9 must see parks in Liverpool

Just a little less popular than London, but totally worth your time, Liverpool is a city with its own character and charm, ranking in the top five tourist destinations in the UK. Though it mainly owes its popularity to the Beatles, Liverpool has always been associated with architecture, culture, and maritime history. Home to a number of museums, historic buildings, and heritage attractions, the city is always packed with tourists and locals going about their day, and it can get pretty hectic, especially in the city centre.

Whether you're a tourist in Liverpool or have been living there for some time, you'll need to take a break from the busy city streets. And what better way to escape the crowds than to take a stroll in one of the many parks in the city? Parks in Liverpool offer varied landscapes, and there's a little bit of everything for anyone, no matter the season.

Perhaps you're looking for fun children's play areas, fishing lakes, or nature trails, or you want to explore the local wildlife and do some bird watching. Or perhaps you're looking for a tranquil place for a family outing and a picnic. Liverpool's parks have it all, and you don't even need to venture further off as most are conveniently located across the city, just like bounce luggage storage in Liverpool.

That said, we make it easier to drop off your backpack after hiking or picnic basket after your meal, as bounce locations are not far from the parks in Liverpool. And you don't even have to worry about the size of your belongings, as we charge the same affordable price for any bag. So, when you spot the perfect park to stretch your legs, don't let heavy bags stop you.

Croxteth Hall and Country Park

Located in West Dorby, the Country Park extends across 500 acres of land, boasting varied landscapes, from woodland and pastures to streams, ponds, winding paths, and trails. One of the major highlights of the Country Park is Croxteth Hall, the historic home of the Earls of Shefton, a Grade II listed building and one of the most important heritage sites in Liverpool. Built in Tudor times, Croxteth Hall originally served as a hunting lodge, but today it's a place for relaxing, outdoor activities and family outings.

In addition, the Croxteth Country Park features a Victorian Walled Garden, home to a historic botanical collection. Kids and kids at heart can take advantage of Jungle Park, equipped with Tarzan swings, zip lining, tree trekking, and more. When you need to refuel your energy, make a stop at the Croxteth Country Park Cafe for light snacks, coffee and refreshments. With so many things to see and do, this nature reserve makes for the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family.

Reynolds Park

Fill your lungs with fresh air at Reynolds Park in South Liverpool, boasting woodland and gardens that stretch over an area of 14 acres within the Woolton conservation area. A natural beauty with a diverse landscape, Reynolds Park is mainly enjoyed by families, active people, dog walkers, and everyone who appreciates woodland areas and Rhododendron-lined footpaths.

The award-winning park also features a topiary garden, a walled garden, a wildflower meadow, an arboretum, open lawns, and a sunken garden. Though short of children's play areas, your kids will have fun playing at the balancing beams and stepping stones. You won't find any cafes and restaurants within the park's grounds, but if you stop by to see St. Peter's Church to the south of the park, you'll come across many pubs, bars, lounges and eateries nearby.

Sefton Park

Located near Greenbank Halls of Residence and Liverpool's trendiest street, Lark Lane is the Grade 1 historic Sefton Park expanding over an area of 235 acres. Sefton Park is home to many events and festivals, including the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival, and it's no wonder it's the most-talked-about park in Liverpool. People spend a few hours at the fantastic park, whether to sit by the boating lake or the bandstand, explore the dreamy gardens, or take insta-worthy photos at the iconic Palm House, home to exotic plants from all around the world and a dream venue for weddings and events. Nature lovers can take a walk around the Fairy Glen waterfall and explore the picturesque area surrounded by trees and rhododendrons. While there, don't forget to stop by the Iron Bridge, once a popular meeting spot for young couples.

Even the youngest can enjoy Sefton Park as there's a children’s playground area equipped with a climbing structure, a roundabout, swings, slides, and a multi-use games area. Art lovers will appreciate the various art installations dotting the park, including the Eros Fountain and a Peter Pan statue. When hunger strikes, you don't need to leave the park to look for food, as the lakeside "Oasis in the Park" cafe will happily serve you drinks and snacks.

Festival Gardens

Once the home grounds for the UK's first garden festival, The International Garden Festival, and today a perfect respite from the bustle of the city, Festival Gardens is a stunning park with lots of things to discover. Located a short walk from St Michael's station, just off Otterspool Promenade, and right next to River Mersey on the south side, the park is considered a hidden gem of Liverpool, and it's worth spending a few hours.

Festival Gardens features beautiful Japanese and Chinese gardens, pagodas, lakes and waterfalls, a Moon Wall, woodland walking and hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife habitats. People come here for various reasons, the most popular being riding, cycling, and picnicking. There's also a children's play area where kids can blow off some steam and a cafe for light snacks and drinks. You'll also notice a few food trucks popping up every now and then but don't forget that you can always bring your own snacks, drinks and lunch and pack it a picnic.

Wavertree Botanic Gardens

Located south of Edge Lane, just 1.5 miles east of Liverpool city center, you'll come across another hidden gem of the city, a rather impressive example of an English garden. The Wavertree Botanic Gardens date back to the 19th century and was originally designed as a private botanic garden. It wasn't until 1846 that it was finally open to the public. Today, the historic park is Grade II listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and provides a wonderful retreat from the city noise.

The Wavertree Botanic Gardens stretch over an area of 11 acres within Wavertree Park, and there's a lot to see and do. Some of the highlights worth checking out are the walled garden, the tranquil fishing lake, the ornamental carpet bedding, an ornamental fountain, a summer house, and a few glasshouses. The youngest can entertain themselves at the children's play area equipped with slides, swings, and a roundabout. Though there's no cafe within the park, there are many eateries around Wavertree Park that are within a short walking distance.

Princes Park

Princes Park is a Grade II listed park located on Devonshire Road in Toxteth, southeast of Liverpool city center and right next to Sefton Park. The park is the first public park in Liverpool, dating back to 1842. With an area of over 110 acres, Princes Park is also one of the largest parks in Liverpool, perfect for a picnic, a relaxing stroll, or sports activities. Here you'll see people fishing in the lake, having a picnic, playing tennis, volleyball, and badminton, rock climbing, or just relaxing surrounded by nature.

The park features a few historical landmarks, such as the foundations of a historic boathouse, the Sunburst entrance gates, and monuments of Victoria Cross medal heroes. There's also a playground with slides and swings, a see-saw, and a climbing frame. Though there's no cafe in the park, there are a few nearby, but you can always bring your picnic basket and enjoy your lunch at one of the many picnic areas in the park.

Clarke's Gardens

If you happen to be in the Allerton neighborhood in Liverpool, stop by Clarke's Gardens, and stretch your legs at this beautiful nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife. The park is close to Allerton Towers Park and Springwood Cemetery, 7 miles south of Liverpool city center, and it's easy to get to by car or public transport.

One of the highlights of the park is Allerton Hall, a Grade II listed building, which the Clarke family donated to the Liverpool City Council in 1927. The park is perfect for dog walkers, hikers, family outings, and evening strolls. In the middle of the park, you'll come across an unusual sight, an octagonal pillbox built in case there was a World War II invasion, as well as an abandoned zoo.

Visitors of the Clarke's Gardens won't stay hungry as The Cheesecake Factory is just across the road, and you'll find a few more places nearby to grab a bite, including Mcdonald's, the Hillfoot, and Subway.

Calderstones Park

When the sun is out, make your way to South Liverpool for a tour around St. Peter's Church, John Lennon's Childhood House and the Strawberry Field. When it's time to stretch your legs, head down to Claderstones Park, a 94-acre park boasting oriental gardens, a fishing lake, manicured lawns, sports fields and much more. Here you can sit under the millennia-old Allerton Oak tree or take a free ride on the Miniature Railway. The park also features a 1949 monument of a fallen WW2 dog hero who was awarded the Dickin Medal.

Kids can burn off some energy at the Linda McCartney play area, equipped with spring mobiles, a see-saw, swings, and slides. There's also a kid's amusement center, the Storybarn, where your children can find interesting books and interactive stories. Coffee and light snacks are available at the Ice Cream Parlour and The Reader Cafe at The Reader Mansion. With so many things to see and do in one of the best Liverpool Parks, you're sure to spend a whole day wondering where the time has gone.

Stanley Park & Garden

Located 10 miles from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, just off Walton Lane and Anfield Road, is one of the most-talked-about parks in Liverpool, Stanley Park. The 111-acre park separates the home grounds of Liverpool Football Club on the south and Everton Football Club on the north. The Green Flag and Green Heritage award-winning park features a few Grade II listed buildings, several cemeteries, rose gardens, lots of walkways, bridges, tall trees, fountains and lakes, and much more.

Children can play at the Stanley Park play area, while adults can relax by the fishing pond or visit the Isla Gladstone Conservatory and the on-site cafe for refreshments. You can also pack a picnic basket and find a nice shaded area or one with barbeque facilities. Whatever you decide to do, you're sure to have lots of fun.

Immerse yourself in nature at the best parks in Liverpool

With over 250 parks, wildflower gardens, nature reserves, and green open spaces, Liverpool is one of the best cities in the UK to fill your lungs with fresh air and connect with your green side. The city's parks provide the perfect retreat from the street noise, and they are places where you can enjoy a picnic with your family, a romantic stroll with your loved one, or a tennis match with your colleagues. Whatever your need and preference, Liverpool parks will be able to accommodate you.

There's a lot to see and do in Liverpool, which is why you should be well-prepared and plan ahead. If you're looking for more ideas to add to your itinerary, head out to Liverpool ONE for a fun day of shopping. Then, check our guides, The 13 Best Hikes in Liverpool to take a trek and 7 Beaches Near Liverpool: Where to Go for Sun, Sand and Surf.