Paxton incorporated surrounding land into the park which was sold at an enhanced value for housing to help pay for the building of the park.

He also provided a separate perimeter road for traffic which allowed the park interior to be enjoyed by pedestrians.

In 1850 F.L. Olmsted, an American, visited the park as part of a tour of Europe. Olmsted later became famous as the designer of Central Park, New York into which he incorporated many of the features he first observed in Birkenhead Park.

Paxton's original design remains largely intact. In 1977 the park was designated a Conservation Area and in 1995 declared a Grade 1 Listed Landscape by English Heritage.

Birkenhead Park Weekly Events

Come and join us for a week of fun in the park. Ages 8 and over. Places are limited so booking is essential.

Tuesday 27th May 10.30-12.00 Minibeast Hunt. Root through the undergrowth and discover the park's little creatures.

Tuesday 27th May 10.30-12.00 Bowls -out and Kwik Cricket. Fun at St. Mary's Cricket Club.

Tuesday 27th May 14.00-15.30 Cricket Practice. Borrow our equipment and use our nets to practise your skills.

Wenesday 28th May 14.00-15.30 Kite Making. Construct a kite from the materials provided.

Thursday 29th May 10.30-12.00 Colours of Spring. Enjoy a walk and a story for spring.

Thursday 29th May 10.30-12.00 Bowls -out and Kwik Cricket. Fun at St. Mary's Cricket Club.

Thursday 29th May14.00-15.30 Cricket Practice. Borrow our equipment and use our nets to practise your skills.

Friday 30th May 14.00-15.30 Mini Raft building. Make tour own boat using materials collected from the park and see if it floats.

Friday 30th May 20.30-23.00 Bat Walk and Talk.

The Park Movement

The Select Committee on Public Walks published a report in June 1833. They had been appointed "to consider the best means of securing Open Spaces in the vicinity of populous towns as Public Walks and Places of Exercise, calculated to promote the Health and Comfort of the Inhabitants". Other parks had been developed in Manchester, Derby and Liverpool but Birkenhead Park was the first public park to be created by a municipality anywhere in the world. It was opened on 5th April 1847.

Sports in the Park

Organised sports have always been an important part of the park. Birkenhead Park Cricket Club was officially started in 1846, a year before the park was opened. The park now has 2 cricket clubs, tennis courts, bowling greens, and football pitches. Both lakes are popular for-fishing, although permits are still required.

Friends of Birkenhead Park

The Friends were formed in 1976 by the late Lord 'Griff' Evans of Claughton.

Their motto is "That which is good should be preserved".

For further information contact the Visitor Centre?on 0151 652 5197.

The Park Makers

Birkenhead Park is one of Sir Joseph Paxton's most important works. In 1843 he wrote to his wife ... "It is not a very good situation for a park as the land is generally poor but, of course, it will rebound more (to my) credit and honour to make something handsome and good out of bad materials".

Edward Kemp trained at Chatsworth under Paxton and came to Birkenhead in 1843 to supervise the construction of the park. In 1845, on Paxton's recommendation, he was awarded the post of Park Superintendent at an annual salary of ?150, accommodation in the Italian Lodge and a budget of ?1,000 per year to maintain the Park. It is Kemp who was largely responsible for planting in the park and its general development.

Lewis Hornblower was a young Liverpool architect employed to design the boathouse, bridges, railings and gates. His most significant contribution was the design of the Grand Entrance which Paxton criticised for being 'out of scale' with the remainder of the park.

Sir William Jackson was Chairman of the Birkenhead Commissioners from 1842-1846. He is credited with promoting the idea of a park and bringing Paxton to Birkenhead to design the park.

Map of Birkenhead Park: view/download map