St James Mount and The Gardens, Liverpool
A historic and tranquil urban garden beneath Liverpool Cathedral, blending natural beauty with rich heritage and serene pathways.
St James Mount and The Gardens is a historic and tranquil urban park in Liverpool, located beneath the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Originally a sandstone quarry and later a cemetery from 1829 to 1936, the site has been transformed into a Grade I listed garden featuring remnants of its past, including catacombs, memorials, and a natural chalybeate spring. The gardens offer peaceful pathways, vibrant floral displays, and striking views of the cathedral, making it a serene oasis rich in history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to St James Mount And The Gardens
- Cathedral Gate, Upper Duke St, Hope St, Upper Parliament St, St James Rd, Liverpool, L1 7AZ, GB
- +441512332008
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 am
- Tuesday 10 am-8 am
- Wednesday 10 am-8 am
- Thursday 10 am-8 am
- Friday 10 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in spring to enjoy the gardens in full bloom with vibrant floral displays.
- Don’t miss the view of Liverpool Cathedral from the gardens, a perfect photo opportunity.
- Explore the chalybeate spring and learn about its historical and folkloric significance.
- Check opening hours before visiting, as the gardens close earlier on some weekdays.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and nearby Georgian Quarter.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Bus
Numerous bus routes serve stops near St James Mount and The Gardens, including those on Upper Duke Street and Hope Street. Travel times from Liverpool city center range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the route. Buses run frequently during the day, but check schedules for evening services. No ticket required for short city journeys if using contactless payment or travel cards.
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Walking
From Liverpool city center, the gardens are approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk. The route is mostly flat but includes some steps near the cathedral. The path is accessible for most visitors but may be challenging for those with mobility impairments due to occasional uneven surfaces.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services provide a convenient way to reach the gardens from anywhere in Liverpool. Typical journey times from central locations are 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £5 to £15. Availability is good throughout the day and evening.
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Car
Driving to St James Mount and The Gardens is possible but parking is limited nearby. Public car parks in the city center are within a 10-minute walk. Expect to pay around £3–£6 for parking depending on duration. Traffic congestion can occur during peak hours.
St James Mount And The Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St James Mount And The Gardens
A Landscape Shaped by History and Nature
St James Mount and The Gardens occupies a unique place in Liverpool's heritage, originally established as the city's first public park in 1771 on what was then known as Quarry Hill or Mount Zion. The site began as a sandstone quarry dating back to the 16th century, with quarrying ceasing in 1825. The exhausted quarry was repurposed as a cemetery in 1829, designed by architect John Foster and landscaper John Shepherd, featuring imposing stone walls, iron railings, and entrances framed by monumental archways. The cemetery rapidly became Liverpool’s principal burial ground, with over 50,000 interments by 1936 when it was closed and later converted into a public garden.Architectural and Memorial Features
Visitors to St James Mount and The Gardens can explore a landscape that retains many historical elements from its cemetery days. Broad ramps lined with catacombs carved into the sandstone rock face remain visible, alongside memorials such as the Huskisson Memorial, dedicated to William Huskisson, the first rail fatality. A stone path lined with recycled grave stones descends through a tunnel near the garden entrance, connecting the park to the Anglican Cathedral. The eastern wall of the former cemetery is a striking feature, towering at 52 feet high and stretching 1,100 feet long, a testament to the site's layered past.The Chalybeate Spring: A Natural Wonder
One of the garden’s most intriguing features is the chalybeate spring discovered by quarry workers in 1773. Rich in iron, the spring was once celebrated as the “Liverpool spa” for its purported health benefits, believed to aid those recovering from illness. Though it fell into neglect and became overgrown, the spring has since been restored and remains a point of interest, accompanied by a plaque commemorating its history. Local folklore adds a mysterious aura to the spring, with stories of the water turning black when boiled, attributed to the iron content and ghostly legends.A Serene Urban Oasis
Today, St James Mount and The Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from Liverpool’s bustling city life. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with seasonal floral displays and manicured lawns, inviting visitors to stroll leisurely or relax on benches scattered throughout. The park’s sunken design, below street level, creates a secluded atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding historic architecture, including the nearby Anglican Cathedral. Informative plaques provide insights into the site's rich history, making it a place of both reflection and discovery.Connection to Liverpool’s Cultural Fabric
The gardens are integrally linked to Liverpool’s cultural and historical identity. The site not only preserves the memory of notable citizens buried here but also stands as a symbol of the city’s evolution from industrial quarry to sacred cemetery to public green space. Its Grade I listing by Historic England underscores its significance. Visitors often combine their visit with the adjacent cathedral or explore nearby Georgian Quarter streets, enriching their understanding of Liverpool’s architectural and social heritage.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
St James Mount and The Gardens is accessible year-round, with opening hours typically from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and varying on weekends. The park’s tranquil ambience, combined with its historical depth and natural beauty, makes it ideal for quiet contemplation, photography, and cultural exploration. The presence of benches, information boards, and proximity to other attractions enhances the visitor experience, offering a blend of relaxation and education in the heart of Liverpool.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Huskisson Memorial
0.0 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
Chinese Arch
0.4 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.5 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.6 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
Red Brick Market Liverpool
0.6 km
Discover the eclectic charm of Red Brick Market in Liverpool, a hub for local crafts, delicious street food, and vibrant community events.
The Bluecoat
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at The Bluecoat, Liverpool's oldest art center, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
'The Great Escape' statue
1.1 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
1.1 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
10 Admiral Grove
1.1 km
Explore Admiral Grove in Liverpool: A hidden architectural treasure showcasing Victorian elegance amidst serene greenery.
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
1.2 km
Explore the fascinating underground world of the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre in Liverpool, a unique historical museum that reveals the city's rich past.
Coopers Building
1.2 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
1.2 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery
1.2 km
Discover breathtaking views of Liverpool from St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery, an iconic landmark blending history, culture, and stunning panoramas.
Salthouse Dock Liverpool - UK
1.2 km
Explore Salthouse Dock, Liverpool's historic waterfront, where maritime heritage meets vibrant culture and stunning views.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
1.2 km
A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
0.1 km
Explore Britain’s largest cathedral, a monumental Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking interiors and panoramic city views atop its iconic central tower.
Liverpool Cathedral
0.1 km
Britain’s largest cathedral, a red sandstone giant with soaring vaults, stained glass and panoramic city views from its tower.
St James Memorial Cemetery
0.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic St James Memorial Cemetery—a serene Victorian park born from a quarry, blending rich heritage with tranquil urban green space.
The Oratory
0.2 km
A solemn Greek Revival chapel in Liverpool, The Oratory stands as a timeless tribute to Victorian funerary art and architecture.
Georgian Quarter
0.3 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant culture in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, a charming neighborhood of classic architecture and creative spirit.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
0.3 km
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
"A Case History" by John King
0.3 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Blackburne House
0.3 km
Historic Georgian landmark in Liverpool, pioneering girls’ education and women’s empowerment since 1844.
Ye Cracke
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.
Unity Theatre
0.4 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
China Town - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s Chinese community with authentic cuisine, iconic architecture, and lively cultural celebrations on Nelson Street.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
0.5 km
Experience world-class music and stunning Art Deco elegance at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
Quirky Quarter
0.5 km
Dive into Liverpool’s playful world of illusions, puzzles, and quirky exhibits at Quirky Quarter, where creativity and fun collide.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
0.5 km
Historic Grade I-listed pub on Hope Street offering classic British dishes, exquisite Victorian-Baroque interiors, and a warm Liverpool welcome.
Evolution of Man Mural by Paul Curtis
0.5 km
A vibrant street art mural in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle depicting humanity’s journey from primates to modern learners, celebrating growth and education.
Essential places to dine
The Quarter
0.4 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The London Carriage Works
0.4 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.4 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
The Art School Restaurant
0.5 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.5 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Restaurants Liverpool
0.5 km
Authentic Italian cuisine meets Liverpool’s creative Baltic Triangle in a stylish, welcoming setting perfect for casual daytime dining.
Manifest Restaurant
0.6 km
Creative modern British cuisine in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle, featuring an open kitchen and bold, seasonal dishes in an intimate setting.
Roski Restaurant
0.6 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Camp and Furnace
0.6 km
Industrial charm meets vibrant nightlife at Camp and Furnace, Liverpool’s premier restaurant, bar, and live events venue.
La Finca Eivissa
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Maray Bold Street
0.7 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
The Italian Club
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Alma De Cuba
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.7 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
FATBACK
0.7 km
Savor gourmet burgers crafted with fresh ingredients in Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront setting at FATBACK.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
0.1 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
Gift Insanity
0.5 km
Discover Liverpool’s most delightful gift shop, where quirky and unique treasures await every occasion on St James Street.
Unique Fashion Boutique
0.5 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Ingraved Alternative Gift Store
0.5 km
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and art in Liverpool’s vibrant Red Brick Market at Ingraved Alternative Gift Store.
The Liverpool Crystal Shop
0.5 km
Discover shimmering crystals and healing gems in Liverpool's edgy Red Brick Market, where Baltic Triangle creativity meets earth's ancient energies.
The Hippy Hole
0.7 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
69A
0.7 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
Shared Earth
0.7 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.7 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Beat That
0.8 km
Unearth retro gems at Beat That, Liverpool's quirky vintage haven on Concert Street, blending punk edge with timeless thrift treasures in the Ropewalks buzz.
Albert Dock Mini Market (previously named Hajaj General Super Store)
0.9 km
Discover local flavors and convenience at Albert Dock Mini Market, the heart of Liverpool’s grocery shopping, offering a vibrant selection for every traveler.
Resurrection
0.9 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
COW Liverpool
0.9 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Bleu Prints
1.0 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Utility
1.1 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Berry and Rye
0.5 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
Red Door
0.5 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
The Oracle
0.5 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.5 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Botanical Garden
0.6 km
A plant‑filled, seasonal outdoor bar in the Baltic Triangle specialising in gin, street food and relaxed live music under festoon lights.
The Tank Room
0.6 km
Liverpool's ruin bar in a fermentation tank: tank-fresh beers, live music, cocktails, and industrial quirk in Cains Brewery Village.
Arts Bar Baltic
0.6 km
A studio‑style café by day and intimate music-and-art bar by night in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Hobo Kiosk
0.6 km
Liverpool's tiniest, quirkiest pub: vintage chaos, craft pours, and community vibes in the Baltic Triangle's creative heart.
Bar Bodega
0.6 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.6 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
The Duck and Swagger
0.6 km
Cozy Baltic Triangle pub serving hearty scouse, all-day brekkies, and local ales in multi-roomed splendor—Liverpool's welcoming hidden gem.
The Pen Factory
0.6 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
Yard
0.7 km
Container bar buzz in Liverpool's creative Baltic Triangle – craft drinks, street art vibes, and industrial cool await.
The Font
0.7 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
MOLOKO
0.7 km
A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.5 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Cool It
0.6 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Heebie Jeebies
0.6 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
Pure Nightlounge
0.6 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
EBGBS
0.7 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
BrooklynMixer
0.7 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.7 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Supper Club at Blundell Street
0.8 km
Liverpool's ultimate supper club: fuel up on hearty meals, then dance the night away to drag shows, tributes, and non-stop hits near Echo Arena.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.8 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Aura
0.8 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Modo, Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
1.0 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
1.0 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
Playground Liverpool
1.2 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
