Calderstones Park
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
These buildings hold the central offices for Parks and Environment Division staff. The entance to the offices is from the yard behind the buildings (entrance buzzer). There is also a Gallery with regular local arts and craft exhibitions and The Studio, a room available for community meetings and events.
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
Sunday
06/04/2008
1:00pm
Wordsworth's Birthday Celebrations
A cultural afternoon of poetry and prose to celebrate the birth of one of our great poets
In front of the Mansion House, Calderstones Park
Sunday
06/04/2008
Breast Cancer Walk
Calderstones Park
07/04/2008 to 13/04/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Sandown Art Exhibition
Art exhibition
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
12/04/2008
1:00pm
Japanese GardenCulture
Discover the plants and cultural significance of the design of the Japanese Garden
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
14/04/2008 to 20/04/08
10:00am - 4:00pm
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 Coach House Gallery
21/0/4/2008 to 27/04/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Ida Proffit - Botanical paintings and Liverpool scenes
An important opportunity to see works by the internationally acclaimed horticultural artist, Ida Proffit. This award winning local artist will also be showing early examples of her work, including pictures showing Liverpool before the blitz. An exhibition of great interest to artists, historians and gardeners.
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
26/04/2008
1:00pm
Outdoor Sketching Day
Accessible Art 'n' Culture for all the family
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
28/04/2008 - 4/05/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Robin McGie - Art Exhibition
Art exhibition
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
5/05/2008 to 11/05/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
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/
Coach House Gallery, Calderstones Park
Saturday
10/05/2008
11:00am
The Red Culture Trail
Join us a discover Calderstones Park's Red Trail for an arboricultural and horticultural journey of discovery and an insight into how botany played an important cultural role in years gone by in conjunction with Mersey Forest Season
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Sunday
11/05/2008
2:00pm
All That Jazz
Enjoy an afternoon of art and culture with a Swing and Jazz flavour
In front of the Mansion House, Calderstones Park
Monday
12/05/2008 to 25/05/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Merseyside Artists Association
Merseyside Artists Association was formed in 1953 and continues with the aim of enabling Merseyside artists to exhibit drawings and paintings for sale.
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
17/05/2008
1:00pm
Park Poetry Day
Come along a enjoy an afternoon of poetry where culture and nature combine to inspire the work local poets
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
26/05/2008 - 15/06/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
South Liverpool Art Group
Art exhibition
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Wednesday
28/05/2008
1:00pm
Cultural Aspects of Calderstones Park
Discover the fascinating cultural heritage surrounding Calderstones Park
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Thursday
29/05/2008
1:00pm
"Sling a Ring"
Bring along the family for a little half-term fun and test your aim in this game of skill
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Sunday
01/06/2008
M'chester to L'pool Bike ride
bike-events
Calderstones Park
Sunday
01/06/2008
2:00pm
Opera in the Park
Liverpool Ranger Service present a cultural afternoon of operatic delights performed by the Una Voce Opera Company
In front of the Mansion House, Calderstones Park
10/06/2008 to 15/06/2008
Liverpool International Tennis Tournament
Tennis stars for 2008 include Martina Hingis - details from www.liverpooltennis.co.uk or 0151 227 5940
Calderstones Park
16/06/2008 - 29/06/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
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
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Sunday
22/06/2008
1:00pm
The History of Otterspool Park and Promenade
Discover the important role of parks in improving the health of the Liverpool people from the 'Parks Movement' of the 19th Century to the present day
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
30/06/2008 - 13/07/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Merseyside Textile Art (30th June to 13th July)
Merseyside Textile Art show an eclectic range of work showing the diversity of stitch. Practising traditional crafts such as embroidery, appliqué, felt work and beadwork, the range of media reflect the different skills and approaches of the artists.
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
05/07/2008
9:30am - 4:00pm
A Beginners Guide to Trees
A full day's tree identification course in conjunction with Mersey Forest Season. Booking is essential for this event. Please call 0151 233 3007
Venue will be identified when booking is confirmed
Sunday
06/07/2008
10:00am
The Art of Scented Plants
Cultural and artistic aspects of fragrant plants and flowers in conjunction with Mersey Forest Season
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
Sunday
06/07/2008
1:00pm
Swing in the Park
The Ranger Service presents The Liverpool Swing Band who will provide an afternoon of popular swing music
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
Saturday
12/07/2008
1:00pm
National Archaeology Week - 10,000 Years of Calderstones
Join the Rangers on a fascinating Journey of Discovery in the company of Geologist and Archaeologist Ken Sloan
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
14/07/2008 - 20/07/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Lesley Collins - Modern Art
For your home, for your office, for a personalised gift. (http://www.lelart.co.uk/)
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Sunday
20/07/2008
2:00pm
A World in One Park
Join us on a cultural journey around the world contained in the flora and fauna of Calderstones Park
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
21/07/2008 - 27/07/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Liver Sketch Club
Art exhibition
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
26/07/2008
1:00pm
Liverpool's Wealth of Wildlife
Come along on our "Squirrel's Trail" and walk in the footsteps of one of our local squirrels as part of the Liverpool's Wealth of Wildlife programme and the Mersey Forest Season
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
Tuesday
29/07/2008
1:00pm
Arts and Flowers
Join us for a little accessible Art 'n' Culture for all the family and sketch/paint the beautiful flowers in the Old English Garden. Please bring your own materials
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
04/08/2008 - 10/08/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
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 Coach House Gallery
18/08/2008 - 7/09/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
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
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Monday
11/08/2008
11:00am
Family Fun in Calderstones Park
Join us for our family orienteering event and quiz and keep the children occupied while enjoying a little fresh air
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
Monday
11/08/2008
1:00pm
Cultural Aspects of Calderstones Park
Discover the fascinating cultural heritage surrounding Calderstones Park
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Wednesday
13/08/2008
11:00am
Family Fun and Junior Drawing competition
Bring along the family and have fun in the park including a little "art n culture" for beginners with prizes for winners of our drawing competition
Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park
Sunday
31/08/2008
1:00pm
Park! Open Air Theatre by North End Writers
Come along for the open air premier performance of a fantastic new play "Park!". A play written and performed by North End Writers: North End Writers is a charity working to promote opportunities for creative writers in North Liverpool through meetings, events, projects and publications. info@northendwriters.co.uk
Calderstones Coach House Archway
Sunday
07/09/2008
1:00pm
"In Search of Liverpool Legends"
Join us in the beautiful Calderstones Park for a promenade performance by the Gilmore Drama Group
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
08/09/2008 - 21/09/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Merseyside Artists Association Exhibition
Merseyside Artists Association was formed in 1953 and continues with the aim of enabling Merseyside artists to exhibit drawings and paintings for sale.
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Tuesday
16/09/2008
1:00pm
Rare Trees of Calderstones
Join us a discover Calderstones Park's rare trees and enjoy an arboricultural journey and insight into how trees played an important cultural role in years gone by.
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Monday
22/09/2008 - 28/09/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Sandra Hepworth - Embroidery Exhibition
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Saturday
27/09/2008
11:00am
The Red Culture Trail
Join us a discover Calderstones Park's Red Trail for a horticultural journey of discovery and an insight into how botany played an important cultural role in years gone by.
Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Monday
29/09/2008 - 5/10/2008
10:00am - 4:00pm
Hyde & Holmes
An exhibition by local artists Heather Hyde and Lisa Holmes. Watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, pen & ink, prints cards and bookmarks. All at reasonable prices.
Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery
Mon 08/09/08- -Merseyside Artists Association (8th to 21st September)-In the Coronation year 1953, as Liverpool emerged from the gloom of war and rationing the Liverpool Academy held a painting competition open to local artists. The response was overwhelming - over 1200 pictures competing for what turned out to be only 20 spaces available in the Walker Art Gallery. There was an outcry and keen to ensure that local talent should not be discouraged, local worthies including John Moores of Littlewoods sponsored a "Rejects Exhibition" in the basement of the State Building in Dale Street. From these beginnings the Merseyside Artists Association was formed and continues with the aim of enabling Merseyside artists to exhibit drawings and paintings for sale. A minimum of two exhibitions a year is aimed for, and all paid up members are entitled to be included. A waiting list operates for membership and applicants will be required to demonstrate that their work meets the Association's standards. http://www.liv.ac.uk/artgall/exhibitions/senate_archive/senmer.htm-Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Mon 22/09/08- -Sandra Hepworth - Embroidery Exhibition(22nd to 28th September)- -Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Mon 29/09/08- -Hyde & Holmes (29th Sept to 5th Oct)-An exhibition by local artists Heather Hyde and Lisa Holmes. Watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, pen & ink, prints cards and bookmarks. All at reasonable prices.-Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Wed 08/10/08- -Power Plant (8th - 12th October)-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. -Walled Gardens, Calderstones Park-
Mon 20/10/08- -Sreepur Childrens Orphanage Exhibition & Workshop (20th to 26th October)-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 Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Thu 20/11/08- -David Shiers (20th to 23rd November)-Art exhibition-Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Mon 24/11/08- -Xia Lu (24th to 30th November)-Traditional & Contemporary Chinese Art-Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Thu 04/12/08- -Merseyside Woodturners Association (4th to 7th December)-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 Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park
Mon 08/12/08- -Art from the Square (8th - 21st December)-The artists group that famously exhibited at Clayton Square during its development now show at the Coach House at Calderstones Park-Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery-Coach-House Archway, Calderstones Park