This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with additional needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services we offer all our visitors.
Introduction
Opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was the very first publicly funded public park not only in Britain, but in the world. It was designed by the renowned British landscaper – Sir Joseph Paxton, and provided the inspiration for public parks worldwide, with arguably the most iconic park in the world – Central Park New York – taking its inspiration from Birkenhead Park.
In 1986, Birkenhead Park was designated a Grade I listed landscape by English Heritage, along with several Grade II listings for iconic structures in and around the Park. In 2004, the Park underwent a restoration to return the landscape to its original grandeur. The Park is managed by the local authority, and contains dedicated teams which carry out gardening, grounds maintenance and provide Visitor Services.
All staff in Birkenhead Park takes their responsibilities for providing universal access provision and equal opportunities very seriously and adheres to the Equality Act accordingly. We work hard to provide the highest level of access to the whole site, but due to the historic nature of Birkenhead Park, there are some instances where this is not possible.
Pre-arrival
The park is accessible from all adjacent and intersecting roads, with a total of 18 pedestrian entrances. Vehicle access to the Carriage Drive is currently not permitted.
The nearest train station is Birkenhead Park station, approximately 250m from the nearest entrance, and 400m from the Visitor Centre. Train timetables for this station are available
There are numerous bus stops around the circumference of the park on Park Road North, Park Road South and Park Road West, each within 100m of an entrance to the park (see map). Details of bus routes in the area are available
The park consists primarily of flat land, with some steady inclines across the landscape, particularly around the South of the park. The paths and carriage drive around the park are surfaced with tarmac, with some specific sections near entrances surfaced with cobbles, all of which are suitable for wheelchair users.
There is a section of pavement alongside the carriage drive in the lower Park which covers from the entrance at the Corner of Park Road South/Park Road East to Ashville Road, past the Visitor Centre, and down to the Grand Entrance on Park Road North.