9 peaceful places to enjoy the summer sun in and around Liverpool

When the sun’s shining, there’s no better place to be than sunny Liverpool.

Liverpool’s got some great spots to enjoy the summer weather, whether you’re in the city centre, at one of the beaches nearby, or in one of its glorious parks.

Here are some of our favourites…

St Nick’s Church Gardens

Part of the Castle Street conservation area, the sun trap of St Nicholas’ Church Gardens is one of the city’s best green spots and it’s easy to see why come lunch times (and other times) in summer when it’s full of workers getting out into the fresh air to have their sarnies, or tourists stopping for a breather. It’s got gorgeous lawns and greenery, stunning artwork – the Homeless Jesus in Liverpool sculpture – and amazing views of the Mersey.

Sefton Park

If you want to stop and sit in the sunshine, Sefton Park has got to be near the top of the list – not least because it’s got more than 200 acres of beautiful parkland so you’re never going to be short of somewhere to plonk yourself. And while you’re taking in the rays, you can admire the fabulous Victorian Palm House or the Peter Pan statue, watch the ducks swimming on the lake or, if you’re lucky, listen to live music from the bandstand, before going off to explore more of what makes it so magical.

Chavasse Park

Chavasse Park was the first designed inner-city park to be built in Liverpool within the last 100 years, since St John’s Gardens next to St George’s Hall, and it’s thought to be the largest green roof in Europe. It’s the perfect place to sit and squat if you fancy a burst of sun while you’re shopping in Liverpool ONE – and if you start feeling a bit peckish you’re surrounded by loads of fab restaurants like Wagamama, Zizzi and The Club House.

Crosby Beach

What’s fast becoming known as the Mersey Riviera, it goes without saying that Crosby is one of the go-to destinations when the sun is shining. You’ve got miles of sandy beach, Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ iron men statues to gaze at, and now The Bus Yard on Crosby Marina, with food and drink, live music, and the sort of beach bar vibe you’d normally have to head down south for.

Otterspool Prom

You can’t beat a walk or a bike ride along Otterspool Prom which links the city centre and South Liverpool, but it’s also a great place to stop and take a breather when the sun’s cracking the flags. There’s loads of grass to lie back on or throw down the picnic rug if you’ve packed your butties and bag of crisps, and you’re rewarded with top views of the Mersey and the Wirral and, on a clear day, the mountains of North Wales.

Calderstones Park

It may not be the most famous park in the city but Calderstones is as beautiful as any. It’s got 94-acres of green space so there’s plenty of room for you and yours to spread out and enjoy the sun, and if you fancy a little shade you could always sit beneath its famous 1,000-year-old oak tree or seek shelter in its woodland. It’s got a lovely lake and beautiful Japanese and old English gardens, a play area for the kids, the Storybarn interactive story centre and, almost essential in summer, a café and an ice cream parlour.  Well, what’s sun and summer without a ’99 or a scoop of mint choc chip?

Princes Park 

It was Liverpool’s first public park dating back to the 19^th Century, and it still has the former carriage drive. With 110 acres there’s plenty of space to play or sit and rest when the temperatures rise; it’s got a fishing lake and the foundations of the former Grade II listed boathouse to add interest, and a permanent memorial to Nelson Mandela is being created with a bridge across the lake, a pavilion, and stonework inscribed with quotes from Mandela who was made a Freeman of Liverpool in 1994.

Court Hey Park

The Huyton park’s the perfect place when the sun’s beating down, because chances are you’ll be able to let life take a slower pace and sit and watch a bit of cricket, or a game of bowls on its green. There’s a picnic area and sunken gardens and, if you fancy a wander, its well-known wildflower and wetland habitats offer an idyllic backdrop.

Greenbank Park

Another little oasis when the rays are beating down in South Liverpool, Greenbank Park has got all the ingredients for an hour or two of summer bliss. You can spread out your blanket for a picnic or a sunny-snooze on the grassed areas around its lovely lake, play spot the squirrel, or stroll around its walled gardens. And chances are you might also want to enjoy lunch in its gorgeous glass-fronted restaurant, The Watering Can, and treat yourself to a bowl of pasta or a glass of something cold, and just watch the world go by from there.

Here comes summer – let’s hope it’s here to stay!