21 places to get you out walking and exploring Liverpool’s great outdoors

With temperatures starting to chill and a few winds whipping up, we’re tempted to stay inside and sit in front of the telly.

But as autumn gets underway, it’s a fantastic time to get wrapped up and off into the outdoors where you’re guaranteed fresh air and some great places to explore.

So whether you fancy a stroll in the city centre, walking the dog somewhere off the beaten track, or maybe finding a new way to spend time with the kids, you can make it your mission to get out and discover somewhere new …

Knowsley Safari 

It’s the wildest day out in the northwest, and you’ll find animal families from all over the world waiting to meet you at Knowsley Safari, from antelopes to buffalo and beautiful big cats.

You can fasten your seatbelts for Knowsley’s five-mile Safari Drive, check out the cheeky monkeys over at Baboon Jungle, or get adventurous on the Foot Safari with all sorts of species waiting to be discovered – and that’s as well as amusement rides, fun events, animal talks and displays, and more.

Find out more here.

Wirral Way

Find a new walking or cycling adventure along the Wirral Way in West Kirkby. This beautiful 13-mile route offers spectacular views reaching out across the Dee Estuary to Wales. 

The scenic setting follows the beautiful Wirral coastline, passing though the villages of Heswall and Thurstaston, and finally leading to Hooton along the old railway route. 

Find out more here.

Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve

You’ll find one of Britain’s largest areas of wild dunes at this local nature reserve which is home to spectacular sand dunes, pine woods and coastline, all managed for conservation. 

Explore diverse wildlife as you make your way along around eight miles of footpaths marked with colour-topped posts leading to Ainsdale Hills and Birkdale Beach.

Find out more here.

Childwall Woods

This 39-acre woodland is a designated Local Nature Reserve in the southeast suburbs of Liverpool.

You’ll find wonderful views overlooking the Lancashire and Cheshire plain, along with incredible scenery set among gorgeous greenery – and maybe the odd guest appearances from grey squirrels.

Find out more here.

Allerton Towers

Despite becoming a park back in 1927, this stunning 35-acre estate seems to be a bit of a secret. Take a visit and you’ll find the spectacular footprint of Allerton Manor still there, along with walled gardens, the orangery, old lodge, micro-mazes and stables. We think it’s time you shared in Allerton Towers’ secluded South Liverpool splendour.

Find out more here.

Royal Albert Dock

You can take a walk, run or jog around the Dock while enjoying the unmistakable atmosphere and spectacular history; check out its regular fun events – there’s always something happening – shop at its incredible stores, or dine and drink while enjoying some of the best views in the world. 

Find out more here.

Greenbank Park

Located near Penny Lane and Sefton Park in Mossley Hill, Greenbank Park’s been welcoming visitors since 1897.

Today, this relaxing expanse offers a tree-lined, tranquil and inviting walk, with a central lake featuring nesting waterfowl and herons – and don’t forget The Watering Can if you fancy a bite to eat or drink.

Find out more here.

Otterspool Promenade

Opened in 1950, Otterspool Prom is a lovely riverside walk which runs along the bank of the Mersey.

The promenade makes a great change of scenery for walking your dog or cycling, with wide, traffic-free space, and wonderful views over to Wirral, ending with the Royal Albert Dock.

Find out more here.

Birkenhead Park

The first publicly funded park in Britain, Birkenhead Park opened in 1847 as an architectural landscape of cultivated woodland, meadows, and lakes.

It has a wonderful family tree in the shape of New York’s Central Park, which was hugely influenced by this inspirational setting, and as you take a stroll and see the listed buildings, lodges, the Swiss Bridge, and the Roman Boathouse which stands by the lake, you’ll discover why.

Find out more here.

Sefton Park

Home to the beautiful Sefton Park Palm House, South Liverpool’s Grade I listed Sefton Park was built in 1872 and has 235-acres of luscious landscape for you to explore.

You can enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Fairy Glen, find caves and gardens, discover the Victorian bandstand and take a look at the boating lake, now with newly installed floating gardens to promote even more wonderful wildlife.

Find out more here.

Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve

Nestling alongside the River Alt, Lunt Village is home to this peaceful haven of wildlife and tranquillity.

Look out for a variety of inhabitants as you make your way around signposted paths at this wonderful wetland nature reserve, from water birds to barn owls, geese and kestrels.

Find out more here.

Chester Zoo

We’re going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo! You know the words of this famous kids’ song, so why not put it into practice and head over to Chester Zoo where you can catch up with more than 30,000 animals – from over 500 incredible species – who call it home.

You can make amazing memories as you say hello to some friendly, furry and fiesty species from aardvarks and chimps, to giraffes and jaguars, found across 128-acres of stunning zoological gardens.  It’s got the UK’s largest tropical biodome, five adventure playgrounds … and who doesn’t fancy a trip around the islands on the Lazy River boat experience.

Find out more here.

Pier Head

If you need any reminder that we all live in the best city in the world, make a date to admire our world-famous waterfront. 

Talk a walk alongside awesome architecture crowned by the Three Graces while you enjoy a fresh breeze from the River Mersey … and bump into The Beatles while you’re taking your stroll.

Find out more here.

Croxteth Country Park

You’ll find the beautiful pastures of Croxteth Country Park offer an inviting expanse of relaxing scenery, at the rural heart of West Derby.

Explore 500-acres of fabulous woodland, sprawling wildlife, ponds and streams along the greenest paths and trails. And while you’re there, pop into the Victorian working-farm to meet a host of rare-breed animals, grab snacks and drinks from the café, and buy boxes of fresh, local produce and beautiful flowers.

Find out more here.

Southport Promenade

The superb setting of Southport Prom is well worth a visit, offering magnificent views out across to North Wales.

A short seaside stroll around will take  in some of the main landmarks and attractions like the Victorian shopping arcades of Lord Street with all its cute cafes tearooms and bars, nearby Marine Lake in King’s Gardens, and Victoria Park,  Southport Food Market, the Model Village, and more.

Find out more here.

Calderstones Park

Historic Calderstones Park is set in 94-acres of lush woodland, offering the perfect expanse of green and leafy goodness, including the 1000 year-old Allerton Oak tree.

Enjoy exploring the beautiful Japanese and Old English botanical gardens, and while you’re visiting grab a coffee, brekkie, lunch – or ice cream – from the Reader Café between 8.30am-5pm.

Find out more here.

Woolton Woods & Camp Hill

Set within a natural conservation area, discover the 74-acre Camphill and Woolton Woods which offer an ideal setting to relax and unwind on a walk.

Along the woodland pathways of this historic park, you’ll find a walled garden and magnificent views from Camp Hill, which was formerly home to an Iron Age fort.

Find out more here.

Stanley Park

Surrounding the Grade II listed Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Stanley Park’s a 110-acre expanse of picturesque green space, which was opened in 1870.

The park contains a number of listed structures and buildings, including sandstone pavilions, a beautiful bandstand, bridges crossing the lake, and a top terrace walkway offering sprawling views.

Find out more here.

Crosby Beach

If you’re wondering how the Iron Men have been doing, you’re always welcome to pay them a visit!

Take a walk along Crosby Coastal Park to explore the stunning scenery of Sefton’s Natural Coast, before wandering down onto the beach to enjoy Antony Gormley’s Another Place installation, amid a spectacular skyline of dockland views.

Find out more here.

Festival Gardens

Redeveloped in 2010, Festival Gardens now offer a beautiful, tranquil space, perfect for a bike ride or relaxing stroll through the woodland trails.

You can explore the beautiful scenery and get yourself some fresh air with pagodas, a moon wall, lakes, waterways and waterfalls, and there’s a pedestrianised link to the promenade.

Find out more here.

Speke Garston Coastal Reserve

Take a head-clearing walk along the footpaths of this South Liverpool park which was developed on part of the former Liverpool Speke Airport.

On your travels, you can cast your eye over wonderful wildflower meadows and take some time out with stunning views over to Wirral and the Welsh hills.

Find out more here.

Where have you been out and about? We’d love to hear about the walks, views, and hidden gems you’ve discovered on your travels.

Find out more you can do across Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.