Calderstones Park
What's On in Calderstones - see below. Calderstones Park leaflet![(PDF [2Mb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
Park Features
Built in 1828 the Mansion House is described in the Liverpool Heritage Bureau 'Buildings of Liverpool' as 'asymmetrical and of two storeys in the Georgian tradition'. Today it is no longer a private house (see 'History') and contains offices of the Council, including the Housing Market Renewal Initiative and City Safe. The cafe (picture below) is a popular place to pop into for refreshments or a meal and the building also has public toilets at one side.
The Stable Block, Coach House Gallery and Lancastrian Barn
Children's Playground
The Children's Playground was opened in June 2000 by Sir Paul McCartney, and dedicated to the late Linda McCartney.
The Allerton Oak
One of the park's two most ancient features, estimated at 1,000 years old, according to legend the ancient `Hundred court' sat beneath its branches.
The Pineatum
Comprises mature specimens and a unique collection of dwarf conifers presented to the City by the Government of (then) West Germany.
Ornamental Gardens
Situated at the centre of the park, this area comprises of three stlyles of gardens, one of ehich is the a Flower Garden. Originally a rose garden, it now provides a quiet area where visitors can absorb the scents and beauty of traditional planting schemes. The other two gardens are the Old English Garden and the Japanese Garden.
Situated in the Ornamental Gardens, this glasshouse displays examples from the city's temperate and tropical Botanical collections.
The Herbaceous Border
The largest and boldest hebaceous border in the city, providing a stunning summer display.
The Rhododendron Walk
An amazing and unique display of Rhododendrons with some unnamed species collected by Kingdon Ward.
The Ha Ha
Situated in front of the Mansion House, this is evidence of the use of the land beyond as a grazing area.
The Rose Garden
Rose beds that are overlooked by the Camellia Veranda, which is open to the public each afternoon.
The Neolithic Calderstones
Situated in the Vestibule for protection, these stones are neolithic relics of an ancient monument.
The Text Garden
Part of the Artranspennine 98 contemporary art exhibition, planted in yew and box which are intended to become a giant word puzzle as they gain height.
The Bog Garden
Originally a natural pond, provided a dumping ground for blitz debris. In 1955 the newly developed garden was opened. The area provides an interesting and valuable habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
There are also some very important tree specimens planted throughout the park and there is an informative guide highlighting some of these most interesting subjects.
Working with The Mersey Forest some 2,000,000 bluebells have been planted by local children on woodland fringes including the Bluebell area in the park. This forms part of the Bluebell Recovery Project.
The Tennis Courts
The Tennis Courts continue to play host to the annual Liverpool Parks Tennis Tournament, one of the biggest open grass tournaments in the north of England.
Cafe and Toilets
At the centre of the park adjoining the Mansion House is the cafe. Also close by are the public toilets including those for the disabled.
Angling
Calderstones Park lake is a popular fishing lake, with several 'pegs' around its perimeter to fish from. Anglers should register with the Council - more information on our Angling page.
Recycling
Comprehensive recycling facilities are located in the main car park.
Access
The main parkland is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
The Friends group is very active, running regular events, producing a newsletter and contributing towards the facilities in the Park.
What's On in Calderstones
Events
October
Monday 06 Oct - Sun 19
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Focus Art Exhibition
Calderstones Park Gallery
Wednesday 08 Oct - Sun 12
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Power Plant
Power Plant is a night-time trail of sound and light installations originally commissioned by Oxford Contemporary Music and University of Oxford Botanic Garden. Approaches include video and electronic sound to modifications of old gramophones, moving speakers, sound sources hidden in the undergrowth, circular saw blades played like gongs and balloons filled with tuned harmonicas that whisper an eerie melancholic requiem. The result is a surprising sonic landscape which explores the relationship between sound, light and the garden environment. Artists include Mark Anderson, Anne Bean, Kirsten Reynolds and Jony Easterby. Produced by Simon Chatterton for Arts Council England's Contemporary Music Network. Box office for advance tickets Bluecoat, School Lane Liverpool. Box office for walk-up audience Coach House, Calderstones Park. Tickets cost £5, £3 concessions, Family ticket (2 adults/2 children) £12, All tickets £3 for opening show on 8th October. The installation opens at 7.30pm and last entry is at 10pm
Sunday 12 Oct
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Rare Trees of Calderstones
The cultural pastime of exotic tree collecting of our forbearers has left us with a magnificent collection of trees from all around our planet, enjoy them on this fascinating walk and talk
Monday 20 Oct - Sun 26
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sreepur Childrens Orphanage Exhibition & Workshop
The Sreepur Village, Bangladesh is a small non-religious, non-political organisation which funds and runs the Sreepur Women & Children's Village situated in rural Bangladesh. The Village presently houses 580 babies and children and over 100 destitute women. We provide a loving environment, food, clothing, education, and vocational training so that they can look forward to an independent adult life. We also provide the much under-rated feeling of being safe. The destitute women are put into groups of six, and are taught hygiene, literacy, numeracy and skills to enable them to support their families in the community.
Calderstones Park Gallery
Saturday 25 Oct
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Jenga Challenge
Can you become the champion in this game of skill and dexterity for all the family?
Sunday 26 Oct
PDSA Walkies
PDSA Walkies is the new fun way to help pets in need of vets. This October PDSA is inviting dog owners and animal lovers to take part in a sponsored dog walk to raise vital funds for sick and injured pets. For more information and to register visit www.pdsa.org.uk/walkies, freephone 0800 917 2509 or pick up a leaflet from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA shops.
Monday 27 Oct - Sun 2
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wildlife and Animal Paintings by Ron Peterson
Calderstones Park Gallery
November
Monday 03 Nov - Sun 9
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
British Birds Art Exhibition
A contemporary study of British Birds. Painting and Sculpture. Joel Bird www.joelbird.com
Calderstones Park Gallery
Tuesday 04 Nov
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Plant Propagation Demonstration
Join us as we explore the world of Greenhouse plants and demonstrate a number of propagation methods
Monday 10 Nov - Sun 23
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Art Exhibition
Art by David Shiers
Calderstones Park Gallery
Monday 24 Nov - Sun 30
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Xia Lu
Traditional & Contemporary Chinese Art
Calderstones Park Gallery
December
Thursday 04 Dec - Sun 7
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Merseyside Woodturners Association
"We are a non-profit making association of woodturners. Our philosophy is to provide mutual support to our members and further the art of woodturning. With this aim in mind, we would welcome contact from any like-minded organisations or individuals. Our exhibition features hundreds of high quality items turned by our members. http://www.merseyturners.co.uk/"
Calderstones Park Gallery
Friday 05 Dec
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Victorian Ghostly Tales
Join us for a spine chilling promenade performance of eerie tales performed by a local drama group
Tuesday 09 Dec - Sun 21
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Art from the Square
The artists group that famously exhibited at Clayton Square during its development now show at the Coach House at Calderstones Park Gallery
Saturday 13 Dec
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Tales of Christmas Past
Get in the Christmas spirit with a few seasonal tales and fables
Friday 19 Dec
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Victorian Christmas Traditions
Discover the seasonal traditions past down to us from our Victorian forbearers
Saturday 20 Dec
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
In Search of Santa
Join us on our seasonal trail, follow the clues, listen to the tales and hopefully discover Father Christmas in his grotto
Sunday 21 Dec
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Winter Solstice Celebrations
Join us to celebrate the start of the lengthening of the hours of daylight and discover how ancient traditions have been incorporated into modern seasonal festivities
January
Friday 09 Jan
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Victorian Days, Victorian Ways
Discover the lifestyle and interests of some of the more wealthy Victorians
Tuesday 20 Jan
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Greenhouse Plants
Join us and keep out of the cold as we discover some of the fascinating plants of the greenhouse in Calderstones Park
Tuesday 27 Jan
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Rare Trees of Calderstones
The cultural pastime of exotic tree collecting of our forbearers has left us with a magnificent collection of trees from all around our planet, enjoy them on this fascinating walk and talk
February
Sunday 01 Feb
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Around the World in 80 Minutes
Discover plants from around the globe in beautiful Calderstones Park
Saturday 14 Feb
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Greenhouse Plants
Join us and keep out of the cold as we discover some of the fascinating plants of the greenhouse in Calderstones Park
Saturday 21 Feb
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
The Old English Garden
Explore the artistic aspects of the beautiful Old English Garden in Calderstones Park
March
Sunday 01 Mar
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
St David's Day Family Celebration
Join us and discover all about St David, Druids, ancient stones and much more
Tuesday 03 Mar
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Rare Trees of Calderstones
The cultural pastime of exotic tree collecting of our forbearers has left us with a magnificent collection of trees from all around our planet to improve our green environment, enjoy them on this fascinating walk and talk
Tuesday 17 Mar
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Evergreen Shrubs of Interest
Join us as we look at the fascinating environmental world of the evergreen in Calderstones Park
Saturday 21 Mar
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Environmental Aspects of Calderstones and Harthill
Discover the history, flora and fauna of these beautiful estates turned private parks
Monday 30 Mar
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Plants of North America
Join us and discover how plants originating in the new world are now part of our green environment