Ness Botanic Gardens

The superb gardens at Ness are situated on the Wirral Peninsular overlooking the Dee Estuary were founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley, a Liverpool cotton merchant with a passion for gardens and for plant collecting. Gardens were donated to the University of Liverpool in 1948 by Lois Bulley, the daughter of the founder.

Ness Botanic Gardens, which covers some 64 acres, houses a living collection of 15,000 plants many of which were early introductions from China, the Himalayas, Tibet and Burma. Some of the significant specimens are Pieris forrestii, which was collected for bulley by George Forrest and Primula bulleyana, named after his sponsor. The Gardens have been nationally recognised by the National Council for the Conservation of Plants & Gardens for the national collection of sorbus Mountain Ash trees with over 60 of the 80 worldwide species on display.

Ness boasts international repute with seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees, in particular Rhododendrons Azaleas, enchanting Laburnum arch and spectacular herbaceous border.

Ness was awarded Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2008 for both Merseyside and Cheshire and a coveted Gold Award for a display garden at the RHS Tatton Flower Show 2008.

Opening times;
Feb to Oct, 9.30am - 5.00pm
Nov to Jan, 9.30am - 4.30pm