At Sefton Park, 95 hectares (235 acres) of landscaped parkland surrounds a huge lake in this vast green space to the south of the city centre. As one of the largest public parks in the Liverpool region, Sefton Park is an excellent place to take a break from the city. Nap on the grass by the lake, walk the circular paths or see exotic plants in an antique palm house.
Beginning in the 15th century, this section of Liverpool was part of a vast deer park where residents of the city would hunt. In 1872, the area was redesigned to serve as a public park. A French landscape architect won a contest to plan the park, and his designs survive to this day. Make sure to bring good shoes, since the park takes up an extensive plot and was designed with miles of paths.
Liverpool residents flock to Sefton Park daily. You’ll see many joggers, walkers and sports players enjoying the outdoors as you tour the park. Come on Sunday to see lively cricket and soccer matches take place on the lawns.
Bring food and a blanket to have a pleasant picnic next to the lake, which lies in the park’s centre. The 3-hectare (7-acre) lake was once filled with boats, but now it mostly sports waterfowl like ducks and geese. Make some feathered friends by throwing crumbs to the birds. Two cafés operate within the park’s bounds, so you can eat at one of these if you haven’t brought food of your own.
The Sefton Park palm house features tropical plants imported from throughout the world. Built in the 1800s, the house features a statue of a historical figure related to world exploration, like Christopher Columbus and Charles Darwin, on each of its eight corners.
Take the metro to St. Michael’s station and walk for 15 minutes to reach Sefton Park. If you are driving, plenty of free parking can be found along the streets nearby. The park is open daily and has no entry fee.
