison Park, home to Everton FC. If you’re a fan of football, it's a great park to head to in order to catch a glimpse of both of the impressive stadiums.
The park also boasts fishing lakes, a play area and numerous historical features including the Grade II listed Isla Gladstone Conservatory.
BIRKENHEAD PARK
Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, Birkenhead Park is acknowledged as the first publicly funded park in the world having first opened in 1847 and influened the design of New York's Central Park. Alongside the beautiful architecture and lush green spaces there is an adventure playground, tennis courts, bowling greens and football pitches. A great place to head to on a trip over the water to the Wirral.
FESTIVAL GARDENS
Find Festival Gardens just south of the city centre and enjoy a beautiful tranquil space with oriental gardens, pagodas, lakes, waterways and waterfalls. Transformed in 1984 for a garden festival and developed over the years, the Festival Gardens are a great place to head to chill out on a sunny afternoon.
ST JAMES MOUNT AND GARDENS
St. James Mount and Gardens is home to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, green grounds and a cemetery. This might sound a bit spooky but the grounds to the Cathedral are definitely worth having a look at when you’re visiting.
PRINCES PARK
Another park space designed by Sir Joseph Paxton is Princes Park just on the edge of Sefton Park. The Grade II listed park is a beautiful green space that is home to a fishing lake and loads of historical features. Definitely worth heading along with a picnic on a sunny day.
CHAVASSE PARK
Head over to Liverpool ONE to chill out on Chavasse Park after an afternoon of shopping. This city centre green space is is the perfect location to hang out on the grass, grab a drink in one of the overlooking bars or head to one of the many events that happen on the lawn.
ST JOHN’S GARDENS
If you’re around the St George’s Plateau then head round the back to chill out in St John’s Gardens. The garden, which is part of the William Brown Street conservation area, has been a Green Flag site since 2003 and contains ornamental flower beds and various memorials to notable people in the city. A great spot to soak up the rays.
EVERTON PARK
Just north of the city you will find Everton Park. This modern park on a historic site has arguably some of the best views over Liverpool. Catch a glimpse of the River Mersey between the iconic Liver Birds and other famous Liverpool landmarks.
FALKNER SQUARE GARDENS
Just on the edge of Liverpool City Centre you’ll find Falkner Square Gardens. This small bit of park land is surrounded by some of Liverpool’s most stunning houses and it’s easy to see why they use this part of the city to film some of TV and cinemas biggest period dramas.
BEACHES
CROSBY BEACH
For something a little more sandy, jump the train 20 minutes down the line to Crosby Beach. Not only is there grassy spaces, a marina with a play area, cafes and stretches of beach to have fun on there is also Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’. Find 100 cast iron, life size figures of the artist spread out along three kilometers of beach, it’s definitely a sight to see!
FORMBY BEACH
Head up to the National Trust reserve at Formby Beach for a day out in the open air. Walk along the glorious long stretch of beach, explore the dramatic dunes and venture around the stunning pinewoods for a bit of fresh air with beautiful views.
THURSTASTON
There’s a very good reason why Thurstaston beach is often included in round-ups of Merseyside’s must-visit coastal areas. Visitors can enjoy views over the Dee Estuary to North Wales, whilst a short walk from the beach will place visitors in the lush greenery of Wirral Country Park (did we mention it was the first ever Country Park in Britain?) Thurstaston Common is only a stone’s throw away, complete with its very own large sandstone outcrop – ‘Thor’s Rock’ – which is steeped in romantic legend as far back as Wirral’s Viking roots. Thurstaston is also a favourite for many cyclists and walkers thanks to the Wirral Way which runs through the village. This part of the trail uses a pathway left behind by a railway line which was removed in the 1950s.
OPEN SPACES
PIER HEAD
There’s nothing better than taking a walk along Liverpool’s Pier Head on a sunny day. Take in the views of the stunning Three Graces, The Museum of Liverpool and the Royal Albert Dock and enjoy the fresh breeze that comes off the famous River Mersey. You can even get your photo taken with the larger than life statues of The Beatles!
OTTERSPOOL PROM
Head south of the city to Otterspool Promenade and take a walk along the River Mersey, if you start at the far end and walk right the way up you’ll end up in the historic Royal Albert Dock! Nothing like a bit of fresh air coming off the river to blow the cobwebs away.
NEW BRIGHTON
If you have not been across the water to New Brighton in a while, you are definitely in for a treat. The Victoria Quarter, set back from the waterfront and only a short walk from the train station, boasts a dazzling array of independent venues and some of the best street art for miles around. Those who wish to see a stunning view of the Liverpool skyline can catch a Mersey Ferry to Seacombe and then venture along the coast to New Brighton, passing through Vale Park along the way to see the magical Fairy Village – you’ll thank us later!
WEST KIRBY AND HILBRE ISLAND
Situated at the north west tip of the peninsula, West Kirby has loads to offer for a day out in the fresh air. A popular excursion is a walk out to Hilbre Island, which is well-loved by visitors of all ages and offers the possibility of seeing the local seal colony in the summer months. West Kirby’s Marine Lake walk way is open, while those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land can start their walking or cycling route on the Wirral Way – a 12 mile, traffic-free path through the unique Wirral countryside and along the beautiful coastal estuary of the River Dee.
Due to venues having different guidelines, booking systems and opening hours we would always recommend checking ahead with each one before your visit.
For more information and updates on what is happening across Liverpool follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
You might also find these blogs useful: