Less than one miles walk form the vibrant resort of
Southport lies Hesketh Park.
This 12 hectare
Victorian Park lies within a semi-residential area, with ample on
street parking. Designed by Kemp, with influences by Paxton (two of
the most significant park designers of their day), the park boasts
a myriad of unique built and natural features and is a
horticultural treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.
Structures include: Grade 2 listed
observatory and conservatory, gate lodges, glass houses, shelters
and rock features. The sand hill origins of the park are echoed in
the rolling topography, which frames the lake and
cascades. The arboretum-like diversity of trees
not only adds interest but, prior to the works, masked five lost
gardens.
These gardens, along with an ornate fountain have
been restored and reconstructed, to bring the park back to its
former glory.
Over the last few years the
Park has undergone £3 million of improvement works,
funded from a variety of sources including the Heritage Lottery
Fund. Further works are proposed in the future
and for more details of these improvements contact the
Landscape Development team.
Other facilities include public
toilets, healthy walks trails, mini golf and a
café.
And discover: The American Garden; The Clock Garden; The
Specimen Garden;The Herbaceous Walk; And the Mixed Flower
Garden.