A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Wrap up warm and explore the great outdoors this winter

Crosby Beach

Cambridge Road, Crosby, Merseyside

On a crisp, sunny day, Crosby Beach is the perfect destination for a day trip. Wrap up warm, pack a picnic, and hop on the train to visit this picturesque promenade. Situated on the beach is Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation, a series of 100 spectacular cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along the three kilometres of the foreshore; perfect for a token Liverpool selfie.

Liverpool Festival Gardens

Riverside Drive, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4ED

This hidden gem of Liverpool is located in South Liverpool, a concept which was originally designed in 1984 to regenerate Liverpool and drive tourism, with it being redeveloped in 2010 to once again transform it into a beautiful space. The oriental gardens are filled with pagodas, lakes, waterway and waterfalls, ideal for a brisk winter walk or scenic bike ride dropping down on to Otterspool Promenade.

Croxteth Country Park & Farm

Perfect for families looking for a fun day out, Croxteth Country Park is a vast 500 acre nature reserve, complete with a working Victorian Farm, adventure playground and even miniature railway. The farm is home to a variety of animals, such as rare breed cattle and little piglets, with a time-table of activities available to take part in, such as bottle-feeding the calves and lambs and meeting the farm’s Irish Moiled bull.

Greenbank Park Liverpool L18 1HQ

Just a stone's throw from Smithdown road, Greenbank Park offers a serene space complete with a large lake and blooming trees, drawing fewer visitors than its neighbouring Sefton Park making it a more tranquil park to visit. Pick up a coffee and piece of cake from one of Liverpool’s best park cafes, The Watering Can, before taking a stroll round the placid lake to see what fish you can spot.

Formby Red Squirrel Reserve

Victoria Road, Freshfield, Formby, Merseyside, L37 1LJ

With its thriving wildlife and stunning scenery which combines winter woods with a beautiful coastline, winter is a wonderful time to visit the Formby Red Squirrel Reserve. There are plenty of different walking or cycling routes which can be taken, with red squirrels, natterjacks, and numerous species of birds waiting to be spotted.

Calderstones Park

Allerton, Liverpool, L18 3JD

This vast 94 acre family park in South Liverpool is brimming with history, including the renowned Allerton Oak; a 1000 year old tree which is thought to have been standing tall since the Middle Ages! Visitors can also explore the beautiful Japanese & old English gardens which are home to almost 4,000 species of plant, feed the geese by the lake, and head to Mansion House which features a cafe and child-friendly play area.

Wirral Country Park

Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, Merseyside, CH61 0HN

This 12 mile long park was the first designated Country Park in Britain, home to a whole array of wildlife including badgers, foxes, birds and more. Head for the 60 feet high boulderclay cliffs and take in the magnificent views over the River Dee, enjoy a stroll along Thurstaston Beach, or even have a sunset-lit barbecue or picnic in the lush grasslands.