From post-industrial cities to riverside towns, the North East and North West are shaped by landscapes that often surprise those willing to wander off the main paths. Beyond headline attractions lie sunken gardens, restored festival grounds and pockets of woodland where history and nature quietly coexist. Many of these spaces have been rescued or reimagined through community effort, transforming former quarries, derelict sites and overlooked corners into places of calm and connection. Whether tucked behind busy roads or set within larger parks, these hidden gems invite slower exploration – places to notice seasonal planting, watch wildlife or simply pause. Together, they reveal a greener side to northern urban life.
Sunken Ornamental Garden, Queens Park
Now restored to its former glory, this tranquil sunken garden just inside Queens Park features floral beds, winding sandy paths, stone urns and a Princess Diana memorial plaque. A 22-acre Victorian park nestled in the heart of Bolton, Queens Park retains many of its historical features, including the stone statues lining the Promenade, the war memorial, the ‘Pie Crust’ and Dobson Bridge. Thanks to recent funding, the park has undergone significant restoration and renovation, and offers something to everyone from dog walkers and nature lovers to history enthusiasts, with historical re-enactments taking place every Sunday.
Tucked away on the site of the 1984 International Garden Festival grounds, the Festival Gardens feature restored Japanese pagodas, lakes, landscaped areas, waterfalls and native plantings. A former household ‘tip’, the Festival Gardens attracted some 3.4 million visitors during the 1984 festival. When the festival was over, a large part of the gardens was redeveloped to form residential housing. Sadly, the remaining gardens were left derelict and fell into disrepair in 1997. But redevelopment work in 2010 transformed the gardens back into a beautiful space. Look out for the restored Moon Wall.
A local nature reserve located on the site of a Victorian whinstone quarry, this tranquil woodland, which features a central pond within a secluded hollow, is a haven framed by mature trees. Part of Preston Park, the River Tees flows on one side. Covered in a shroud of trees, little sunlight reaches the area in winter, and birds, deer and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the area. The main park features an adventure play area and skate park to keep kids and thrill-seekers happy.
Situated in south Liverpool’s Allerton district, Clarke’s Gardens surround Allerton Hall, a Grade II listed building donated to the city by the Clarke family in 1927. The gardens are peaceful and full of plants and wildlife; the park has been describe an oasis in the city. It features an unusual sight, an octagonal pillbox, one of many created inland ready for a World War II invasion.The park, near Springwood Cemetery, hosted Liverpool’s free compost distribution and now plays host to the 5 mile Clarke Gardens race, organised by Penny Lane Striders.
Shakespearean Garden, Platt Fields Park
The Shakespearean Garden concept began in Victorian England, featuring plants from the Bard’s works. The Shakespearean Garden in Platt Fields Park opened in 1922 and, after years of neglect, was revived by dedicated volunteers four years ago, preserving its unique literary and historical heritage. Laid out in traditional Elizabethan style, it plays host to various birds and animals and is believed to be one of only two public Shakespearean Gardens left in the UK. Located just off the busy Wilmslow Road corridor, it’s been described as a “real life secret garden.” Volunteering sessions take place every Thursday at 10am-1pm.
Hetton Lyons Country Park offers a peaceful escape just a few miles from Sunderland city centre. Explore 178 acres of lake, woodland and scenic trails, perfect for walking and wildlife spotting. Look out for herons, swans and more as you unwind in this tranquil, well-kept natural retreat. The park features four marked orienteering courses. Look out for the natural wildflowers, introduced to the park by the Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park through their planting programme.
