Gaia at Birkenhead Park - FAQs

Where will Gaia be located and what time can I come and view it?

Gaia will be located at the Grand Entrance at Birkenhead Park, and will be open during the following times:

  • Tuesday 28 May - 1pm to 10pm
  • Wednesday 29 May - 10am to 10pm
  • Thursday 30 May - 10am to 10pm

From 4pm on Thursday 30 May, you will not be able to get under the Gaia installation.

There is an exciting programme of activities happening around Gaia, for more information on this, head here: Gaia at Birkenhead Park.

Why is the event being held in Birkenhead Park?

Birkenhead Park is one of our most treasured outdoor spaces and the perfect backdrop for this incredible installation. It is widely considered as the world's first public park and the inspiration for New York's Central Park, and is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Where is the best place to view Gaia?

The best place to view Gaia is from within Birkenhead Park.  Please use the park entrance near the Visitor Centre (opposite Arthur Street) and follow the signage.

How do I get there using public transport?

Birkenhead Park train station on Duke Street is a 5-10 minute walk from the park itself.  The station is on Merseyrail’s Wirral Line is equipped with a wheelchair accessible elevator.

Trains travelling from West Kirby and New Brighton to Birkenhead Hamilton Square (and vice versa) all stop at Birkenhead Park station.

Visit Birkenhead Park Merseyrail for train schedules and ticket fares.

There are many bus routes on the Wirral that stop at Birkenhead Park:

  • Route 216 – Woodside Circular
  • Route 407 – Liverpool to West Kirby
  • Route 418 – New Ferry to Birkenhead
  • Route 437 – Liverpool to Birkenhead
  • Route 410 – New Brighton to Clatterbridge Hospital
  • Route 658 – Saughall Massie Road / Kingfisher Way to Wallasey Village / Village Way

Visit Merseytravel to plan your journey.

Is there any parking in or around the park?

We’d recommend considering public transport for your visit.

There is currently no vehicular access to Birkenhead Park, and our vehicle gates remain closed to all vehicles with exception of emergency services, maintenance vehicles, and deliveries.

There is limited on street parking around Birkenhead Park.  For Satellite Navigation systems use the postcode CH41 8AU to locate Birkenhead Park.  We encourage all visitors to park safely and responsibly.

Birkenhead North station has a large, free car park with regular services to Birkenhead Park which is 2 minutes by train, then less than a 10 minute walk to the park.

What are the specific access arrangements?

As the People’s Garden, Birkenhead Park has always been open and accessible to all, regardless of background, culture, or physical ability. All entrances, pathways, and facilities – including the café, toilets, and play area – are fully accessible and wheelchair friendly.

If you have specific needs, you may want to read Birkenhead Park's access statement to help you in advance of your visit.

Will the weather affect our visit?

Gaia is susceptible to high winds so we would advise checking our website and Wirral Council socials on the day of your visit: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook

What can I expect from the visit?

Each day Gaia is on display will see a different themed event take place.

  • Tuesday 28 May – Dance Around the Globe
  • Wednesday 29 May – Love Your Earth Day
  • Thursday 30 May – Wirral Sings

Activities in the programme include yoga session, tai chi and tea dancing under Gaia, an environmental marketplace with walkabout entertainment and family workshops and a dramatic evening fire-lit concert featuring local singer-songwriters, a performance by Flat Pack Opera and a special guest, and that’s not the half of it! You might even spot a pedal powered train carrying 6 Victorian horses, a giant tortoise and a talking flower. You can find a full details programme and timings here: Gaia at Birkenhead Park.

The programme has been produced by outdoor arts experts, Walk the Plank.

We would encourage you to bring along a blanket, chairs, a picnic and refreshments, especially for the evening concert on Thursday 30 May.

Are all the activities free?

All activities are free to watch and enjoy. You do not need a ticket to come and see Gaia or take part in any activities, apart from the yoga sessions on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 May. You can reserve your free space using the following links - please remember to bring your own mat:

Are there any restrictions around bringing dogs?

We would not advise bringing pets to the evening concert on Thursday 30 May.

Are there any toilet facilities?

Yes, there will be toilets available in the Visitor Centre during opening hours and porta loos close to Gaia.

Where do I find more information on Luke Jerram’s Gaia and about Walk the Plank?

Find out more about artist Luke Jerram, Gaia and his other work here, and follow him on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Discover more about producers of the programme, Walk the Plank on their website, and follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

How do I find out more about the Wirral Borough of Culture Programme?

You can find out more about Wirral becoming Borough of Culture 2024 and what we have programmed throughout 2024 here: Wirral Borough of Culture 2024. Also, follow the Wirral Council on social media to keep up to date with our ongoing activities: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.