Hesketh Park
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Hesketh Park

4.5
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautiful Victorian park with a serene lake, vibrant gardens, and a playground, perfect for relaxation and family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet

CrowdLow
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Hesketh Park

Hesketh Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful Victorian park with a serene lake, vibrant gardens, and a playground, perfect for relaxation and family fun.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A lovely, tranquil park with something for everyone, from stunning fountains to a great cafe."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

Enjoy tea, snacks, and duck feed at the cafe. Great value and pleasant staff!

🚶‍♀️ Walking Trails Galore

Explore diverse walking trails with archways and steps for a varied experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Fountain

Victorian Fountain

Park Entrance

A stunning centerpiece showcasing intricate Victorian craftsmanship, a true heritage gem.

Serene Lake & Fountains

Serene Lake & Fountains

Central Lake

Wander around the tranquil lake, listen to the therapeutic fountains, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Play Area

A well-equipped playground perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy in a safe environment.

Sensory Garden

Sensory Garden

Restored Garden Area

A beautifully restored biodiverse space designed to engage all senses, offering a calming retreat.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Victorian Charm

Hesketh Park offers a delightful escape with its Victorian landscaping and serene lake. Plan your visit to coincide with pleasant weather to fully enjoy the walking trails and gardens. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're seeking a tranquil experience.

Park Amenities & Access

While the park itself is free to enter, be aware that public toilets incur a small fee (around 40p).Reddit The on-site cafe offers refreshments and duck feed,Reddit and there's a playground for children. Parking is generally available on nearby roads.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Vibrant blooms and sunshine
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter mornings
Why
Crisp air, stunning light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the WORST rated Towns in the United Kingdom! 🤯 What Town should I review next? 🤔 #southport #southportuk #seaside #unitedkingdom #merseyside #town #sea #england #review #fyp #foryou #viral
@georgeredfern25
13.4K likes • 396K views

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

Enjoy tea, snacks, and duck feed at the cafe. Great value and pleasant staff! Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walking Trails Galore

Explore diverse walking trails with archways and steps for a varied experience. Reddit

Replying to @daizy😍 Apparently Blackpool has mountains, who knew #southport #jonti #towntour
@j0nti
12.3K likes • 168.3K views
Hesketh Park | Southport, UK. We travelled to Southport for a very chilly shoot but the winter sun provided stunning scenes over hesketh park, just round the corner from our shoot with @crestsglobal #drone #southport #park #heskethpark #winter #sun
homelens.portfolio
14 likes • 691 views

💰 Toilet Facilities

Outdoor toilets are available but require a small fee (approx. 40p). Reddit+1

🦆 Feed the Ducks

Purchase duck feed from the cafe for £1 and enjoy feeding the local waterfowl. Reddit

How stunning is Hesketh Park in the summer?! 🤩🌳 A hidden gem of a park in Southport, there’s numerous nature trails, varied wildlife, a large lake and a children’s play area to explore. The perfect place to enjoy a summer picnic with friends and family! #visitsouthport #lovesouthport #unlocktheadventure #pov
visitsouthport
47 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe & Refreshments

Enjoy tea, snacks, and duck feed at the cafe. Great value and pleasant staff! Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Walking Trails Galore

Explore diverse walking trails with archways and steps for a varied experience. Reddit

💰 Toilet Facilities

Outdoor toilets are available but require a small fee (approx. 40p). Reddit+1

🦆 Feed the Ducks

Purchase duck feed from the cafe for £1 and enjoy feeding the local waterfowl. Reddit

🚗 Free Nearby Parking

Find free parking on the roads surrounding the park for easy access. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly Zones

Designated dog-friendly areas are available, with maps to guide you. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hesketh Park is widely praised as a lovely, tranquil, and well-maintained green space offering something for everyone. Visitors appreciate its Victorian charm, serene lake, and family-friendly amenities like the playground and cafe. While generally positive, some note the small fee for public toilets as a minor inconvenience.

"Visited Hesketh Park. What a lovely park it is. You have a cafe onsite that sells food & non alcoholic beverages. You also have an ice cream parlour. Which I personally wasn't a fan of myself. They also have a big children's play area. You can also play crazy golf in the park. £3 per person I was told. You have outdoor toilets that cost 40p to use. However, they are kept clean to my knowledge. They have a few walking trails with arch ways and steps to walk up to explore all the different areas in the park. They also have the Observatory in the park which isn't accessible to the public no more. They have the lake to walk around and the water fountains were in action. Very therapeutic to listen to especially on a sunny day. The cafe sellls duck feed for £1 so you can feed the ducks. It is a lovely park to visit. So if you ever go to Southport for a day or a holiday. Definitely checkout the park."

Kerry

"Lovely little park for kids, dog walking or just a walk for some fresh air. Lovely and quiet during school hours. The cafe is great value and the tea is lovely! Only downside is there are no public toilets, there is a toilet available just outside the entrance but you have to pay 40p to use it."

Tash Morgs

"Wonderful park something for everyone. Lovely cafe great playground and the walk around the lake with fountains and benches. Dog friendly areas with maps showing were they are."

kathryn holroyd

What People Like

Beautiful Victorian charm
Tranquil lake and fountains
Family-friendly playground

What People Dislike

Paid public toilets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hesketh Park is conveniently located close to Southport town center.Reddit You can reach it by public transport or by car. Free parking is often available on the surrounding roads.Reddit Many visitors find it an easy walk from the town center.

While there isn't a dedicated car park within the park itself, visitors can find free parking on the roads adjacent to Hesketh Park.Reddit This makes it easily accessible for those driving.

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Hesketh Park, especially if you're coming from nearby areas. There are paths within the park suitable for cycling, and it's a popular spot for runners and junior athletes.Instagram

Southport town center is well-served by public transport, and Hesketh Park is a short walk from the main amenities. Check local bus routes for the most direct options to reach the vicinity of the park.

The park is ideal for walking and exploring its various sections. Many visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, through the gardens, and along the designated walking trails.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hesketh Park is free to enter and enjoy.Reddit It's a public park open for everyone to experience its natural beauty and amenities.

Hesketh Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy its grounds throughout daylight hours. Specific opening times for facilities like the cafe may vary.

Yes, there are outdoor toilet facilities located at the north end of the park.Reddit Please note that there is a small charge of approximately 40p to use them.Reddit+1

Hesketh Park is dog-friendly, with designated areas for dogs.Reddit Remember to keep your dog under control and clean up after them.

The children's play area within Hesketh Park is free to use, making it a great spot for families to visit without additional costs.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Hesketh Park offers a variety of activities including walking, enjoying the lake and fountains,Reddit feeding ducks,Reddit playing in the children's area,Instagram and exploring the sensory garden.Instagram Some reviews mention crazy golf is available for a fee.Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves food and non-alcoholic beverages.Reddit+1 They also sell duck feed for £1 Reddit and have an ice cream parlour.Reddit

Key attractions include the beautiful Victorian fountain,Instagram the serene lake with fountains,Reddit vibrant flower gardens, a children's play area,Instagram and a restored sensory garden.Instagram The park also has historical significance, having been developed in the mid-1800s.Instagram

Absolutely! Hesketh Park is very family-friendly with a large children's play area,Instagram plenty of space to run around, and the opportunity to feed ducks.Reddit The cafe also offers treats for kids.

Yes, Hesketh Park is a popular spot for runners. The parkrun UK organization hosts junior parkruns here,Instagram and many individuals use the paths for their training.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Victorian fountain at the entrance is a popular subject.Instagram The serene lake with its fountains offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise or sunset.TikTok The gardens, particularly the sensory garden,Instagram provide colorful and textured shots. Drone photography can capture the park's layout and surrounding areas.Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.TikTok Winter sun can also create stunning scenes.Instagram The changing sunlight can be a challenge but rewarding for artists.Instagram

Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always advisable to check with the local council or park authorities. Drone usage may have specific regulations.Instagram

You can capture a variety of subjects including landscapes, architectural details (like the fountain), wildlife (birds, squirrels Reddit), flowers in the gardens, and people enjoying the park. The park's historical elements also offer interesting photographic opportunities.Instagram

Drone footage has been captured in Hesketh Park.Instagram However, it's essential to be aware of and comply with any local regulations or restrictions regarding drone operation in public spaces.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hesketh Park is a fantastic destination for families. The large children's play area is a major draw, ensuring kids have plenty of fun.Instagram You can easily spend a few hours here, letting the little ones explore and burn off energy. The cafe offers kid-friendly snacks and treats, and you can even buy duck feed for £1 to entertain them by the lake.Reddit Remember that public toilets require a small fee,Reddit so it might be worth planning accordingly.

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking to stay active, Hesketh Park provides a pleasant environment for running and jogging. The well-maintained paths offer a good surface for training,Instagram and the park's layout is suitable for various distances. The park even hosts junior parkruns,Instagram indicating its popularity among the running community. It's a great spot for a refreshing morning or afternoon workout amidst nature.

🐶 Dog Owners

Hesketh Park welcomes your four-legged friends! There are designated dog-friendly areas within the park, making it easy to enjoy a walk with your pet.Reddit The open spaces and walking trails provide ample room for dogs to explore. Just remember to keep them on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them to help keep the park pristine for everyone.

📸 Photographers & Artists

Hesketh Park offers a wealth of photographic and artistic opportunities. The Victorian fountain is a striking subject,Instagram and the lake with its fountains provides beautiful scenic shots, especially with the changing light.Instagram+1 The sensory garden Instagram and vibrant flower beds offer colorful compositions. Whether you're capturing landscapes or details, the park's Victorian charm and natural beauty are sure to inspire.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Hesketh Park's History

Hesketh Park, a cherished green space in Southport, boasts a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Its development was spearheaded by the Southport Commissioners through the Second Southport Improvement Act of 1865. The park's layout is attributed to Edward Kemp, who had previously worked with Joseph Paxton at Birkenhead Park, suggesting a design influenced by the principles of renowned landscape architecture.Instagram This Victorian heritage is evident in the park's landscaping, the grand fountain, and the overall design that aimed to provide a tranquil retreat for the public.

The park has undergone significant restoration efforts, including the transformation of its sensory garden. This collaborative project, involving Sefton Council and dedicated park rangers, has turned overgrown beds into a calming, biodiverse space designed to engage the senses.Instagram These efforts ensure that the park continues to be a valuable and beautiful asset for the community, preserving its historical charm while adapting to modern needs.

While the park's observatory is no longer publicly accessible, its historical presence adds another layer to the park's narrative. The park's development reflects a Victorian era commitment to public spaces, offering residents and visitors a place for recreation, relaxation, and an appreciation of nature and design.Instagram

Experiencing Hesketh Park: A Community Hub

Hesketh Park is more than just a green space; it's a vibrant community hub that caters to a diverse range of visitors. Families find it an ideal destination thanks to the well-equipped children's play area,Instagram providing hours of entertainment for younger ones. The park's walking trails, including those around the serene lake with its therapeutic fountains,Reddit offer a peaceful escape for all ages. Dog walkers also appreciate the designated dog-friendly zones,Reddit making it a welcoming place for pet owners.

The on-site cafe is a central point for many visitors, offering refreshments, snacks, and even duck feed, fostering interaction with the park's wildlife.Reddit This communal aspect is further highlighted by events like the Hesketh Park junior parkrun,Instagram which brings together families and young athletes, promoting an active lifestyle. The park's well-maintained grounds and clean environment, noted by visitors,Reddit contribute to its appeal as a place for relaxation and community gathering.

From casual strolls and family outings to dedicated running sessions Instagram and even plein air painting,Instagram Hesketh Park provides a versatile backdrop for various activities. Its accessibility, with free nearby parking Reddit and proximity to the town center, makes it an easy choice for a day out, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit.

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