Ness Botanic Gardens is located on the Wirral Peninsula. Originally created by Arthur Kilpin Bulley. One of the greatest sponsors of plant collectors in the twentieth century, over 100 years ago. With far-reaching views over to Wales and a plethora of plants, paths and seating options throughout the garden, there is something for everyone.

History of Ness Botanic Gardens

Arthur Bulley first bought Farmland in Ness after outgrowing his home in West Kirby with the vision to open it in part to the public. The stunning 64 acres were donated to The University Of Liverpool in 1948 by his daughter Lois after Arthur passed away. Today Ness Botanic gardens are maintained and developed by the University with a rich emphasis on research, conservation and education. Keeping it open to the public, which is in keeping with Arthur Bulley's socialist principles.

Explore the Gardens

Ness Botanic Gardens has several areas to explore each featuring a wide array of beautiful plants, buildings and other intriguing artefacts.

Large beds organised into plant families are right at the entrance leading to stunning views over the Dee and pathways through to the rest of the gardens. There are also some modern buildings featuring a glass balcony that provides space to look out over the lush gardens from a higher vantage point.

One of our favourite areas was the Kitchen Garden which was entered through several archways and a long flagstone path. The beds were filled with flowers and vegetables such as courgettes, beetroots and stunning open globe artichokes. Inside the greenhouse was an array of different alpines and just outside the kitchen garden were the old potting sheds, now used as an education centre.

Another favourite was the Rock Garden with a thatched gazebo housing a traditional patio circle and quaint table and chairs. This space is foten used for weddings and its not hard to see why. A multitude of bullnose steps lead to the gravelled paths with perfectly placed benches and a large pond filled with big fish soaking up the summer sun.

The Mediterranean Gardens featured terracotta-coloured steps and sandy soil with a stunning display of Mediterranean plants on either side. There were surprises in the wildflower meadows too with research into aquatic life during heatwaves, a weather station, solar field, standing stones and a tipi to find and explore.

How to Find Ness Botanic Gardens

Ness Botanic Gardens, University of Liverpool, Neston Road, Ness, Cheshire, CH64 4AY


Tel: +44 (0)151 795 6300

Email: nessgdns@liverpool.ac.uk

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Plant Gallery

A collection of photographs showcasing just some of the varieties of plants at Ness Botanic Gardens.