Top Rated Parks to Visit in Preston on the Hill

"Calderstones Park is a family park sprawling in a 94-acre wide area. A fusion of woodland, lake and fields, this is certainly one of the best places that the whole family can enjoy for different scenery and activities like hiking, strolling and running. Part of this park is a wonderful Japanese garden and old English gardens that would definitely provide you with both the eastern and western vibe."

"Calderstones Park is a stunning 94 acre family park in South Liverpool and is home to a woodland, a lake, fields, beautiful Japanese & old English gardens and even a one thousand year old oak tree!. There is also a cafe for relaxing with a cup of coffee. View this post on Instagram"

"This family park set in 126 acres of land has a playground and botanical garden. The Japanese gardens and lake are lovely to walk around. It has beautiful woodland to create family games or large grassy areas for sports."

"Fletcher Moss Park is located in Didsbury and is a great place to go if you really appreciate nature. The pathways take you through some lovely scenery, making it an ideal place to take a long, relaxing walk. There’s also a café on-site for when you’re feeling a bit peckish, and you could get a little picnic going with your household/bubble."

"Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, Birkenhead Park is acknowledged as the first publicly funded park in the world having first opened in 1847 and influened the design of New York's Central Park. Alongside the beautiful architecture and lush green spaces there is an adventure playground, tennis courts, bowling greens and football pitches. A great place to head to on a trip over the water to the Wirral."

"If you are a fan of wide-open spaces and greenery, where you can explore woods, as well as amazing play areas the kids will thank you for, then heading to Birkenhead Park is a great option to consider. An excellent location that can blow off the cobwebs and enable you to spend some quality time together. Check out all the latest information, opening times and restrictions HERE"

"With plenty to do including a children’s play area, walled botanic garden and the Grade II listed Curator’s Lodge, everyone in the family is catered for at Wavertree Botanic Gardens. This 19th century park played a part in the early cultural life in Liverpool, before its botanic glasshouses were bombed in World War 2. The Gardens were first opened in 1836 and remain an important part of the city’s history today."

"New Bird Street oasis, Botanical Garden is a green space dedicated to the appreciation of Gin. Yes, we know it’s winter and this venue is currently closed, but how could we not include it in a guide to Gin?!. We are counting down the days until its return in spring 2020."

"A hidden gem in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, the Botanical Garden is a pretty little suntrap perfect for day drinking with friends. Laiden with flowers, bunting and boasting a bar fashioned from a real life VW camper van, the photo opportunities are endless…"

"This 121-acre park was opened in 1868 and part of a set of Victorian public parks in Liverpool including Sefton Park and Stanley Park (mentioned above!). If you have a permit, you could even try a spot of fishing in the lake, how cool is that!. There’s a sports hub area for skateboarders, BMX, and scooter riders, as well as a playground if you want to relive your childhood."

"You cannot have a list of the best parks in Manchester and not include Vimto Park. You may or may not know, but the beloved drink’s birthplace is this great city. Vimto Park is next to the University of Manchester and is home to a Vimto monument."

"Boasting one of the largest outdoor terrace areas in Manchester for outdoor drinking, The Shambles denotes the area bordered by historic medieval pubs The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar. The black and white timber pubs were famously moved here and rebuilt brick-by-brick in 1999 next to Manchester Cathedral as part of the redevelopment of the city centre. The pubs are historic landmarks beloved of tourists to the city and are particularly busy on match days."

"It’s the wildest day out in the north west, when you find animal families from all over the world, waiting to meet you at Knowsley Safari. From Antelopes to Buffalo and beautiful Big Cats, fasten your seatbelts as you set off on Knowsley Safari’s 5-mile Safari Drive. Meanwhile, the cheeky monkeys have been missing you over at Baboon Jungle, or get adventurous on The Foot Safari, with all sorts of species waiting to be discovered, and socially distanced picnic tables for hungry explorers."

"For any families that are animal lovers and want to experience seeing some of the most amazing creatures that walk the earth in a unique way, then Knowsley Safari Park is your answer. Driving around the park you will be up close to some of the most well-loved animals including giraffes and lions. You can also experience the park differently by heading out of your car and into the park on foot where you can enjoy the animals as well as some great attractions and things to do."

"Fun for all the family is this incredible Safari Park that’s home to over 700 world animals. Set over 550 acres, there are a number of ways to explore Knowsley Safari. The safari drive allows you to see animals in as close to natural conditions as possible."

"Liverpool is home to several photogenic cathedrals, but the Metropolitan Cathedral is probably one of the most unusual buildings in the whole of the UK. Reminiscent of an alien ship landed in the middle of a city, the inside is also verging on the surreal. Whether you photograph the exterior or interior you’re bound to get something to add to your portfolio."

"Opened in 1978, Liverpool’s monumental and magnificent cathedral is the largest in the UK and the eighth largest in the world – meaning it’s rightfully regarded as a national treasure. The cathedral boasts a number of record statistics – such as having the UK’s largest organ and the world’s widest and tallest gothic-style arches – and there are spectacular views of the city from its tower."

"One of two cathedrals in the city, Liverpool Cathedral was built in 1904 but has been altered and re-imagined many times since. The cathedral was originally designed by Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed Battersea Power Station in London, and England’s iconic red telephone box. Liverpool Cathedral is the longest in the world, with an external length of 189 metres."

"Liverpool’s architecture can be seen from another level from the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral tower, the largest cathedral in Britain, taking 74 years to construct from 1904. Look down from this intricate beauty and admire the elegant Georgian townhouses that are always in high demand for filming."

"The Castle Street restaurant in Liverpool’s business district area offers you a 40% discount off your food bill from Sunday-Thursday if you join their dining club and book online. So you can enjoy almost half price off your date night meal. Main meals include steak, salmon, pasta and risotto."

"This family run restaurant in Northenden serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Signature pho dishes are made from chicken and beef bones left to simmer for hours for rich, deep flavour, and the menu also includes Vietnamese curry with Jasmine rice and north Vietnamese style char-grilled marinated meats."