Exploring the garden and estate at Speke Hall

Two people walking along a wide gravel path in a park, wearing winter coats and hats. There are bare trees and green grass on either side, with a red-brick building in the background. — Enjoy a festive visit to Speke Hall, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

The garden at Speke Hall is filled with colour and history, and there are plenty of spots to relax and feel close to nature on the estate. There's always something new to discover as you explore one of the best places to go for a walk in Merseyside and the North West.

Winter highlights in the garden

The North Lawn

The North Lawn is the ideal spot for striking views of the front of the hall, especially on frosty mornings. Explore the paths around the old moat, surrounded by evergreen topiary that has been shaped to perfection by the garden team.

If you're feeling adventurous, head down the path along the west side of the house to spot a Metasequoia glyptstroboides – a rare tree with distinctive bark, once thought to be extinct.

The South Lawn

Walk in the footsteps of Speke Hall's 19th-century residents as you stroll around the South Lawn, taking advantage of the new path through the trees. In January, you can see thousands of snowdrops here, followed by crocuses. Elsewhere, tall topiary lines the paths and giant monkey puzzle trees tower over the manicured lawns.

In the corner of the South Lawn, the Rose Garden is mostly in its winter slumber however it isn’t unusual to spot a handful of blooms at this time of year.

The Kitchen Garden

Step into the Kitchen Garden to see an impressive garden that has been transformed over the past decade from a large empty space. The team of hard-working volunteers who look after the Kitchen Garden put it bed over the winter, but you might spot a few of them in late winter getting it ready for planting. Make sure to come back in summer to see it at its best and pick up some produce to take home.

The Secret Garden

This hidden oasis in the north-west corner of Speke Hall's grounds is a magical place, especially in January when snowdrops come to life. It is accessible via an enticing narrow tunnel at one end and a winding path at the other. The gentle stream running through it makes the Secret Garden a haven for some of Speke's wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for birds in particular.

One of the highlights here is a rare Wollemi pine or 'dinosaur tree'. Previously thought to be extinct, this species was in the news in late 2019 when the small area where the tree originates in Australia was threatened by devastating bushfires.

The Secret Garden was restored in 2017 thanks to generous donations from the Alan Evans Memorial Trust, Crosby National Trust Association, Oldham and District National Trust Association and the Chester and District National Trust Association.

The Clough woodland

For a relaxing woodland walk, go to the corner of the South Lawn to enter the Clough. Look out for Speke's bustling birdlife as you go around and notice the Bund towering over you, sheltering you from the sea breeze coming in off the Mersey and helping to create the micro-climate that makes Speke's gardens special.

The Bund

Head towards the river from Home Farm and you'll find the Bund path, which you can climb up to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the River Mersey and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Through the bare trees in winter, you can enjoy a special elevated view of the Hall. Take a seat on one of the benches to enjoy a picnic, watch overwintering birds and spot planes flying over your head.

Two people walking down a narrow path framed by dense shrubs and trees, with autumn leaves visible ahead and water in the distance. — Explore the estate at Speke Hall, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Explore the wider estate

Stockton's Wood

Venture into Stockton's Wood to discover a semi-ancient woodland filled with wildlife and secrets. Did you know this woodland was used by the American military during World War II to hide aircraft from German spy planes? You can enter the woodland from the car park and along the main drive.

Meadows

Stride out onto acres of hay meadows, accessible from the main drive. The meadows are carefully managed by the rangers and are important habitats that support a wide variety of birds, insects and mammals.

The Speke and Garston Coastal Reserve

For more adventurous types, the Coastal Reserve path takes you onto the Speke Garston Coastal Reserve, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest filled with wildlife and aviation history. Walk along the old airport runway or go down to the shoreline of the Mersey and watch the varied birdlife.

Thank you

Your support helps Speke Hall's garden to grow. Every time you visit and every penny you spend while you're here gives Speke Hall’s staff and volunteers the support they need to care for this special place.