Ollie's top Green Spaces to visit

Looking for some places to get out and about in nature this Sustainability Week (and beyond)?

Sustainability co-ordinator, Ollie, is sharing some of Liverpool's green spaces local to campus and halls.

At the University of Liverpool, there’s a number of amazing green spaces around campus which I’m sure you’ve come across by now – Abercromby Square, the new Sydney Jones Library garden, or the Quadrangle, to name a few. However, when the stress of your course is coming on thick and fast, a break from the hustle and bustle of the city can be a huge help. Here are a few amazing green spaces in and around the city (and they’re all easy to get to on public transport!)

Sefton Park

The iconic green space for students in Liverpool. Situated close to Smithdown and Greenbank, Sefton Park is in easy reach and has everything you need to explore a sunny day to its fullest. Grab an ice cream at the boating lake, listen to performers on the band stand, or have a chilled-out picnic in any number of the park's picturesque spaces.

Directions:

Sefton Park is easily accessible from campus. Take a trip on the 699 from the stop outside Starbucks (Brownlow Hill stop), and get off just before you get to the Brookhouse Pub on Smithdown Road (Borrowdale Road stop). Then head down Greenbank Drive all the way to Sefton Park.

Prince’s Park

Prince's Park is Sefton Park's little sibling, located just a few roads away. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Hire out the tennis courts (free of charge), bring a picnic to the lake, or just enjoy a gentle stroll around the pathways of this 110-acre park.

Directions:

From campus, hop on the 75 bus from just outside The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre (Sugnall Street stop). Get off at the end of Princes Avenue (Kingsley Road stop), and you will find yourself just outside the gates of Prince's Park.

Wavertree Botanic Gardens

Half way between Kensington and Smithdown, this lovely secluded spot is perfect for a mindful walk, a peaceful picnic, or a flowery photoshoot. Steeped in history and abundant in a variety of plant life, this park is a fantastic place to visit as a peaceful retreat from a busy schedule.

Directions:

From campus, grab the 79 bus from outside the Victoria Gallery & Museum building (Mount Pleasant stop), and hop off outside the bingo hall just past the shops (Wavertree Shopping Centre stop). Head up the road in the same direction of the bus, and you'll find the park on your left.

Everton Park

For incredible views of the Liverpool city skyline, look no further than Everton Park. Check out the Everton Lock-Up (known for its depiction on Everton F.C.'s crest), get a selfie with the city atop Everton Brow, or follow the history trail to learn more about the city of Liverpool.

Directions:

From campus, grab the 21 bus from outside Lidl on London Road (Gildart Street stop), and take it to the Roscommon Street stop just past the Everton Lock-Up. Head up the hill on foot, where you'll reach the highest point of the park - great for pictures!

Calderstones Park

Calderstones Park is a bit farther afield than the rest of our green spaces, but it is an incredible location with plenty to see and do. The park has hosted tennis tournaments, solstice celebrations, and is home to the Allerton Oak, one of Britain's oldest oak trees.

Directions:

From campus, hop on the 75 bus from just outside The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre (Sugnall Street stop). Hop off at the Druids Cross Road stop and cross the road to reach Calderstones Park.

Hilbre Island

Hop on the Merseyrail over to West Kirby, where you’ll find a fantastic day out to a stunning Site of Special Scientific Interest. Once the tide goes out, you can trek across the seabed to Hilbre Island, which is home to a variety of unique plants and animals. A perfect day out for a budding conservationist!

We’re running a trip there in May 2024, so if you’re interested but would like some guidance, please feel free to sign up via the following link: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/ents/event/1311/

Directions:

Walk down Brownlow Hill to Liverpool Central Station. From here, catch the Wirral Line service to West Kirby and get off the train at the end of the line. Leaving the station, head down Dee Lane to the shore, where you’ll see information boards which tell you how to safely reach the island. Be sure to check the tide times before you go!

These are just a few examples of some of the green spaces the city has to offer. If you have any questions about these places, or would like some information about any other green spaces around Merseyside, please feel free to get in touch with the Guild’s Sustainability Team (LGsustainability@liverpool.ac.uk).