Just south of Liverpool’s city center lays this sprawling historic park. With over 235 acres (95 hectares) of sculptured landscape, it is one of the largest green areas in the Liverpool area, and an excellent escape from the city. While the park’s history has its roots in the 15th century, when it was a part of the enormous deer park, it wasn’t until 1872 that the park was designed how it is seen today. The series of circular paths that run around the central lake were the creation of a French landscape architect who won a competition to redesign the parkland. Visit the park to picnic by the lake, stroll through the historic palm house or catch an open-air performance.

Bring a picnic rug, your camera and some sturdy shoes, as there’s plenty to see and explore at Sefton Park. A series of paths traverse the park, and there are plenty of hidden walkways to discover. As you walk around the park you’ll see how important it is to the people of Liverpool. Joggers frequent the park, and many sporting clubs call it home. Watch a game of Sunday cricket, or a match of amateur soccer in the evenings.

The park’s centerpiece is the 7-acre (3-hectare) lake. Once a popular boating lake, today it operates a peaceful home for the local waterbirds. Feed the ducks or just bring a picnic and sit atop the hill that overlooks the lake for a stunning view. Alternatively, dine at one of the two cafés within the park.

Visit the historic 19th-century palm house to see the incredible collections of plants within it. On each of the structure’s eight corners is a statue of a notable historical figure including Christopher Columbus, Charles Darwin and Captain James Cook.

Reach the park by train via St Michael’s station. From here a 15-minute walk will have you at the Sefton Park lake. Those arriving by car will find ample parking in the streets surrounding the park. The park is open daily and free of charge.