Highlights
- The Victorian glasshouse built by Mackenzie and Moncur
- Plants that give us food, spices, fibres and medicines, arranged by continent
- Statues of botanists, scientists and explorers around the outside
- Sefton Park's lake and landscaped grounds by Edouard André
About Sefton Park Palm House
Sefton Park was designed by the French landscape architect Edouard André with Liverpool architect Lewis Hornblower after a public competition, and was opened in 1872. Historic England registers it at Grade I, citing it as the first park in England to show French influence. The Palm House followed in 1896, paid for by a £10,000 gift from local benefactor Henry Yates Thompson and built by the Scottish glasshouse firm Mackenzie and Moncur.
The building was reglazed in the 1950s after bomb damage but fell into poor repair and closed in the 1980s. A public campaign from 1992, a charitable trust set up in 1996 and a £3.5 million Heritage Lottery grant led to a full restoration and reopening in 2001. It is a Grade II* listed building, owned by Liverpool City Council and run by the trust.
What to see
- The glasshouse itself, a temperate winter garden with some original plants that survived its years of neglect.
- The botanical collection, showing plants used for food, spices, clothing and medicine, arranged by continent.
- Statues of famous botanists, scientists, designers and explorers outside, and Highland Mary inside.
- Sefton Park, with its lake, where fishing with a permit and pedalos are available.
Planning your visit
The Palm House is in Sefton Park in south Liverpool; use L17 1AL for sat navs. There is a café inside, which closes an hour before the building. Because the Palm House is often booked for weddings and celebrations, it is usually closed to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays, and some other dates, so check the website before travelling.
The surrounding park is free and open for walks around the lake and grounds. An accessibility guide is available on the Palm House website.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sefton Park Palm House free?
Yes, the Palm House and its grounds are free to enter during opening times. Donations to the charity that runs it are welcome.
When is Sefton Park Palm House open?
It is usually open Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 5pm and Thursday 10am to 3pm, and closes on Fridays and Saturdays for private events. Extra closures are listed on its website, so check before you go.
Where should I park for the Palm House?
The Palm House is in Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 1AP; it recommends using L17 1AL for sat navs.