Guest Blog by Mary Mulholland Southport U3A
On Tuesday 7th July 2026 OutandAbout members had two guided walks of Hesketh Park, a wonderful historic green space in Southport.
Our guide, Adrian Fletcher Co-Chair of Hesketh Park Heritage Group, has lived nearby for many years and entertained us with stories from his childhood playing in the park through to his current involvement with the Heritage Group.
Each walk started at Albert Road entrance by the Fountain with its snake sculpture, from where we could appreciate the lake and surrounding vista.
The land for the park was donated to Southport Commissioners by the Reverend Charles Hesketh with the requirement to build a wall, four entrances, a road and sewers to connect to the town`s sewer system. This provided the infrastructure of the housing now surrounding the park.
The renowned Victorian landscaper, Edward Kemp, designed the 30 acre park at a cost of £12,000. It was opened in 1859.
The lake is formed by a natural wet dune slack and actually lies 12 feet below sea level.
The islands in the lake provide shelter for wildlife with access ramps for the ducks!
The waterfall is operational depending on the level of the lake.
During the Second World War the two Crimean Cannon, and boundary railings, were removed as part of the war effort.
The area is being replanted through donations from a member of the public.
Looking across the lake is the Conservatory erected in 1878. Over time it has undergone several renovations.
This year a specialist survey revealed significant structural problems.
The Marks family legacy is financing the current restoration work due for completion this year. Sefton Council is seeking an interested party to take over the day to day operation with the aim of it being open on a regular basis.
We walked through several of the `lost` gardens now brought back to life as a result of the Marks family legacy, and the dedication of Green Sefton gardeners and volunteer groups operating in the park. These include the Rose Garden, the Sensory Garden previously the Blind garden, the floral clock and the Rockery.
At the Grade 2 listed Fernley Observatory we learnt about the 2004 refurbishment of the dome, and the later theft of the copper from the roof. A modern fibreglass replacement roof means the dome is fully restored and operational, and open to the public on the second Sunday every month.
Fittingly we ended our walk at the Queens Road entrance where Southport U3A Just One Thing Hesketh Park Garden group has made a significant difference. Adrian Fletcher was presented with a cheque for £250 raised by our members.
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