Activities and Things to Do
Our Parks and Greenspaces are great places for all sorts of leisure activities - here is a list, with suggestions of suitable Parks. Contact us if you know of more activities we can add! Scheduled events and activities organised by the Ranger Interpretation Service can be found on our events page.
Please ensure your activities are not damaging our Parks or inconveniencing other people using them.
Alphabetical Activities List - scroll down for further details
Aerial Ropes & climbing
The Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust run outdoor activities for groups at their centre at Allerton Tower, including aerial runways, abseiling and climbing.
Active Parks Programme
Active Parks have funded a range of activities all over the City, providing outdoor fun in Parks. Active Parks is part of Liverpool Active City, a programme to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in the City. The next programme will start later later in 2010.
Angling - lake
Many of the Park lakes attract anglers - with fishing points provided at most. All anglers should obtain a (free) Registration Card before using the lakes (see the Angling page). There are several angling clubs in Liverpool and matches are regularly held. Get Hooked on Fishing runs holiday fishing clubs for children in the Parks. Fishing is not allowed in formal Park ponds, or at night.
Fishing is available in Calderstones Park, Sefton Park, Walton Hall Park, Newsham Park, Larkhill Gardens, Stanley Park, Greenbank Park, Princes Park and Mill Wood Local Nature Reserve.
Angling - sea
Sea angling is popular along the length of Otterspool Promenade and is regularly used by local sea fishing clubs, including the Mersey Anglers.
Archery
Groups can try Archery at the Merseyside Youth Challenge Trust outdoor activity centre at Allerton Tower.
Art
Our parks are great venues for painting and sketching. There are also opportunities to join in with regular Art activities in Calderstones Park - or on some of the Rangers' events. The WEA run Painting Classes regularly at Croxteth Country Park. Calderstones Park also has the Coach House Gallery, with art exhibitions by local artists all year round - exhibition details can be found on our events page. Fine art can be viewed in the paintings and furniture on show in Croxteth Hall and in the Sudley House Gallery.
Barbecues
Sorry, as barbecues can be dangerous and a potential fire hazard they are not generally permitted in Parks. Hot charcoal, fuel, or barbecue grills can also damage the grass and vegetation.
Beekeeping
Several hives of bees are displayed in the Walled Garden at Croxteth Country Park. See the Liverpool Beekeepers website for details of events and courses.
Birdwatching
Our parks and nature reserves are the best place in the City to birdwatch. Well over 100 species of bird have been recorded in the City, from woodpeckers high in the trees in Mull Wood Nature Reserve to coastal waders flying along the Mersey spotted from Otterspool. All our birds, their nest sites and habitats are protected by law, so please respect our valuable wildlife. Local birdwatching and wildlife clubs include the RSPB Liverpool and the Merseyside Naturalists Association.
Bowls
Sefton Park Bowling Club has greens in Sefton Park, near the Café.
Calderstones Park has greens near the Calderstones Road entrance, used by several clubs (Harthill Mens Bowling Club, Harthill Ladies Bowling Club, Garston Ladies Bowling Club, Belvidere Ladies Bowling Club, Calderstones Bowling Club and Calderstones Ladies Bowling Club).
Walton Hall Park has greens by the Sports Centre and at Moor Lane.
There are also greens at:
Adlam Park
Garston (Long Lane) Recreation Ground
Springwood Recreation Ground
Wavertree "The Mystery" Playground
Banks Road Recreation Ground
Circular Road Bowling Green, Norris Green
Chess
An outdoor chess set is usually available in the summer months in the Walled Garden at Croxteth Country Park.
Cricket
Sefton Park has a cricket ground at the north end. The Sefton Park Cricket Club was formed in 1862, moving to its present ground in 1876.
Cycling
Cycling is a great way of keeping fit and getting to our Parks. The Transpennine Trail is linked to several parks and greenspaces. Cycle for Health schemes run in several Parks (see the Regular Events download on the Events page for more information) Cyclists in Parks must respect the other Park users and in particular take great care as other users may include small children. Mountain Biking 'off-road' can be great fun in the 'wilder' parts of our Parks - please respect the environment when using these areas. There are some cycle routes in Liverpool which provide quiet routes and car free tracks, for instance the Woolton Cycle Route passes through Wavertree Playground (The Mystery) and Crown Street Gardens - handy for anyone commuting between the City Centre and Woolton. The National Cycle Network's Route 56 skirts Calderstones Park and Greenbank Park then passes through Sefton Park and Princes Park.
Feel the need to do more? Local cycling clubs include: Anfield Bicycle Club, Liverpool Century Road Club, Liverpool Mercury Club.
Dog Walking
Probably the most popular activity in all our Parks. Dog walkers should keep their pets under control, out of play areas and clean up any mess - dog fouling is dangerous, anti-social and illegal.
Eating out
There are cafes in Croxteth Country Park, Sefton Park and Stanley Park. The Otterspool Inn at Otterspool and the Pub in the Park at Clarke Gardens provide dining opportunities too. The Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Croxteth Hall and Sefton Park Palm House are available for hire as function areas too.
Environmental Conservation
See Nature Conservation
Farming
Fishing - see Angling
Football
There are fewer better places for an informal game than in your local Park. Grass football pitches for organised matches are run by the Sport & Recreation Business Unit. Footballers in parks should respect other park users and their environment and play in appropriate places. Many Parks have all-weather 5-a-side type pitches (Multi Use Games Areas) which are ideal for a friendly match and developing skills.
Football pitches
Walton Hall Soccer Centre
Everton Park Sports Centre
William Collins Playing Field
Stanley Park
Walton Hall Park
Adlam Park
Barnham Drive Playing Field
Jericho Lane Playing Field
Sparrowhall (Joe Stone) Playing Field
Thomas Lane Playing Field
Scargreen Recreation Ground
Parkview Recreation Ground
Barnfield (Bill Shankly) Playing Field
Clubmoor Recreation Ground
Maiden Lane Playing Field
Townsend Lane Playing Field
Walkers Playing Field
William Cliffe Recreation Ground
Woolton Woods & Camphill
Springwood Recreation Ground
Garston (Long lane) Recreation Ground
Sudley Estate
Holt Recreation Ground
Mersey Road Playing Field
Jericho Lane PLaying Field
Shorefields Playing Field
Little Heath Playing Field
Wavertree Botanic Park
Sandown Playing Field
Wood Lane Recreation Ground
Springfield Park
Gaelic Football
There is a Gaelic Football pitch at Greenbank Playing Field.
Gardening
If you would like to help out with a bit of Gardening then contact us to find out about volunteering opportunities in our beautiful gardens. There is also the Croxteth Hall Garden Society based at the Walled Garden at Croxteth Country Park, with an Annual Show in August. Some Friends groups regularly have gardening speakers as part of their programmes. Allotments around the City enable people to 'grow their own'. Several Parks in the City are particularly renowned for their horticultural displays. The Walled Gardens at Calderstones, Reynolds Park and Croxteth Country Park merit a visit, together with a trip to the famous Palm House in Sefton Park and the Liverpool Botanical Collection in the greenhouses at Croxteth.
Golf and Crazy Golf
Golf is not permitted in Parks, due to the risk of other Park users being struck by stray golf balls. However, if golf is your thing you could try the Crazy Golf course at Papa Joes in Croxteth Country Park! The City has Golf Courses in Kirkby and Allerton.
Greenhouse Plants
See Gardening
Heritage Volunteering
The Heritage Volunteers at Croxteth Hall make a visit to Croxteth come to life. They help tourists, visitors and school groups learn about our local history and enhance their visit. Why not join them? A great opportunity to give something back for future generations to enjoy.
Horse Riding
Miles of bridle paths provide an opportunity for riding through the woodlands of Croxteth Country Park, or you can learn to ride at Croxteth Park Riding Centre (0151 220 9177), in the Earl of Sefton's old stables in the middle of the Park. The Centre provides tuition for all ages and abilities and is British Horse Society approved. They also run a Pony Club (part of the national riding organisation) at Croxteth Park, and won their National Championships in 2007. Horse-riding in other parks is not permitted.
Horticulture
See Gardening
Jenga
The Rangers have a giant Jenga game that is brought out for some of the events and community activities in our Parks.
Jogging
See Running
Keep Fit
See also Outdoor Gyms. British Military Fitness run Outdoor 'Keep Fit' in Sefton Park and Calderstones Park.
Kite Flying
Model Boats
Model Boat owners regularly meet up at Walton Hall Park model boat lake and at Newsham Park lake. Sefton Park lake is also used for model boats, normally at the south end. Contact the Walton Hall Model Boat Club.
Model Railways
There are Model Railways at Croxteth Country Park as part of Papa Joe's entertainments (charge applicable) and at Calderstones Park, run by Merseyside Live Steam and Model Engineering Society.
The Model Railway at Papa Joes is located just off the Main Drive between the public car park and Croxteth Hall and also has a Mini-Golf course and a playground area.
The Model Railway at Calderstones Park is on the west side of the park, just by the Harthill Road entrance. The Railway provides free rides on Sundays from 2pm (weather permitting). Donations to the club are welcome - and new members too! The Rail enthusiasts meet on Wednesdays (for maintenance) and Sundays every week. The Railway has been a feature at Calderstones for more than 40 years.
Mountain Biking
See Cycling
Nature Conservation
Orienteering
Croxteth Country Park, Princes Park and Calderstones Park have orienteering marker posts around the Park. Orienteering maps are available for you to have a go. We recommend you contact the Parks in advance if you want to buy any maps. For Croxteth please contact the Gift Shop 0151 233 6930. The Calderstones maps are available from the Parks and Greenspaces office in Calderstones Park (0151 225 4884) during office hours. The orienteering maps were provided with the assistance of the Merseyside Orienteering Club.
Outdoor Gyms
Research by the city council and Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) found that people over the age of 50 are very unlikely to use a conventional gym, but more likely to do exercise outdoors.
And, 80 percent of adults do not exercise regularly (at least three times a week) and although grandparents often visit parks with children, they aren't getting enough exercise themselves.
To tackle the problem, the city council and the PCT has installed gym equipment in Croxteth Country Park, Dovecot Park, Calderstones Park, Otterspool Park, Everton Park and Walton Hall Sports Centre. The equipment includes:
The Surfer which improves flexibility and mobility.
The Space Walker gives a cardiovascular work out.
The Four Wheel Spinner aims to tone the chest, shoulders and upper back.
The Skier works the arms, chest, back and hips and it strengthens the heart and lungs whilst helping to tone and increase overall mobility.
The Agility Bench increases strength in the upper body while improving flexibility in the shoulders and chest.
The Body Twister is an overall toning work out for the whole body.
A leg press which works the upper and lower legs and increases strength in the abdomen.
Each weather and vandal-proof machine has a step-by-step guide on how to use the equipment, the order in which each piece should be used and how long to spend exercising depending on the user's fitness.
Exercise Trails can also be found at Otterspool Park, Crown Street Gardens and Walton Hall Park.
Painting
see Art
Photography
Beautiful views and everchanging seasons provide photographic opportunities all year round. On occasion there are photographic exhibitions at Croxteth Country Park and Calderstones - see the events programme for details.
Picnics
Many Parks have picnic benches (often sited near the playgrounds). Please leave no litter! Barbecues are not allowed in Parks, due to the safety risk, potential for fires and ground damage.
Playgrounds
There are 43 playgrounds in the City - see the Playgrounds page for details 
P
Pond Dipping
The events programme run by the Rangers includes a number of environmental activities, mostly designed with families in mind.
Rugby
There are rugby pitches at Sudley Estate and Otterspool Promenade (Riversdale).
Running
Most Parks provide great opportunities for traffic-free running. Try Map My Run or Mapometer to log your progress. Several organised road races and cross country races take place every year in our parks - see these local running contacts for more details - Run City Liverpool, Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton Harriers & Athletic Club, Penny Lane Striders, Liverpool Running Club, Liverpool Harriers and Athletic Club. 
Sculpture and Monuments
Many of our parks have a great deal of heritage interest, with St Johns's Gardens and Sefton Park in particular showing a fine collection of monuments, from Peter Pan (Sefton Park) to the Kings Regiment memorial (St Johns Gardens) to The Sentinel (Calderstones Park). The Merseyside Archeological Society has published a book about the Calder Stones.
Sledging
When it snows you'll find lots of people make their way to Liverpool's best sledging hills - Camphill and Everton Park. 
Storytelling
Storytelling is a regular feature in our Events and Education programmes
Table Tennis
There are outdoor table tennis tables in Calderstones Park, Doric Park and Belle Vale Park - bring your own ball and bats!
Tennis
Princes Park has tarmac courts. Belle Vale Park has a grass court. Calderstones has grass courts used for the International Tennis Tournament. Sefton Park has its own Tennis Club - the Mersey Bowmen (one of the oldest clubs in Britain).
Volunteering
We have volunteers that: help us out as Heritage Guides at Croxteth Hall (in costume helping visitors and also behind the scenes), help protect and look after our nature reserves, help our Gardens look beautiful. There are volunteer groups for like-minded individuals to work together and we also have Friends Groups, with a particular interest in their favourite parks.
Walking
An activity that relaxes you but gets you fit at the same time. 'A Walk in the Park' is free but brings great rewards. If you would like some company on your walk, or some walks guidance, then why not try one of the Healthy Walks run in the Parks by the Primary Care Trust. There's something to go along to almost every day of the week! For more details see the Regular Events part of the Events page. If you want to go further then try the Liverpool Ramblers, Merseyside Young Walkers and the Liverpool Catholic Ramblers. 
Weddings
You can even get married in our Parks! For more details see the Croxteth Country Park, Sefton Park Palm House and Isla Gladstone Conservatory websites.
Wildlife watching
See Bird Watching and Nature Conservation
Woodturning
The Merseyside Woodturners Associaton have a workshop in Calderstones Park, in the old boathouse at the side of the Lake. They meet to pass on their skills at wood turning, creating a great range of objects. They regularly exhibit at the Gallery at the Coach House but also open their workshop for public access so visitors can see them at work (free admission). Taster sessions are available on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 1pm to 4pm. For more information contact the Association Secretary on 0151 724 5996. Download more infomation about the Woodturners here. ![(PDF [1.4Mb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)