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Bluebells carpet the woodland at Speke Hall, Merseyside, and a path winds between the trees
A winding path through the bluebells in the woodland west of Speke Hall | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Liverpool & Lancashire

Speke Hall hidden paths trail

While on this walk, keep an eye out for the birds, butterflies and beetles that make their home in these secluded spaces and discover how the landscape has changed over the centuries.

Total steps: 13

Total steps: 13

Start point

Home Farm Courtyard, grid ref: SJ421826

Step 1

Start your walk in the courtyard with the buildings behind you, facing out across the maze and the River Mersey. Take the path to the right around the bottom edge of the restaurant.

Step 2

Follow the path around the orchard. This was formerly the site of a large range of farm buildings, which were demolished in the 1880s when Adelaide Watt built the current Home Farm building. Go left at the end of the path.

Step 3

Walk down towards the small timber-framed stable block and take the path straight ahead into the formal gardens.

Step 4

This path takes you around the edge of the South Lawn, which we have recently restored to its Victorian glory. When you reach the monkey puzzle tree, go left across the grass and through the wooden gates into the Dell.

Step 5

Follow the path to the right through the woodland known as The Clough.

Step 6

The path takes you up the west side of the grounds, through more woodland. In the spring this area is carpeted in bluebells.

Step 7

Looping back around, you will now be walking down through the Stream Garden. This whole area was a pond until the mid 1800s and was then altered to create this more formal layout. Mind your head through the sandstone tunnel.

Step 8

You will come out on the North Lawn with Speke Hall on your right. Follow the diagonal path across the lawn to the metal gates.

Step 9

Go through the gates and to the left. This will bring you to a crossroads with the main drive straight ahead of you. Go straight ahead for a short distance and then take the marked path through the woodland on the right.

Step 10

You are now in Stockton's Wood. Follow the path straight ahead.

Step 11

Where the paths meet, turn right.

Step 12

This will bring you to the metal gates at the edge of the car park. Watch out for traffic and walk back over to the Home Farm building for a well-earned cup of tea.

Step 13

If it's spring or summer, why not take in the optional loop through the bee and butterfly wildflower meadow (shown by the red dashed line on the map)? You can find the start of the path just behind the Engine Shed.

End point

Home Farm Courtyard, grid ref: SJ421826

Trail map

Route map for Speke Hall Hidden Paths trail
Route map for Speke Hall Hidden Paths trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD

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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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