The 5 best botanical gardens in Liverpool you can’t miss
You know what these days often say? “I need to touch some grass.”
And you know what? That’s actually something we all need. And I don’t mean it in the “you’re so delusional, you need to touch grass” way, but more in the “life’s too chaotic that you need a dose of green” way.
Luckily, Liverpool has plenty of green spaces. Beyond its famous music, football, and docks, the city is packed with some beautiful gardens where you can slow down and breathe.
Don’t believe me? Check out these stunning botanical gardens in Liverpool and see how much easier it’ll be to breathe and relax.
1. Wavertree Botanic Gardens
@scousegirlexperiences Japan or Liverpool?🌸 I’m obsessed with the blossom trees at Wavertree Botanic Gardens!😍 They don’t last long, so go see them before they start dying off! X #liverpoolparks #blossomtree #visitliverpool #thingstodoinliverpool #beautifulblossoms
♬ Calm Dreamscape – Matias Cancio
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Location: Edge Ln, Innovation Blvd.
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry: Free
Highlight: Historic walled garden with Victorian charm
It feels like going back in time when you visit Wavertree Botanic Gardens. It opened in 1836 and is one of Liverpool’s oldest public parks. And while the glasshouses were destroyed in World War II, they still have a strong Victorian charm.
The walled garden is the best part here. It has colourful seasonal bedding and quiet spots that make you want to take your time and explore.
You can see historic touches around the grounds, like the Grade II-listed curator’s lodge, statues of Tam O’Shante and Souter Johnny, and decorative details that hint at the garden’s past glory.
| Pro Tip: Visit during spring and summer to enjoy the walled garden in full bloom and catch the bedding displays at their best. |
2. St James Mount and The Gardens
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Location: St James Mount, Cathedral Gate, Merseyside L1 7AZ
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Entry: Free
Highlight: Sandstone cliffs beneath Liverpool Cathedral
St James Mount and the Gardens is a quiet place that feels like it’s hidden from the rest of the city. It’s right below the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, and you can feel the history around you as you walk along its sandstone paths.
It’s hard to believe that this place used to be a quarry, and later a cemetery where more than 57,000 people were laid to rest, because of how stunning and peaceful it is now.
This is the kind of place where you naturally slow down. The air feels cooler, and the light hits the cliffs just right.
| Pro Tip: Visit in the early evening to enjoy golden-hour light and striking Cathedral views. If you prefer quiet reflection, visit in the morning when the garden is less crowded and the pathways feel even more serene. |
3. St John’s Gardens
@liverpool.city8 You’ve Walked Past It… But Have You Really Seen St John’s Gardens? L#Liverpool V#VisitLiverpool L#LiverpoolCity L#LiverpoolLife T#ThisIsLiverpool D#DiscoverLiverpool L#LoveLiverpool L#LiverpoolVibes M#MerseySide U#UKTravel T#TravelUK C#CityVibes B#BeautifulDestinations U#UrbanExploration H#HiddenGems T#TravelTikTok E#ExploreWithMe W#Wanderlust #F#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp V#Viral T#Trending T#TikTokTravel T#TikTokUK V#ViralVideo M#MustSee #ExploreMore
♬ Infinity – Jaymes Young
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Location: William Brown Street, L1 1JJ
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlight: Monument beside iconic St George’s Hall
St John’s Gardens is a quiet green space in the heart of Liverpool’s cultural quarter. The first time you step in, it feels like you’ve found a quiet pause between some city’s most famous buildings.
Walking along the paths, you’ll notice the monuments scattered throughout the garden. Each one tells a story, from Alexander Balfour (the merchant ship owner) to James Nugent (a dedicated philanthropist and educator).
It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a bench, watch people pass by, or enjoy a small picnic while taking in the grand view of St George’s Hall. Even in the middle of a busy day, the garden makes the city feel a little slower and calmer.
| Pro Tip: Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic with a view of St George’s Hall. It’s one of Liverpool’s most photographed landmarks, so you might as well take a photo of it too! |
4. The Palm House at Sefton Park
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Location: Aigburth, Merseyside L17
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlight: Palm House, Liverpool’s grand glasshouse
The star of Stefton Park is definitely the Palm House. This grand Victorian glasshouse is full of exotic plants and vibrant flowers that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Walking inside, you can smell the lush greenery and hear the quiet hum of visitors exploring the winding paths. The glass panel lets sunlight in, making the colours of the plants even brighter.
The park is famous for its seasonal displays. In the spring, millions of daffodils brighten the lake, and in the summer, carpets of bluebells offer a woodland feel.
This park has something for everyone, whether you want to spend time with your family or take a picture of the beautiful scenery.
| Pro Tip: The Palm House can be hired for weddings! They even have partner caterers that can help you plan the food for the wedding. |
5. Falkner Square Gardens
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Location: 11 Falkner Square, L8 7NU
Operating hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Entry: Free
Highlight: Peaceful retreat in the Georgian Quarter
Falkner Square Garden is one of Liverpool’s oldest public parks and a peaceful oasis in the city.
Located in the Georgian Quarter, the garden is valued by the locals as both a local neighbourhood park and a conservation feature. It offers a tranquil retreat amidst historic terraced houses.
Visitors can walk along tree-lined paths and relax on well-kept lawns. There are also decorative plants, including colourful and fragrant flowers that you can admire and take pictures with.
| Pro Tip: Bring food and a mat! The garden is a great spot for a picnic. |
Seasonal Plant Blooming Schedules for Featured Gardens
| Garden Name | Spring (Mar-May) | Summer (Jun-Aug) | Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
| Wavertree Botanic Gardens | Tulips, daffodils | Roses, summer bedding | Late perennials | Evergreen shrubs |
| St James Mount and Gardens | Wildflowers, early blooms | Green foliage dominates | Leaves turn gold | Structural plantings |
| St John’s Gardens | Memorial flowers in bloom | Mixed seasonal bedding | Autumn foliage | Bare trees & sculptures |
| Sefton Park | Daffodils, primroses | Bluebells, roses | Autumn leaves, late blooms | Evergreen trees & palms |
| Falkner Square Gardens | Ornamental flowering shrubs | Herbaceous perennials | Fading flowers & leaves | Evergreens & winter plants |