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HOME |
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Sefton Park Liverpool |
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Back to parks |
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Covering 225 acres, Sefton Park is the biggest in Liverpool and one of the greatest in the country.
It was established in 1832 and was designed by Joseph Paxton who was also responsible for London's Crystal Palace. While Liverpool's Palm House was smaller than the Crystal Palace, at least it is still standing, and, restored to its former glory a popular attraction. |
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The Palm House is open all year round and has been restocked with tropical plants following its refurbishment. 30 years ago the palms reached to the very top and no doubt in 30 years time will do so again. |
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To help pay for its upkeep, the palm house is available for hire, and is a fabulous setting for weddings, dances, exhibitions or corporate events. On a clear night in the summer with a band playing and a glass of wine in the hand, there can be no more pleasant place to be. |
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Wander round the outside of this octagonal building and see the eight statues of the great and good who inspired the Victorians of Liverpool. |
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The Large Sefton Park Lake is situated at the southern end of the park and is a popular place for fishing or waterfowl watching. Boating used to be popular but vandalism has long since put paid to the boathouse and apart from a brief reintroduction in recent years the gentle pleasure of boating has probably gone for ever, defeated by Health and Safety regulations as well as wanton destruction and loutish behaviour. |
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Recently a multi-million pound program of refurbishment of the whole park was announced and hopefully the many features and statues will be restored, including the drinking fountain above. The statue of Peter Pan, one of four in the world was the first beneficiary and after restoration was resited next to the Palm House within the surrounding perimeter fence. This was necessary as some of the damage that I remember was small animals being removed by hacksaw from the bronze statue.
See the Peter Pan Liverpool website for details of the conservation and pictures of the damage. |
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Despite having this wonderful asset it has been sadly neglected over the years with buildings in a dilapidated state (where they have survived the attacks of arsonists).
The bowling greens and lawn tennis courts have been totally destroyed. The aviary which over the years became more and more fortified was finally closed when half inch steel bars failed to keep out the determined thieves. The cafe in the middle of the park is closed as constant break-ins made it unprofitable.
The reintroduction of park wardens is needed desperately if the park is to regain it's status as a viable attraction. |
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