St James Mount and The Gardens, Liverpool
Historic gardens and tranquil green space beneath Liverpool Cathedral, blending quarry heritage, Victorian cemetery remnants, and a natural spring.
St James Mount and The Gardens in Liverpool is a historic urban park that blends serene green spaces with rich heritage. Originally a sandstone quarry and later a 19th-century cemetery, it now offers peaceful gardens beneath the towering Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Visitors can explore remnants of the cemetery, a natural chalybeate spring, and memorials to notable local figures, all within a Grade I listed historic park setting.
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 the chalybeate spring to experience the historic mineral water once famed for its health benefits.
- Explore the stone path lined with recycled gravestones that leads through a tunnel near the cathedral entrance.
- Take time to appreciate the Huskisson memorial and other historic monuments scattered throughout the gardens.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the sunken gardens, an oasis of calm in the heart of Liverpool.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, which towers above the gardens.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve stops within a 10-minute walk of St James Gardens, including routes 10, 17, and 86. Buses run frequently every 10-20 minutes, with single fares around £2.50. Note that services may be less frequent on Sundays.
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Train
Liverpool Lime Street Station is approximately 1.5 km from St James Gardens. From there, a 20-minute walk through the city center or a short taxi ride costing around £5 can bring you to the gardens. Lime Street is well connected to regional and national rail services.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Liverpool city center, the gardens are accessible on foot within 10-15 minutes from major landmarks such as Liverpool ONE shopping center. The terrain is mostly flat but includes some steps near the entrances.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can drop you directly at the garden entrances. Typical fares from central Liverpool locations range from £5 to £8 depending on traffic and time of day.
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
From Quarry to Cathedral Grounds
St James Mount, also known historically as Quarry Hill or Mount Zion, began as a sandstone quarry active since the 16th century. By the late 18th century, the quarry was a defining feature of Liverpool’s landscape, supplying stone for the city's grand architecture. In 1773, quarry workers discovered a chalybeate spring here, a mineral-rich water source famed for its purported health benefits. This spring remains a unique natural feature within the gardens today.The Evolution into a Victorian Cemetery
In 1825, the exhausted quarry site was transformed into St James’ Cemetery, designed by architect John Foster Jr and landscaper John Shepherd. Inspired by Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery, it was Liverpool’s first public cemetery, consecrated in 1829. The cemetery featured imposing stone walls, iron railings, catacombs carved into the rock face, and multiple grand entrances. It became the resting place for over 50,000 people, including notable local figures such as William Huskisson, the first railway fatality, and Kitty Wilkinson, a pioneer of public health.Transition to a Public Garden
By 1936, the cemetery was full and subsequently closed. Over the following decades, the site was cleared of most gravestones and landscaped into a public garden, officially opening as St James’ Gardens in 1972. The park preserves elements of its layered history, including a stone path lined with recycled gravestones descending through a tunnel between the Oratory and the cathedral entrance, the Huskisson memorial, and the broad ramps lined with catacombs.A Peaceful Urban Oasis
Today, St James Gardens offers a tranquil retreat amid Liverpool’s bustling city center, nestled beside the magnificent Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The gardens’ sunken design and mature greenery create a secluded atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy quiet contemplation beside the chalybeate spring, whose iron-rich waters once attracted medical interest for their restorative properties. The gardens are Grade I listed, recognizing their historic and architectural significance.Architectural and Natural Highlights
The monumental arch and Garden Lodge at the southern entrance, crafted from the same stone as the cemetery walls, add architectural interest. The gardens’ layout preserves the historic quarry’s contours and the cemetery’s original features. The natural spring, still flowing, adds a sensory element with its cool, refreshing water. The park’s proximity to the cathedral enhances its spiritual and cultural resonance.Legacy and Cultural Significance
St James Mount and Gardens encapsulate Liverpool’s evolution from industrial hub to modern city, reflecting layers of social history, architecture, and natural heritage. The site’s combination of quarry, cemetery, and garden makes it a unique urban landmark. It stands as a testament to the city’s respect for its past and commitment to preserving green spaces for public enjoyment.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
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
