Ness Botanic Gardens

The award-winning superb gardens at Ness are situated on the Wirral Peninsula 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. The gardens were donated to The University of Liverpool in 1948 by Lois Bulley, the daughter of the founder.

Ness Botanic Gardens, winner of the 'Sustainable Tourism Award' at the 2017 Wirral Tourism Awards & at the 2014 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, 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. It has also received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence'

Ness has a long standing background of academic research culminating in a RHS Gold Medal award winning garden ‘Ness Botanische’ - created by garden designer and TV presenter Chris Beardshaw. The design draws upon many years of academic research work at Ness and replicates the structure of a stem under an electron microscope.

Ness is open all year round with seasonal flowers, shrubs and trees, in particular Rhododendrons, Azaleas, a beautiful rock garden, enchanting Laburnum arch and spectacular herbaceous border. Ness events include guided tours and outdoor concerts, making it a must visit attraction throughout the year. Don't miss the Garden Kitchen Cafe for a light bite, meal or sweet treat.

Ness offer the concessionary rate to disabled visitors, have accessible routes through the gardens and have wheelchairs for hire. Read their access statement.

Ness Gardens is also licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships, and offers a superb venue for a conference to suit your needs.