Sefton Park

Sefton Park is larger than most parks, although it’s still not Liverpool’s biggest – that award goes to Croxteth Country Park. There’s something for everyone with suburban pleasures and a chance to feel closer to nature.

Woodland trails, carpets of bluebells and an abundance of daffodils in the springtime as well as plenty of wildlife (spot the kingfishers near the lake) mean that Sefton Park often doesn’t feel like a city park at all.

You’ll find plenty for little explorers with caves, grottoes and cascading waterfalls. Plus a good-size playground with all the usual swings, slides and climbing equipment.

There are ice-cream pit stops too. The Lakeside Café is good for this as well as for a quick coffee while The Aviary Café has a wider selection of refreshments. Alternatively, there are many better-than-average options for food and drink on nearby Lark Lane.

The Palm House is one of the star attractions of Sefton Park. It’s like a very mini Crystal Palace, an octagonal feat of Victorian engineering in glass and wrought iron. The Grade II Listed building still contains an impressive botanical collection but nowadays it also plays host to everything from fitness classes. book clubs and candlelit concerts as well as weddings and corporate events.

Other notable attractions include the bandstand, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain popularly known as Eros and the statue of Peter Pan.