Liverpool’s serene gardens with hidden treasures and historic charm

Festival Gardens was made into the UK's first garden festival back in 1984
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Nestled away in South Liverpool lies a green space that may not be what it initially appears to be. Entering the gardens from Otterspool Promenade they can seem rather uninviting at first.

The lack of colour, personality and charm was noticeable, even on an afternoon when the sun was trying its best to burst through. Having said that, there is a certain peacefulness that comes with being alone in this part of the gardens.

The serpentine winding paths are ideal for runners and cyclists who want to lose themselves in their music and forget about the world for a while. Walking along it quickly became clear I was on the woodland trails, needing to navigate through the slightly overgrown grass and numerous frail wooden branches before discovering a hidden gem at their heart.

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Stumbling across the Japanese gardens felt like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The beauty of the garden becomes more apparent the deeper you venture.

The foliage, consisting mainly of delicate orchids and vibrant pink lilies, beautifully complements each other, while the sun glistens perfectly on the shallow water.

Adjacent to the Mersey, this site was transformed into the UK's first-ever garden festival in 1984. The aim was to attract tourists to the city following the industrial decline and the Toxteth riots.

Festival Gardens is found in South Liverpool
Festival Gardens is found in South Liverpool

Four decades later, several of the original features remain within this stunning centrepiece, including the red pagoda and a moon wall - both of which have helped to lift the spirit of the gardens alongside the birdsong.

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The gentle waterfalls contribute to the relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for those wanting to get involved with the Lunar New Year but without the hustle and bustle of the city’s celebrations.

I could count on one hand the number of others I saw wandering through the park, but undoubtedly this will become a favourite spot for many families when summer arrives. It's easy to lose track of time between the playpark, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

The gardens are conveniently located just three miles south of the city centre, with St Michaels railway station being the nearest stop. Less than a five-minute walk away is The Britannia Inn, a bustling chain pub with outdoor seating overlooking the River Mersey.