Full estate walk at Speke Hall
Explore the full Speke Hall estate and take in the fine views of the Wirral, North Wales and even Liverpool’s city centre skyline. The trees are home to a fantastic variety of wildlife who call Speke Hall home.
Start:
Home Farm Courtyard, outside Reception, grid ref: SJ421824
1
Start your walk in the courtyard with the buildings behind you, facing out across the maze and the River Mersey. Take the path to the right around the bottom edge of the restaurant.
2
Follow the estate walk signs that mark the route to the Bund. This runs between the maze and play area and then turns right.
3
You're now walking along the Bund. This huge earth embankment was built in 1967 to lessen the noise and sight of nearby aircraft, when Liverpool airport moved to the east side of Speke Hall. Enjoy the stunning views out across the River Mersey to Wirral and the Welsh hills.
River Mersey
This section of the river is an estuary and can look very different depending on whether the tide is in or out. It's 3 miles wide at its widest point near Ellesmere Port, narrowing to 0.7 miles (1.1km) wide by the Albert Dock.
4
Look down to your right and you'll see the Clough. This area of ancient woodland is the oldest part of the estate, dating back to at least 1086, if not earlier. The area was clear felled during the English Civil War to provide wood for the defence of Liverpool.
5
When you have come to the bottom of the Bund path, turn right, following the signs to the North Lawn. This will bring you the front of Speke Hall. With your back the house, walk to the top of the lawn to admire the view.
Speke Hall
The Hall was built in stages during the 1500s and was finally completed in 1598. Although the moat is long gone, this stunning view has been greeting visitors ever since and the borders of the formal gardens are a riot of colour in spring and summer.
6
Take a right through the North Lawn gates. Now head to the Stable Tea Room or Home Farm restaurant for a well-earned cuppa!
End:
Home Farm Courtyard, grid ref: SJ421824
