There are lots of fantastic outdoor spaces and parks in Liverpool and beyond! Whether you’re getting some exercise, enjoying your well earned fresh air with the family, or chasing the elusive British sunshine across the city, there are parks, green spaces, woods, beaches, and more. Here are our favourites to get you started.
If you’re looking for something a little more active to do outdoors, check out our list of top outdoor activities to do in Liverpool.
Let us know in the comments which other outdoor spaces and parks in Liverpool are worth exploring.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces Near Liverpool
Festival Gardens
Festival Gardens is a blast from the past and the UK’s first-ever garden festival! This quirky time capsule from 1984 offers oodles of garden goodness to explore, including the jaw-dropping Japanese gardens. Although a facelift has been happening since 2010, come uncover the history of these once-abandoned sculptured gardens from 1997.
Lunt Meadows
Looking for a peaceful wetland haven with a touch of mystery? Lunt Meadows is your go-to spot! Perfect for kiddos, walkers, and bird enthusiasts, this lesser-known gem is home to an active archegonial site, woodlands, and picturesque strolls along the River Alt. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife!
Crosby Beach – Another Place
Ready for a beach trip with a twist? ‘Another Place’ on Crosby Beach is where it’s at. With world-renowned Antony Gormley statues peppered along the beach, this unique spot is a must-see. Heads up, though: parking can be tight during peak times, but no worries, the train is super convenient!
National Trust – Formby Red Squirrel Walk
Formby’s enchanting pinewoods are a sanctuary for red squirrels and other endangered critters. Wander through the woods and feel the sand between your toes on the pristine beaches of Freshfields and Formby. Perfect for beach days, picnics, and making unforgettable memories.
Rimrose Valley Country Park
Rimrose Valley: the beloved hideaway for locals, cyclists, and dog walkers. This serene country park boasts winding paths, open grasslands, wildflower gardens, and patches of woodland. With the Leeds-Liverpool Canal nearby and an uncertain future, locals cherish this lesser-known escape from city life even more.
The Cheshire Lines Path
Adventure awaits on the 23.2km Cheshire Lines Path! Part of the Trans Pennine Trail, this path stretches from Southport Promenade to Aintree, tracing an old railroad. Perfect for walkers, cyclists, runners, and horse riders, you can easily hop on and off the path at various points.
The Wirral Way
Follow the enchanting 13-mile Wirral Way from West Kirby to Hooton, a coastal route that hugs the River Dee estuary and features the beautiful Wirral Country Park. Get your adrenaline pumping with kite flying, quad biking, or paragliding, or simply enjoy the scenery on foot, bike, or horseback.
Sefton Park
Sefton Park is the heart and soul of Liverpool’s park scene. Home to some of the city’s most beloved annual events, this stunning park offers endless fun with its fields, pagodas, gardens, and glasshouse. Plus, you’re just a short walk away from Lark Lane, Liverpool’s trendiest street!
Otterspool Promenade
Otterspool Promenade is your riverside playground along the gorgeous Mersey. With parks to discover and paths perfect for running, walking, and roller-blading, it’s an ideal spot to catch a mesmerizing sunset. Don’t forget to check out the adventure park while you’re there!
Hoylake & Meols Beach
Mersey estuary beaches, anyone? Hoylake & Meols Beach offer a dreamy promenade where you can grab an ice cream and enjoy a waterside stroll. In the summer, give sandbuggying or horse riding a try, or simply soak in the views and watch the birds flutter by.
Everton Brow
Elevate your perspective at Everton Brow, a sprawling park boasting some of the most jaw-dropping views of Liverpool. You won’t want to miss it!
Calderstones Park
Calderstones Park is the crème de la crème of Liverpool parks, named after its ancient megaliths. Wander past a 1000-year-old oak tree, feed the ducks by the lake, and treat yourself to a coffee at the mansion. This stunning park is an absolute treasure trove of things to see and do.
Birkenhead Park
Did you know Birkenhead Park inspired New York’s iconic Central Park? After an £11.3million makeover in 2004, this historic park boasts restored gems like the Swiss Bridge, Boat House, and Grand Entrance, along with new bridges. It’s now a Grade I listed historic landscape and conservation area—talk about a glow-up!
Croxteth Hall Park
Step back in time at Croxteth Hall Park, where you’ll find the historic Croxteth Hall, Home Farm, and Victorian Walled Garden. But wait, there’s more! With a 500-acre country park and nature reserve to explore, you can also visit West Derby Courthouse, one of Liverpool’s oldest public buildings. Perfect for picnics, history buffs, and family fun.
Speke and Garston Coastal Reserve
Nestled between the Mersey River and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Speke and Garston Coastal Reserve is a unique blend of plane spotting and sea views. Wander the 70 acres of land perfect for walking, sailing, birdwatching, and cycling. Plus, why not pair your stroll with a visit to the National Trust’s Speke Hall?
Stanley Park
Check out Stanley Park, a 110-acre historic treasure situated north of Liverpool’s city center. This Grade II listed park, created in 1870, is known for being the divider between the home grounds of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs. Wander around fishing lakes, a play area, and loads of historical features, like the stunningly restored Victorian Isla Gladstone Conservatory—a hotspot for weddings, corporate events, and Liverpool Football Club matchday hospitality.
Liverpool Pierhead
Soak in the mesmerizing beauty of Liverpool’s Pier Head, where you’ll find the iconic Three Graces—the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building. This lively waterfront is filled with entertainment, including buskers, skaters, and various events, making it the perfect place to chill and watch boats sail by.
St James’ Mount and Gardens
Take a breather at St. James Mount and Gardens, cozily tucked beside the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Once a cemetery, this space was transformed into a tranquil public garden in the late 1960s, offering a peaceful retreat amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
Wirral Country Park
Discover the varied landscape of Wirral Country Park, the first of its kind in Britain. With quiet corners inhabited by badgers and foxes and breathtaking views from 60-feet-high cliffs, this park promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Make use of picnic areas, a visitor center, a café, bird hide, and more.
Hilbre Islands
Get adventurous and head to the Hilbre Islands, three tidal islands at the mouth of the Dee Estuary. These Local Nature Reserves serve as critical stopovers for migratory birds and offer opportunities for seal watching and visiting exhibitions. Be sure to check tide times before planning your trip.
Princes Park
Kick back in the peaceful surroundings of Princes Park, a Grade II listed park designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. Enjoy a picnic by the fishing lake or delve into its historical features, including the boathouse foundations and Sunburst entrance gates. And don’t forget the children’s play area, filled with fun and entertaining equipment.
Chavasse Park
Pause your shopping spree at Liverpool ONE and relax at Chavasse Park. This urban oasis is perfect for lounging on the grass, sipping a drink at nearby bars, or attending one of the many events hosted on the lawn.
Falkner Square Gardens
Find the delightful Falkner Square Gardens, a quaint park encircled by stunning period architecture that’s often used as a filming location for TV and cinema productions.
Thurstaston
Witness the captivating beauty of Thurstaston beach, with vistas across the Dee Estuary to North Wales. Explore the lush greenery of Wirral Country Park and Thurstaston Common, home to the legendary Thor’s Rock. Cyclists and walkers will love the Wirral Way, which runs through this picturesque village.
New Brighton
Revel in the lively atmosphere of New Brighton, showcasing the Victoria Quarter’s independent venues and striking street art. Hop on a Mersey Ferry to Seacombe and wander along the coast to uncover the enchanting Fairy Village in Vale Park.
Clarke’s Gardens
Escape to Clarke’s Gardens in Allerton, a hidden gem teeming with flora, fauna, and the impressive Grade II listed Allerton Hall. Enjoy a tranquil oasis to the south of the city.
Newsham Park
Wander through Newsham Park, a 121-acre Grade II listed Victorian park with fishing lakes and historical landmarks. Kids can have a blast at the playground and action sports hub, while anglers can test their luck in the well-stocked lakes.
Walton Hall Park
Stop by the 130-acre Walton Hall Park, which boasts a lake for fishing , a model boat pond, and a children’s play area. Opened in 1934 by King George, this park also features football pitches and a 3.2km fitness trail with various exercise stations, making it perfect for an active day out with the family.
Allerton Towers
Meander through Allerton Towers, a picturesque 35-acre park in South Liverpool. With remnants of the historic Allerton Tower mansion and Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust’s outdoor activity center, this park offers activities like abseiling, orienteering, and nature trails.
Wavertree Botanic Gardens
Travel back in time at Wavertree Botanic Gardens, which date back to the 19th century. Once an integral part of Liverpool’s recreational and cultural life, the gardens showcase a walled garden, ornamental carpet bedding, play areas, an ornamental fountain, a summer house, and a fishpond.
Reynolds Park
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Reynolds Park, a 14-acre sanctuary within the Woolton conservation area of South Liverpool. With a wildflower meadow, woodland areas, and an award-winning walled garden, this park offers a serene escape from the city.
Derby Park
Take a leisurely stroll through Derby Park, a Victorian urban park just 10 minutes from Bootle town center. This historic park features a play area, zip wire, multi-use games area, statues, and a bowls green, making it a fantastic spot for leisure and entertainment.
Port Sunlight Village
Explore the unique charm of Port Sunlight Village, a model village built by William Hesketh Lever to house his Sunlight soap factory workers. Set in 130 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, this picturesque village showcases Arts and Crafts-inspired architecture, the Lady Lever Art Gallery, a church, pub, and hotel, offering a magical experience.
Our Favourite Parks in Liverpool!
As you can see, there are plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces near to Liverpool for you and your family to enjoy some fresh air and escape the bustle of the city. Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any outdoor spaces near Liverpool!
