Exploring Liverpool: Green spaces in the city

Although Liverpool is a city with lots of hustle and bustle, there are plenty of green spots for you and your flatmates to explore! Take your pick…

1. Ness Gardens

Ness Gardens is home to 64 acres of plants, wildlife and stunning landscapes. You can explore the gardens for just £1 as a University of Liverpool student. With plenty of gardens to explore, a café and shop, Ness Gardens will make for a perfect day out in the fresh air!

2. St James Mount and Gardens

St James Mount and Gardens are next to Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Originally this was built to be a cemetery but in the 1930’s, it was decided that this space could become a public garden. Make your way down the steps and into the gardens to delve deep into some of Liverpool's history.

How to get here...

From on-campus Halls: Head towards Liverpool’s Metropolitan cathedral on the edge of campus and down Hope Street, you won’t miss it! You can enter the gardens at the entrance of the Anglican cathedral or on Upper Parliament Street.

From Greenbank: Take the 699 from Greenbank to campus and take the scenic route via Hope Street. Or you can get off the 699 on Lowther Street which is closer to the cathedral.

3. Sefton Park and Greenbank Park

The two parks are located right next to each other. Grade I listed and home to the Palm House and the lake, Sefton Park is a great place for a run, walk, stroll or to enjoy a book. It’s a popular place for gigs, concerts and festivals so keep your eyes peeled for any upcoming events! Just a few minutes away from Sefton Park is Greenbank park, a smaller green space just but just as beautiful and popular in the sunshine.

How to get here...

From on-campus Halls: Take the 699 directly from campus to Greenbank Student Village and you’ll be right next to Greenbank Park. If you want to go to Sefton Park from here, make your way down Greenbank Lane for just a few minutes and you’ll be there in no time.

From Greenbank: If you live in Greenbank Student Village, you’ll be lucky enough to live minutes away from these two amazing parks.

4. Otterspool Promenade

The promenade is a great place to be on a sunny day and its park area is ideal for an afternoon picnic. On a clear day, be sure to hang around for sunset as you’ll get some of the best views of the River Mersey from the grass banks.

How to get here...

From on-campus Halls: The best way to get here is from the city centre. You can head along the waterfront by taking the train from Liverpool Central to Aigburth or St Michaels. You can also walk from the Pierhead to Otterspool and this would take around 1 hour and a quarter.

From Greenbank: You can either make your way to Otterspool from the city centre or you could walk around 40 minutes from Greenbank Student Village. Cycling from Greenbank to Otterspool would take around 10-15 minutes.

5. Calderstones Park

Another of Liverpool’s great parks is Calderstones which is home to the beautiful lake, Japanese and old English gardens as well as the Reader Café. If you fancy a bit more than a stroll in the park, why not try this 7-mile country walk through some of Liverpool’s best viewpoints and woodland? You can start the walk from Calderstones Park - just click here.

From on-campus Halls: Taking the bus from campus to Calderstones park would take around 30 minutes.

From Greenbank: This would be around a 40-minute walk or 15-minute cycle. Or you could take a bus from Smithdown road for around 10-15 minutes. You can use your Arriva bus pass on all Arriva services and can plan your route here. 

6. Falkner Square

This green space dates back to the early 1800s and is set in the middle of Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. Falkner Square is located right next to campus so it makes the perfect spot for a lunchtime stroll between lectures. It’s definitely a hidden gem right in the city which is well worth a visit on a sunny day.

How to get here...

From on-campus Halls: Falkner Square is just a few minutes away from South Campus. Make your way down Grove Street and you’ll be there within minutes.

From Greenbank: Take the 699 bus and get off a couple of stops before you reach campus, on Lowther Street.

Let us know your favourite green spot by tagging us @livunihalls on Instagram!