Botanic Gardens — Attraction in Sefton

Whilst the gardens were nice, the same cannot be said for the cafe. From the cafe itself, the service and the food/drink, all awful! It was my first visit and will also be my last. The cafe was very old fashioned and outdated. In the middle was a huge table with kids toys such as water pistols etc and lots of sweets, which you’d likely find at a funfair or on the pier. There was a small selection of cold drinks in the fridge I opted for what once was a panda pop, the small bottles of pop for kids, thinking they would be no more than 60p each, I also ordered an americano and nearly fainted when I was told the price, £8.50!!!!! I questioned how much the small bottles of pop were and was told £2.50 each! I thought no way? And questioned it, she just nodded, but another member of staff behind her said they weren’t and went to get someone from the back, I assume management? She came out, huffed and puffed, slammed £2 into my hand without saying a word and went back into the back. The lady serving me said nothing and I had no apology..

My friend ordered a mocha, which took more than 4 attempts to make due to the machine ‘playing up’ and not working since the morning.. we was told to go and find a seat and they would be brought over. We sat outside and when the drinks were served, my friend’s mocha was nothing more than hot milk, there was clearly no coffee or chocolate in there. At this point it seemed pointless complaining as the coffee would have been the same and we had already waited a while. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If you’re visiting the gardens, make sure to...

Churchtown's Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit, especially the fernery and around the lake. The nearby village is nice but very busy with traffic.

I would say it's nice in the context of a park, however sadly I feel that Sefton Council really have let the gardens deteriorate, and the old cafe and museum have became derelict. The area outside the fernery which used to have a small fountain and a variety of flowers has all been filled in with stone and the remaining soil has weeds growing in it.

I am grateful that the volunteers have been keeping the Aviary going (currently closed due to an outbreak of avian influenza) and the flowers near the entrance.

The paint on the historic bridges have started to flake off and rust is quickly spreading along them. It's a shame to see they haven't been treated well especially given their historic value.

Similar can be said for the benches that used to overlook the lake, untreated and uncared for it seems.

The new Café is a bit tacky and out of place in my opinion. The staff are friendly but the eat-in area is filled with kids toys and waterpistols and beach balls on sale, a bit odd considering food and alcohol is sold in there with tables and chairs next to it all. It seems a cross between a beach shop and a cafe, not exactly something you'd expect in a Botanical Garden.

Still worth a visit, however compared to about 15 years ago, the gardens are only an echo of their former glory, needing major investment from...

Was a lovely sunny day in the Easter holidays and I decided to meet my sister and family for an afternoon out . The gardens are beautifully maintained and so pretty .Various plants and shrubs .Daffodils and other plants for sale also.at the time . The lake had a pair of swans and bountiful ducks and wildlife . There were birds of all types in cages in one area and all very well looked after . The children loved the playground with numerous swings ,slides,climbing apparatus. Crazy golf also. Three are two café s ,one is licensed and functions are held there at weekends . Too many flavours of ice cream to choose from .Coffee delicious and and also snacks . Staff very friendly . Parking can be at the Hesketh Arms car park or at the other end of the Botanical gardens .Parking is free and as far as I know ,no limit to the time you can stay . There are brass bands held in the summer and chairs can be hired to watch and relax . A very pleasant and relaxing place to visit.

One more thing the café s are dog friendly and leave bowls of water outside for the dogs. I personally recommend a visit. You won't be...