Secret Gardens of Oxton is giving thousands of visitors a peak into gorgeous green spaces

One of Wirral’s most popular family events of the year is back this weekend, as homeowners in Oxton show off their gorgeous gardens for charity.

Thousands of visitors head to the village every year for Secret Gardens of Oxton, getting the chance to be wowed by some stunning displays and pick up ideas to take home.

Taking place on Sunday (May 11) between 10am and 5pm, this year’s will feature 19 privately-owned gardens of all different styles and sizes. The Arno rose garden and historic Callister Gardens, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year, will also be open.

There’ll be artisan craft and street food stalls, including homemade cakes and plants, musicians and singers providing entertainment throughout the day and children’s activities such as games and a treasure hunt.

All money raised, including funds from a grand raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, will be shared between four Wirral charities.

This year they are The Oxton Society, plus Stick ‘n’ Step who work with children and young people with cerebral palsy and their families, Woodcraft Folk Wirral, and Open Door Charity, providing mental health support for young people and adults.

Residents Lisa Stafford and Kirsty Cotton organise the event with the support of more than 400 volunteers and local charities.

Tickets can be bought in advance for £8 or on the day for £10, and everyone is given a map showing the location of each garden and where to find stalls and other attractions.

Roads are closed and signs put in place to make it easier for visitors to wander from garden to garden, and the village shops, bars and restaurants are all open.

Carla Walker, one of the organising team, says Secret Gardens of Oxton has become an annual highlight for all ages:

“Some of the gardens are enormous, some are small, some are absolutely breathtaking, so there’s a lot to see but it’s also the community spirit and the atmosphere which make it a really lovely day,” she says.

“One garden has a big quarry at the back of it which is stunning, another has follies, underground tunnels and ponds, then you have smaller gardens which are perfect for getting ideas.

“Apart from being a nice family day out, anyone who loves gardening will really enjoy having a look at what other people have done, and being able to ask about all the different plants and trees.”

Secret Gardens of Oxton was started in 2001 by local resident and former chair of the Oxton Society, Patrick Toosey. The son of Brigadier Sir Philip Toosey, who has a blue plaque in the village marking his former home, Mr Toosey had the idea after hearing about people opening their gardens in the Cotswolds. He thought it would be good to have something similar in Oxton so persuaded some of his neighbours to open theirs.

Since then it’s has grown year after year and celebrates its 25^th anniversary in 2026. 

Tickets are on sale in Oxton Boutique, Manny’s, Oxton Village Stores, Homebird in Heswall and Brennan Ayre O’Neill in Bromborough and Prenton or at www.theoxtonsociety.co.uk then collected on the day. Parking is free at Oxton Fields, Storeton Road. 

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