The town of Birkenhead is a hub of history, commerce and riverside bliss. Explore its many iconic landmarks, from Hamilton Square to the world’s first public park.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery, constructed by ‘soap king’ William Hesketh Lever in the Port Sunlight area of Birkenhead, is a must-see.
Ness Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley, a Liverpool cotton merchant, the Ness Botanic Gardens are internationally renowned. His daughter donated the grounds to the University of Liverpool in 1948, on the condition that they remain open to the public. A visit to these rambling gardens is a treat for all senses. From secluded woodland paths to the blossoming Magnolia trees and vibrant Wildflower Meadows, the gardens document the beautiful cyclical nature of plants all year round.
The RAWD (Richmond Arts Without Disability) Gallery in Oxton is a cultural venue that exhibits art from various artists, including ceramics and paintings. The gallery also has a collection of antique ship models for the Cammel Laird shipyard and Mersey Ferries. The space is committed to promoting and supporting disabled artists.
Birkenhead Market
BIRKENHEAD Market has been an integral part of the town since it was first established on Hamilton Street in 1835. Despite devastating fires in 1969 and 1974 it has continued to provide locals with a wide range of products including fresh food, clothing and jewellery.
Traders say the new building will recapture the historic spirit of the market and create a thriving hub for the community. The proposals will see the House of Fraser building demolished to make way for a new standalone Birkenhead Market on the site with independent retail, food and beverage stalls and new accessible public spaces linked into St Werburgh’s Square and Oliver Street East.
Vivien Woerdeweber, star of Channel 4’s Gogglebox, is among the many locals to have backed plans for the market. She runs Twilight, a shop selling everything from incense oils to fairy and dragon items.
The Priory
Whether you want to find that perfect souvenir at a local shop, reinvent your artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery, or enjoy a five-course supper at a restaurant, there is something for everyone in Birkenhead.
Take a trip back in time at the Wirral Transport Museum and Heritage Tramway to see a collection of heritage trams, buses and classic cars. They also have a large working model railway for the kids to enjoy.
Located in Oxton, Williamson Art Gallery is an exciting venue that exhibits a variety of different art styles including contemporary, street and more. The gallery is a non-profit organisation and supports artists, fair pay and mental health. They are passionate about bringing the arts to community spaces and helping people connect with each other through art.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Founded by soap magnate William Hesketh Lever in memory of his wife, Lady Lever Art Gallery is home to one of the UK’s finest collections. The neo-classical building holds everything from Pre-Raphaelite paintings to the world’s best collection of Wedgwood Jasperware.
Located in the leafy model village of Port Sunlight, the museum offers an insight into this impressive feat of Victorian architecture. Featuring 900 Grade II listed buildings, it is well worth a walking tour.
The Priory is Merseyside’s oldest surviving building and once housed a Benedictine monastery that gained ferry rights across the River Mersey in the 13th century. Climb the 101 steps up St Mary’s tower and enjoy the view from this historical site.
Birkenhead Ferry
Sitting across the River Mersey from Liverpool, Birkenhead is a port town that has a rich history of world and UK firsts. Aside from its famous ferry connections (including the route to Belfast in Northern Ireland), the town is also home to a slew of incredible attractions that showcase the best of the local culture and history.
For example, the iconic Hamilton Square is a heritage area with a slew of listed buildings. Then there’s Birkenhead Park, a huge city park that opened in 1847 and is considered the first publicly-funded public park in the world. It even influenced Central Park’s design by F.L. Olmsted. With open meadows, two lakes, a cafe, fitness trails and a children’s playground, it’s the perfect place to relax in the fresh air.
