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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Elle May Rice & Annie Williams

23 hidden treasures in Merseyside you didn't know existed

Alongside the tourist attractions we all know about Merseyside boasts countless hidden treasures many won't know exist.

The region is full of special places and we have created a list of just some of our favourites.

While you may have visited some of these, other are yet to be discovered by the city's own residents.

READ MORE: Why military plane and security convoy were spotted at Liverpool John Lennon Airport today

We've taken a look at 23 of the places you may not even know exist in Liverpool, Wirral and beyond to give you a head start on your check list.

1. Queen Avenue

Queens Avenue in Liverpool city centre (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

It's easy to overlook Queen Avenue, as the quiet little side street is based off the bustling Castle Street.

In between Rudy's pizzeria and Tune Hotel, the avenue is lined with Grade II-listed buildings that now house shops.

Previously, Queen Avenue was home to insurance companies and financial businesses back when the area got its name as the "business district".

But now it features hidden gems such as Queens Wine Bar and Bistro, Dot Art, R and H Fine Wines and Abditory.

2. The smallest house in the UK

England's smallest house located in Wavertree. (Liverpool Echo)

The house, which sits sandwiched between a bookies and The Cock and Bottle pub in Wavertree, was built around the year 1850.

And legend has it that eight children were once raised in the tiny house.

Other tales speak of a different owner who once had to go upstairs sideways due to his "large build".

The last occupants of the property moved out in 1925 and after years of campaigning, the house was restored to its former glory in the nineties when a new frontage was fitted.

Since 1952 the house has become an integral part of the pub it sits beside, acting largely as a space for storage.

3. Sefton Shipwrecks

At Formby Beach, over 300 ships were claimed by the sea since the Middle Ages.

Most are hidden beneath the sands, but at low water, the remains of 10 or more resurface.

4. Mackenzie's Pyramid

St Andrew's Church and pyramid tomb of William Mackenzie on Rodney street. (Liverpool Echo)

Not quite hidden but rather an unknown, peculiar sight, Mackenzie's Pyramid lies among the gravestones at St Andrew's Place on

Rodney Street

.

The tall granite pyramid marks the resting place of James Mackenzie, a millionaire who made his fortune by excavating the Edge Lane to Lime Street tunnel and building railways across Europe.

However, he also made his money as a successful gambler.

5. Reynolds Park


Reynolds Park is a beautiful unspoilt, quiet, park that can be found nestled in the suburbs.

The Woolton park is popular with dog walkers and those who like to relax and take in the beauty.

The 14-acre park also includes a walled garden and plenty of benches where you can sit and watch the day go by.

6. William Brown Street Fossils

Prehistoric Liverpool and fossils on Williams Brown Street near St Georges Hall (Colin Lane)

There are fossils hidden around St George's Hall.

Discovered in 2001, experts believe that the remains of the creatures encrusted in rocks were brought in from all over the UK and Norway.

One is a shrimp-like creature which is burrowed in a sandstone block, the other is a fossilised tree root on William Brown Street which is estimated to be 280 million years old.

7. Jenny's Bar

You really have to know where to look to find this gem.

Jenny's Bar used to be a seafood restaurant and is the sister bar to another speakeasy Berry and Rye.

Through a velvet curtain on Fenwick Street, customers will find a cool bar that serves tasty cocktails.

8. Flavio's

Flavio's Italian in Huyton is based inside a former petrol station (Liverpool Echo)

Italian restaurant Flavio's can be found on Tarbock Road in Huyton, but don't be surprised if you miss it the first time around.

The small restaurant is actually based inside a former petrol station and serves delicious pasta dishes - but it's only big enough to seat around 40 people so you'll want to book in advance to secure a spot.

9. Bluebell Woods

On Higher Lane in L9 is a bluebell wood in-between Aintree Hospital and Altcourse Prison.

It is best to catch it in spring when a carpet of blue is spread across the ancient woodland - some of it at least 1,000 years-old.

10. Hidden spring at St James' Gardens

Chalybeate Spring in St James' Gardens next to the Anglican cathedral - Liverpool's only running spring. (Liverpool Echo)

Hidden inside St James' Gardens is Liverpool's only natural spring.

Mystery has surrounded the natural spring - known as the Chalybeate, for over 200 years.

For years there have been rumours about where the water comes from, ansd some even claim the water is haunted.

11. Vale Park Fairy Village

Vale Park is home to its own Fairy Village (Vale House Community Centre)

Vale Park in Wirral is home to Fairy Village, an enchanting family garden that is perfect for taking your little ones exploring.

The driftwood forest is situated near the couple’s lodge at the far end of the park, and was created when they decided to repurpose some driftwood left over from the Black Pearl to create a fairy glen.

Since then, the glen has grown into a huge fairy village that attracts visitors from across Merseyside every day.

12. Red Rocks

Just a short walk from Hoylake shore is a place known as Red Rocks.

The striking rust coloured sand dunes and shallow bay makes it the perfect setting to watch the sun go down.

There’s also rock pools that support a small population of natterjack toads, so it’s perfect for the kids to have a paddle and explore.

As well as the stunning setting itself, it also overlooks the picturesque Hilbre Islands.

13. The Egg Café

The Egg Café is hidden in plain sight on Newington in Liverpool city centre and is perfect if you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian treat.

Whether you're after a good breakfast, cheese on toast, pancakes, milkshake - whatever you fancy - they will have a vegan version of it.

Fill up on sweet potato and pesto lasagne or why not try pulled jackfruit wraps, you can enjoy a wide and varied menu.

14. Sefton Park Fairy Glen

Sefton Park is a place many Scousers will have visited over the years but as the park is so big that some of the most stunning features of the park can get overlooked.

The Fairy Glen features cascading waterfalls and can be found to the east of the park, not far from the Palm House.

15. Ness Botanic Gardens

Ness Botanic Gardens is only a half hour drive from Liverpool's city centre (Instagram : @ness_gardens)

Ness Gardens is in the Wirral and has fantastic views across the River Dee to North Wales.

The Rock Garden has been reinvigorated and the Water Gardens and Mediterranean Banks have been developed.

It has show gardens, a Victorian-style potager garden and a cafe.

The site is on Neston Road, in Little Neston.

16. 'Britain's smallest pub'

The Lakeside Inn - 'Britain's Smallest Pub' (The Lakeside Inn)

Lakeside Inn in Southport was crowned Britain's Smallest Pub in 1989 and remains one of the country's tiniest pubs to date.

The pub, on Southport’s Marine Lake Promenade, is hugely popular - but customers might have to wait their turn to actually get inside.

The red-tiled, dollhouse-esque pub is decorated with nautical memorabilia, with pastel accents and an array of flowers hanging from the doorway.

The tiny pub serves a range of cask ales, from local and national brewers and peckish customers can grab a pork pie.

17. Speke Garston Coastal Reserve

You can pick up the Garston Coastal Reserve Trail from Speke Hall's Home Farm courtyard (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Thanks to Liverpool's extensive coastline, there are plenty of hidden scenic riverside walks, including this one along the Speke Garston Coastal Reserve.

This picturesque beauty spot is a nature area with a waterfront trail, and can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Brimming with wild flowers and bracken, the site is a haven for wildlife including gold finches, swallows and different species of butterfly.

To reach it, head down Banks Road, by 24/7 Fitness Gy, This then leads onto Blackburne Street and down to a mini roundabout.

18. The pub on its own island

The Ferry Tavern sits on the Tran Pennine Trail, and offers views across the Mersey from its very own island - it even throws it's very own festival each year. (Runcorn Weekly News)

Not far from Liverpool there is a charming pub called The Ferry Tavern, which sits on its own island between the Mersey and the Sankey.

At this time of year it’s a cosy retreat, with a roaring fire. Then come the summer you can enjoy the picturesque views of the river from its large beer garden.

The Ferry sits on the Trans Pennine Trail, making it a popular stop off for walkers, cyclists and even horse riders.

And if the location isn’t enough to impress you, the food and drink certainly will. The pub is regularly featured in CAMRA’s Beer Guide, stocks more than 25 gins, 100 whiskies and hosts its own real ale festivals.

19. Ten Streets Market

Ten Streets Market on Cotton Street. Photo by Colin Lane (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Tucked away inside an industrial warehouse on Cotton Street, Ten Streets Market is the perfect retreat from high street shopping.

In the market, you can find plants, jewellery, hand made masks, vintage clothing and a mix of retro and up-cycled, one of a kind pieces of furniture.

20. Acorn Farm

Spring Animals at Acorn Venture Farm, Depot Road (Photo by James Maloney)


Acorn Farm is a great haven for anyone who loves an authentic countryside experience close to home.

You can stroke and feed farm animals including pigs, sheep, cows, goats, horses and chickens, or if you want something a little cuter, get close to lambs, goat kids, piglets and chicks.

If petting the animals isn’t enough, you can pop on a helmet and take a horse ride. There are also two outdoor play areas, a farm shop, woodland walk and cafe with a great menu.

21. Floating Grace

Exploring Liverpool’s docks on foot is impressive, but exploring the docks on a boat is much more special.

The Floating Grace treats visitors to a three course meal while sailing around the docks.

While tucking into their lamb shank, salmon or beef roast, guests will be taken on a water tour including the sights of the Albert Dock plus the eight other docks, such as Wapping Dock, Queens Dock and Brunswick Dock.

22. 69A

69A on Renshaw Street (Liverpool Echo/James Maloney)

Since it opened its doors more than 30 years ago, owner Trevor Doswell and his team have been selling unique pieces from all over the world at 69A.

The vintage antique shop has been in many different buildings since it opened in 1976 but has always remained on Renshaw Street.

23. Hale Lighthouse

Hale Lighthouse on the banks of the River Mersey (Liverpool Echo)

This scenic spot is definitely worth discovering.

If you head into Hale, past the church, you'll find yourself at the start of a track down to the lighthouse and the rocky beach where you can enjoy the peace and quiet.

You’ll also be able to see the planes flying overhead as they prepare to land at John Lennon Airport.

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