One of northwest England’s most storied cities, Liverpool is well known for its industrial heritage and renowned cultural exports.
In recent years, the city has shed its hardscrabble past, with new museums and redevelopment projects breathing new life into the city center. Today, there are many exciting things to explore. Since every great city requires great green spaces, urban parks form a core part of Liverpool’s ongoing appeal. Here’s our list of the best city parks in Liverpool.
Learn about Notable Liverpudlians in St John’s Gardens
A short walk from the World Museum and the Walker Art Gallery, St John’s Gardens is a fantastic spot for relaxation. Close to Liverpool Lime Street station, it also serves as a lovely alfresco waiting area if you’re early for your train.
Formerly a church and cemetery, this space is today a beautiful formal garden featuring seating and sculptures. Part of the William Brown Street conservation area, the garden also serves as a memorial to some eminent Liverpool residents, including William Gladstone and William Rathbone, founder of Liverpool University. Among the impressive plantings, you’ll find trees dedicated to the Beatles’ John Lennon and George Harrison.
Serenity by Liverpool Cathedral in St James’ Mount and Gardens
Liverpool Cathedral delights with its Gothic revival architecture, vaulted ceiling, and spectacular views over Merseyside from the tower. Whether a visitor or local, on a clear day, it is well worth scaling the many stairs to the top for a stunning view of the cityscape below.
Tucked beneath the church lies a park. Previously a stone quarry and cemetery, St James’ Mount and Gardens is a welcome green space in this busy city. As you explore, look for Tracey Emin’s Roman Standard, a statue of a 4-inch bird on a tall pole outside the Oratory, which has gained popularity despite having been stolen and returned twice.
Chill Out at Chavasse Park on Liverpool ONE’s Garage Roof
If you’re in the city for shopping rather than sightseeing, you can unwind at the sprawling Liverpool ONE complex. Situated atop its multistory car park, this lovely green space was developed on what was once a grassy area toward Dock Road. Chavasse Park offers plenty of events and activities throughout the year, from culinary festivals to holiday markets, ensuring a vibrant local atmosphere.
A Peaceful Retreat in Roscoe Gardens
Amid the lively bars and restaurants along Mount Pleasant, Roscoe Gardens offers solace in this quiet park set back from the street. Formerly a graveyard for the Renshaw Street Chapel, it is named for a parishioner who passionately campaigned against the slave trade. This tranquil space allows visitors to escape the bustle of the nearby nightlife.
Falkner Square Gardens: A Touch of Georgian Elegance
Anyone with a passion for historic architecture should visit Falkner Square Gardens, located in Liverpool’s charming Georgian Quarter. Among the park’s cobbled paths, you can enjoy a picnic while appreciating the rows of meticulously preserved Georgian townhouses that surround this picturesque area.
Enjoy a Lakeside Walk in Stunning Princes Park
If you’re keen to venture a bit further, head up the hill to explore Princes Park. Opened in 1842 to commemorate the birth of Edward, Prince of Wales, this beautifully designed green space features a serpentine lake and circular carriage drive, setting a high standard for Victorian landscape architecture. Every turn of Princes Park’s winding paths reveals delightful views, from tree-lined avenues to serene picnic spots, ensuring visitors have plenty of opportunities for relaxation in nature.
