A rambling, relaxing park in the south of the city of Liverpool, Sefton Park is the second largest park in Liverpool (after the L O N G B O I that is Croxteth Country Park) and positively overflowing with Nature Stuff. What’s more, Sefton Park is home to a truly special experience. Here you’ll find magical Candlelight concerts – enchanting musical performances lit by flickering candlelight.
Classified as a Grade I listed park, it’s well worth exploring, with luscious green spaces and woodland trails with year-round appeal. Sefton Park isn’t too far from the city center, but if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle here’s the Secret Liverpool guide to turning it into a bit of a day trip, whatever you’re into.
1. Explore the Palm House
While Sefton Park may mainly be known for its green space, head to the Palm House in the middle of the park, where you’ll find gorgeously lush foliage and tropical plant varieties from across the world. The Victorian glasshouse, which opened in 1896, also host lots of events such as workshops, concerts and ceremonies, as well as the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival.
2. Spot Kingfishers by the lake
The lake within Sefton Park is a fisherman’s friend. You do need a license to fish there, however, for the Kingfishers that visit there not so much. For a tranquil setting and to escape from the city buzz, chill by the lake on one of the benches, hire a boat or take a wander around it. You’ll be surprised by the wildlife that appears in Liverpool. If you’re lucky, you can spot one of the blue and orange plumed birds in action. Be sure to have your camera on hand if you do.
3. Run yourself absolutely loopy
If you’re up for a bit of exertion, Sefton Park is one of the best in the city for a green running route. You can even hire a bike from CityBike, which has around four stations dotted around outside the park; it’s up to £11 for the day including unlocking fee, and £60 for the entire year. And if you’re feeling really active and want to be put through your paces, there are a number of British Military Fitness Bootcamps going on in the park. There is also a playground for children to enjoy.
4. Go chasing waterfalls
If this park couldn’t get tranquil enough there are some little grottos hidden away within Sefton Park. Enter an enchanting world by visiting ‘Old Nick’s caves’ and the beautiful Fairy Glen, a series of pretty cascading waterfalls to the east of the park. Kids will love to explore around this area of the park but it is also a great place for reflection and getting lost in an urban paradise.
5. Visit the bandstand
Recognise this bandstand? Well, this Victorian structure was apparently the inspiration for The Beatles’ song Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. You may also even hear some music being performed here.
6. Relive your childhood with this statue
There are a number of statues and monuments in the park dotted around Sefton Park, including the Grade II listed Shaftsbury Memorial, Eros Fountain, and Peter Pan statue. The Eros Fountain is located towards the lake next to the Oasis Cafe and the Peter Pan statue by the Palm House. Maybe if you get close enough to it, you won’t have to grow up.
7. Head to a café
There are a number of cute cafés to choose from outside and within Sefton Park. There is Oasis In The Park and the Boathouse Kiosk, the latter facing out over the lake and is perfect for a coffee break. Plus, there is Lark Lane not too far away for more food and drink choices such as Pippin’s Corner, On The Pallet, The Bookbinder and Polidor 68.
8. Celebrate your wholesomeness – at the nearest pub or bar
Look at you, avoiding a hangover and spending a weekend daytime doing something wholesome and productive. No need to overdo it though; the park has several quality bars and restaurants nearby on the bohemian street of Lark Lane, including The Lodge, Hafla Hafla, and Love and Rockets.
9. Experience magical Candlelight concerts
The gorgeous Palm House in Sefton Park is the venue for spectacular concerts and you can’t miss these super special performances. As candles gently flicker, talented musicians perform tributes to incredible composers and artists such as Vivaldi and Queen. It’s so romantic – perfect for date night. Keep an eye on the stunning Candlelight concerts at Sefton Park on the website.
Getting there: The nearest train station is St Michaels, which is just the other side of Aigburth Road. Walk down Livingstone Drive for access at the boating lake entrance, or Lark Lane if you want to be nearer to the playground and main café.
If you’re traveling by bus, you can get the 60, 75, 76, 80, 80A, and 80E, which all go down Ullet Road, at the north end of the park, for access via Croxteth Drive. Some of the 173 buses go down Aigburth Drive, for access at the boating lake entrance. Alternatively, the 60, 82, 82B, 82D, 103, and 800 go down Aigburth Road.