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Liverpool is one of the cultural crown jewels of England. Thousands visit from around the world to walk the streets immortalised by the cities most famous sons: The Beatles. The grand buildings standing regally along the dockyards embody the city’s maritime history. But the city’s hidden gems are the collection of parks and open spaces, which were described by the Register of Historic Parks as the most important in the country. Boasting sprawling country estates and epic golden beaches, the city has everything a dog could desire. Here are our top five picks for the best dog walks in Liverpool.
Sefton Park
Sefton Park is the largest in Liverpool and lies to the south of the city. It’s one of the most well known dog walks in Liverpool. Once part of the historic Royal Deer Park, in 1872 it was opened ‘for the health and enjoyment of the townspeople.’ The park is renowned for its excellence, winning both the Green Flag and Green Heritage awards for its stunning features and monuments.
It is hardly surprising that the vast 235-acre park is popular with dog walkers. Your dog will happily spend hours exploring the park’s delights, from the babbling waters of the Fairy Glen to the gloomy caves of Old Nick.
As you wander, look out for the dozens of statues and monuments, notably the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain or the gigantic obelisk, erected in 1909.
However, no trip is complete without a visit to the Victorian Palm House, bursting with exotic plants and succulent scents for your pooch to enjoy. There’s also the famous bandstand, supposedly the inspiration for The Beatles hit ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
Both the Aviary Café and the Lakeside Café are the pawfect rest stop from which to enjoy the dozens of bird species nestled amongst the trees.
Open 24 hours a day, all year round. Several car parks and on-street parking are available.
Walton Hall Park
Walton Hall is a hidden wonder for dog owners, a place to walk on the wild side. It hosts a menagerie of birds, including swans, geese, ducks, owls and thousands of different types of wildlife. Explore these natural delights, as you and your dog enjoy a relaxing stroll around the 130-acres. In autumn, the landscape of trees turns into a blazing sea of gold and orange. Ideal for a bit of Sunday afternoon squirrel chasing!
Discover the park’s two lakes: the larger lake is brimming with fish and even hosts a couple of islands. Look out for the ducklings in the spring. Whilst, a flotilla of model boats can be found bobbing around the smaller pond. There is also a children’s playground, complete with swings and roundabouts. Walton Hall is a fantastic day out for the whole family!
Open all year round. Access to the park is via Walton Hall Avenue.
Crosby Beach
At the neck of the Mersey is one of my favourite dog walks in Liverpool – the beautiful Crosby beach. Here your dog can run wild across the vast expanse of sand, as you admire the three glorious kilometres of uninterrupted views. If you fancy the world’s greatest game of fetch, you’ll find no better pitch. Bring along a Kong Flyer! Lightweight and super-chewable – the disc can survive even the most nail-like gnashers. Don’t worry about losing it to the sea. The Kong Flyer also floats and is available in small and large.
Make sure you check out the intriguing and iconic sculptures of Anthony Gormley, titled ‘Another Place’. It consists of a hundred iron men scattered throughout the sands. Each statue stares out across the horizon in rigid contemplation. Slightly weird and most definitely thought-provoking: Crosby Beach is not one to forget.
Nestled between the pastel-coloured terraces of nearby Waterloo and the golden sands, lies the Coastal Park, Adelaide Gardens, and Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. Great for a short mooch with your pooch!
Free car park available.
Croxteth Park
Croxteth Country Park is the largest entry in the list. Five-hundred acres spread out from the illustrious stately manor, once home to the Earls of Sefton. A gorgeous construction of rich red-brick in Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne styles – the core of the house dates back to 1575.
Explore the leafy trails winding through Mull Wood which blurs into the local nature reserve, or bask in the beautiful Wildflower Meadow, near the Old Kennels. Let your dog splash in the streams and ponds which brim with wildlife or potter around the Victorian Walled Garden, newly planted with flowers and vegetables.
Take an amble through the web of paths and trails covering the acres of woodland and pastures, or stick to the well-signed river trail which starts at the Main Hall. The park still contains a working Victorian farm and alongside the adventure playground offers the perfect day for all the family.
Free parking. House and Walled Garden are ticketed.
Otterspool Park
Rivers define all the best cities – Liverpool is no exception. The Mersey is the lifeblood of the region, but if you want to really appreciate its beauty, head down to Otterspool Promenade. From there, take in the breath-taking views across the Mersey’s mouth; on a clear day you can even see as far as the Welsh Hills. The promenade is the perfect place to take your pooch for an evening stroll, or in the summer months pack a picnic. There’s also numerous eateries and watering holes where you can grab a bite. The Otters Café has a good reputation.
The sun and wind can be invigorating. But exposed to the westerly Irish winds, it can get a little chilly. When you pop on a coat, don’t forget about your furry friend. The Ancol Muddy Paws Stormguard Dog coat is both waterproof and fleece-lined, ready to protect against whatever nature conjures up. It’s easy to fit and easy to spot due to the reflective edging. It also comes in a rich chocolate brown.
- Waterproof surface and cosy fleece lining for comfort and warmth in all weathers
- Elasticated leg straps, relective edging for safety and extra visibility in low light and a zippered harness slot for lead attachment
- Chest-protector with elasticated neck to help keep dogs clean and dry
Don’t be put off by the bracing winds. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
If you enjoyed this blog on dog walks in Liverpool you might also like to read about the 5 best dog walks in Bristol.
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