24 gardens will open to the public as popular Wirral event celebrates 25 years

Owners of 24 gardens in Oxton will be welcoming visitors from all over the city region this weekend as one of Wirral’s most popular family-friendly events returns.

Secret Gardens of Oxton is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Sunday (May 10), after raising a phenomenal total of more than £340,000 for local charities since it launched in 2001.

Around 5,000 people are expected to descend on the village to enjoy not only access to some beautiful private gardens, but also a full day of live music, artisan craft and food stalls, and children’s entertainment.

This year’s trail features five new gardens taking part for the first time including Callister Garden in Slatey Road, a tranquil half-acre site on the border of Oxton and Birkenhead. 

Created for women and girls over a century ago by Edward Fletcher Callister and now restored by volunteers, Callister Garden will be one of many gorgeous green spaces visitors to the Secrets Gardens can walk around.

With a huge amount already raised over the years and divided between 19 mostly small Wirral charities, the 2026 event will support four charities: Birkenhead Youth Club, Sundowns, Terral Morgan Memorial Fund and The Oxton Society.

The Oxton Society is a recipient each year as Secret Gardens of Oxton was started by the society’s former chairman, local resident Patrick Toosey.

Carla Walker, one of the event’s organising team, explains:

“The Oxton Society was formed in the ‘70s when Oxton was made a conservation area and it’s helped to preserve the character and community of the village ever since.

“In 2001 Mr Toosey, who’s now in his 90s, persuaded a couple of neighbours to open their gardens and it’s just snowballed from there.

“We went online for a couple of years around Covid, when we did virtual gardens and owners took their own videos and photographs, but this will be the 25^th live event and it’s just going from strength to strength. 

“We consistently have over 5,000 people coming, and not just from Oxton or even across Wirral, we have people from Liverpool and all over the North West.”

Carla says Secret Gardens of Oxton benefits the whole village:

“We have so many pubs, restaurants and cafes, and they all open and lots put tables outside because the roads are all cordoned off. It creates such a lovely vibe and gives a massive boost to local businesses who in turn support us by donating prizes to our Grand Prize Raffle.”

Kirsty Cotton, Co-organiser, adds:

“Secret Gardens of Oxton is the highlight of the local social calendar and showcases what a fantastic community spirit we have here.

“There is something to delight every visitor, whether you’re a keen gardener or not. People may visit for the gardens, but they stay for the fabulous atmosphere throughout the village.”

The day runs from 10am to 5pm. Parking is free at Oxton Fields, Storeton Road with free shuttle buses to the village. 

Tickets, priced £10 in advance or £12 on the day, can be bought from shops and cafes in Oxton Village (children under 16 are free) or online here.

Find more events and days out in Wirral on our website.

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.