Liverpool is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for good places to walk your dog. Although it’s a bustling urban area, it’s full of leafy green parks, cafes and restaurants that allow dogs, and friendly locals who will make a fuss of your pet.
With many dog parks in Liverpool being accessible and easy to find, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you ramble through the city. If you dog needs a run around and some time to release some energy, there’s nothing better than finding a quiet grassy spot where they can stretch their legs (and you can take a moment to relax too!).
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite dog parks and dog walks in Liverpool, so that you can find the best spot for your pet when you next visit this welcoming metropolitan city.
1. Sefton Park
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Address & Map: Mossley Hill Dr, Liverpool L17 1AJ, United Kingdom
Sefton Park is one of the best known parks in Liverpool – loved for its spacious green area and location just on the edge of the city that makes it convenient for locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking to take a long walk with your dog, this 200-acre park will not disappoint, but it’s equally as perfect for a quick drop in too, with lots of open space to keep your dog entertained.
It’s ideal if you’ve been traipsing around the city and need to show your dog some greenery to keep them calm and centered – after all it’s not always easy for dogs to spend a full day in an urban environment. And being only a stone’s throw away from central, Sefton Park allows you to dip in and out of the city with ease. You could keep coming back to this park and visit a new spot every time, which is perhaps why it’s such a local favourite and is always loved by dogs who get to pick up new scents and meet new pals to play with. Plus, there’s a boating lake and cafe for humans too, so there’s something for everyone.
2. Calderstones Park
Address & Map: Calderstones Rd, Liverpool L18 3JD, United Kingdom
This is one of the most popular family parks in Liverpool and offers 126 acres of lush, green space. Your dog will love playing in the leaves and adventuring between natural foliage that collects in the park all year round. In terms of urban parks, this is one of the most natural looking of them all, which is always lovely for a dog who needs some nature to break up a busy day exploring the city.
Interestingly, this park feels very natural because it is! It’s been around forever and has stood the test of time. It’s home to ancient megaliths that are said to be older than Stonehenge and features the ‘Law Oak’ which is said to be the location where the hundred court met over 1000 years ago.
If you like your plants, Harthill Botanical Garden is located in the park where plants are featured from all over the world. It makes this place a great day out for both humans and dogs, and the ideal place for a wander and a picnic. There’s a cafe and a mansion house to make your way around too – so it’s a great place for a long dog walk to explore everything the park has to offer.
3. Everton Brow
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Address & Map: Heyworth St, Liverpool L5 3PU, United Kingdom
Everton Brow is perhaps less well known compared to some of the other dog-friendly parks in Liverpool, however it’s well worth the visit for the stunning views of the city skyline. This park is ideal for a morning or evening dog walk to watch the sun rise and fall with your pooch.
It’s not a huge open area at just 375m long, and is located in a suburban part of the city, however it will definitely give your dog enough space to run off the lead and enjoy the fresh air. It’s very popular with the locals, and the trails are often used for running groups and local dog walkers, so it’s great if you want a slice of real Liverpool life.
Try to go up on a clear day if possible, so that you can enjoy the views that stretch for miles over the city and beyond. It really is a stunning location to grab a few insta-worthy snaps of you and your dog, with views of the welsh hills peeking through in the background on a clear day.
4. Walton Hall Park
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Address & Map: Walton Hall Park, Walton Hall Ave, Liverpool L4 9XP, United Kingdom
Walton Hall Park is by no means a major tourist attraction, but it’s 130 acres of beautiful gardens and green space that will be a welcome treat for your dog. It’s a 10 minute drive outside the city centre, so it’s ideal for those looking for a stop off point before or after a busy day exploring Liverpool..
This park is full of history too, having been opened in 1934 by King George V when he visited Liverpool to open the Queensway Tunnel. Although that’s when it was officially opened to the public, the park dates back to 1199, when Henry de Walton claimed ownership of it as the steward of the West Derby and you can find interesting facts about it’s heritage scattered on boards around the park.
The park is picturesque with a variety of flowers and numerous large fields that are ideal for letting your dog roam, run and play off the lead. There are also two lakes that often attract those dogs who love to take a splash and on a hot day it can be a great way for them to cool down.
5. Carr Mill Dam
Address & Map: Saint Helens WA11 7NA, United Kingdom
Carr Mill Dam is a short drive outside of the city centre, but is a great park if you’re looking for a unique fishing lake to enjoy with your dog. With its numerous tracks and trails, this is a great location for dogs who love to get stuck in and explore. Be warned, this location can get very muddy so be sure to take a towel in the car to wipe off muddy paws and fur! Once you’ve enjoyed a walk around Carr Mill Dam, stop off for a waterside pub drink, which is a welcome treat on a hot summer’s day after a long dog walk. There are also lots of quiet picnic spaces that are ideal when you want to stop for lunch and give your dog some water and a treat. Well worth the visit for the times when you need to find some peace and tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a lakeside walk with your pup.
6. Pickering Pasture
This popular local favourite is loved by dogs who come to visit Liverpool. The many paths and trails lead to the waterfront, which makes it wheelchair and pushchair friendly too. With sand banks and rare varieties of birds, this nature reserve is the perfect spot for those who like to get away from the city and step into a natural landscape.
As far as dog-friendly parks in Liverpool go, Pickering Pasture is one of the best. It has acres of stunning wild flower meadows that make for a peaceful place to be enjoyed with your best furry mate. Your dog will love the open space, and with more than enough poo bins scattered around you’ll never have to worry about being caught off guard.
There can be a strong breeze off the water so remember to wrap up warm if you’re visiting Pickering Pasture in winter. And if you have a dog who feels the cold, you may want to think about packing a waterproof coat to keep them warm and dry too!
Address and map: Mersey View Rd, Widnes WA8 8LP, United Kingdom
7. Otterspool Promenade
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Address & Map: Otterspool Rd, Liverpool L17 5AN, United Kingdom
Sitting right on the river, Otterspool Promenade is one of the most popular dog walks in Liverpool offering beautiful views of the river Mersey and the wirral. The walk from pier head to the promenade is a full 4 miles, making it ideal for high-energy dogs who need a long walk to stretch their legs. Equally though, if you have a smaller dog who only needs a light walk it’s great for popping by and tackling part of the walk too.
The promenade joins on to three green areas of parkland, which make it a great place to let your dog off the lead and allow them to socialise with the many other dogs that roam there.
The former private parkland estates of Cressington Park, Fulwood Park and Grassendale Park are full of history, having been converted in 1950 from a disposal site for household waste to a public park. After numerous renovations the park has become a central hub for enjoying green, urban space and features a skate park, children’s playground and adorable sculptures too. It’s every inch the urban park and offers a great place to walk your dog in Liverpool.
Are you planning a trip to Liverpool but have a dog who’s a bit more of a homebody than a social butterfly? You can find plenty of local dog sitters in Liverpool on Rover.com who will look after your dog for the times when you need to get out and about without your pooch.
Plus, we know that the list of dog-friendly parks in Liverpool goes on, so if you know some great ones that we haven’t featured, why not share your snaps of your favourite dog parks in Liverpool with us over at @rover.com.uk?
