THE 50 BEST: PARK LIFE - THE FIFTY BEST PUBLIC GARDENS IN BRITAIN It's what Sunday afternoons were made for. When the weather's fine, Britain's public parks burst into life with colourful and exotic flora, paths and ponds, teashops, playgrounds and wildlife. There are as many in cities as there are out of town, so enjoy the groomed outdoors wherever you live, says Anna Pavord, The Independent's own gardens expert.

From: The Independent (London, England) | Date: June 24, 2000| Author: | Copyright information

1 BIRKENHEAD PARK, WIRRAL

Birkenhead Park in Wirral was the first park in the world to be built by public subscription. Designed by Joseph Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, it opened to great acclaim in 1847. With its massive rockwork, lakes and islands, boathouse and Swiss rustic bridge, it spawned an imitator in New York's Central Park. It hosts a programme of special events during the year (call for details). Light refreshments available, picnics allowed. Access for wheelchairs. Dogs permitted on leads.

Where: Birkenhead, Wirral (0151-652 5197); one mile from the centre of ...

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