Reynolds Park
116 Church Road, Woolton, L25 6DF
Reynolds Park, in the heart of Woolton’s conservation area in South Liverpool, is loved for its lawns, walled and topiary gardens, and is the perfect setting for picnics and walks.
The park also has woodland, meadows and a rare 19th century ha-ha, a sunken boundary designed to separate the formal gardens from the meadow areas without interrupting the views.
How to get here
Main access to the park is on Church Road. Other entrance points are from Woolton Hill Road and Woolton Park.
Activities
- Photography in the gardens
- Horticulture studies
- Picnic on the lawns
- Woodland trails
- Relaxing in the gardens
Parking
Church Road and Woolton Park Road.
What we love about Reynolds Park
Walled garden
The walled garden was originally constructed as a kitchen garden to serve the estate's mansion house. Maps dating from 1835 and 1840 show it, and the associated ha-ha, established in place.
As the estate changed hands and developed, the walled garden's role shifted away from food production. However, it is still central to the park's identity and offers a great place to showcase summer flowers.
Topiary garden
The only topiary garden of its kind in Liverpool built in early 20th century European, modernist design. The yew trees are clipped to form sculptural shapes and create a distinctive formal setting.
Woodland walks
Reynolds Park includes areas of informal woodland and footpaths that create shaded routes with views across the lawns. Small mammals use the woodland hedges for shelter and foraging.
Wildflower meadow
The wildflower meadow provides an important habitat for insects, birds and pollinators. Near the ha-ha, the meadow offers colourful displays in the warmer months and adds to the park's ecological value.
Biological research site
Since the quarry near the park closed in the late 1800s, it has been naturally colonised with a range of plants and flowers. It is closed to the public but can be opened for special biological research
About Reynolds Park
Donated to the city by James Reynolds in 1929, the estate grounds have since been carefully maintained as a public park. Unusually, the 14-acre site hasn't been eroded by land sales and is a key community asset.
Over the past 200 years, several mansions stood on the site adjacent to Church Road. The last mansion was destroyed by fire in 1975 and today homes for elderly residents sit on its footprint.
Join A Community for Naturalists — iNaturalist where you can record sightings, share observations, and learn more about the species you encounter in Reynolds Park.
Parks byelaws
So that everyone can enjoy our parks and open spaces we have policies and byelaws in place which cover:
- Protection of the ground, its wildlife and the public
- Horses, cycles and vehicles
- Play areas, games and sports
- Waterways
- Model aircraft
Byelaws are local laws made by the council, which means we can issue penalties and act to protect property and individuals.
What's On
Liverpool is a vibrant city with plenty of varied activities for all.
Culture Liverpool's listings tell you what's happening throughout the year.
The Friends of Reynolds Park
Friends groups actively contribute to the management and upkeep of their local parks, as well as arranging a number of activities.