Royden Park is our go-to for a woodland walk, especially in spring and autumn when the seasons begin to change.
I’ve been coming here since I was a child, running through the woods with my cousins, searching for fairies in the walled garden, and hopping aboard the miniature railway. It still has that same magic today, which is why it’s always my number one choice for a walk in Wirral.
Spanning over 200 acres, Royden Park is perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone craving a bit of fresh air. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Quick tips before you visit Royden Park
- Arrive early on weekends
The car park fills up quickly, especially on sunny days and during school holidays. - Wear proper footwear in winter
Some paths get very muddy after rain, so wellies or sturdy walking boots will make your life much easier. - Check the miniature railway times in advance
It doesn’t run every day, so have a quick look at their Facebook page before you go to avoid disappointment. - Extend your walk to Thurstaston Hill
If you’ve got the time, it’s well worth adding on. You’ll get some of the best views over the Dee Estuary.
A brief history of Royden Park
Royden Park is located on Hill Bark Road in Frankby, Wirral (CH48 1NP). It wasn’t always the landscaped space you see today, though. Back in the 1820s, this area was mostly heath and woodland.
By the 1860s, Hillbark House had been built, and the grounds were beginning to take shape, with landscaped gardens and planting. A coach house and walled garden followed in the 1870s.
In 1928, Sir Ernest Royden famously relocated Hillbark brick by brick to its current position after demolishing the earlier house, a move that still feels remarkable today.
After his death in 1960, the estate, including Thurstaston Common, was sold to Hoylake Urban District Council and opened to the public.
Today, Royden Park is a much-loved green space, with woodland walks, a lake, a visitor centre, a miniature railway, and the beautifully preserved walled garden.
The walled garden at Royden Park
Built in the 1870s as the kitchen garden for Hillbark House, the walled garden is a lovely example of Victorian design and continues to play an important role in the park today. The Wirral Model Engineering Society has added a beautiful laburnum arch, which is especially worth seeing in late spring.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of spaces, including a herb garden, a bog garden, flower beds, and a traditional cottage garden once used for growing medicinal plants.
The garden sits just to the right of the Courtyard Café and is free to explore. If the gates are open, it’s well worth wandering through; it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the park. And like my grandad always told me, keep an eye out for fairies while you’re there.
Miniature Railways at Royden Park
One of the highlights of Royden Park is its miniature railway, run by the Wirral Model Engineering Society. There are two tracks here, one raised and one at ground level, both designed for detailed model trains and rideable engines.
It’s a lovely experience, especially for children, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable for adults too. The trains are beautifully maintained, adding a bit of charm and nostalgia to your visit.
Rides are donation-based, making it an easy and affordable way to support the society while enjoying something a little different.
They regularly update their Facebook page with running times, so you can check that before visiting to avoid disappointment!
Cafés near Royden Park
Next to the car park, you will find The Courtyard Café, an outdoor café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, ice cream, and more. We love visiting in the autumn and picking up a hot chocolate before a woodland walk.
For refreshments mid-walk, we love to visit Benty Farm Tearooms. Benty Farm is a small farmstead in an isolated location on Thurstaston Common. The tearoom has gained a loyal following among locals and regular visitors.
It is a popular spot for morning coffee, lunch gatherings among friends, family outings, walkers, and after-school treats. We love visiting all year for their pick-your-own events and mid-walk for a sweet treat.
The Hillbark Hotel and Spa
The Hillbark Hotel & Spa is a stunning Elizabethan-style mansion featuring uniquely designed bedrooms. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options and the luxurious Solaia Spa. Established in 1891, this historic 5-star hotel boasts a fascinating history and is celebrated as one of the area’s architectural gems. It is a beautiful venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations.
Easy Royden Park circular walk | 3.4 miles 5.4 km
- Woodland circular route.
- It takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
- This route is dog-friendly, with some roads and horse fields where dogs must be kept on a short lead.
Royden Park is an ideal starting point for walking routes. This walk is one of my favourite easy routes. It is mostly level ground, with paths, tracks, fields, and roads. The trail takes you from Royden Park to Montgomery Hill and Frankby Mere, then to Frankby Green and back to Royden Park.
You can follow the complete route directions here.
Extend your walk
You can climb Thurstaston Hill to view the Dee estuary. The hill is also home to Thor’s Stone, a large sandstone outcrop we loved climbing as children. West of Royden Park is Caldy Hill, a large area of heathland and woodland perfect for extending your walking.
Walk to Thor’s Rock / Thor’s Stone from Royden Park
Within the woodland of Thurstaston Common lies a sizeable red sandstone that has captured the intrigue of many generations, Thor’s Rock. You can easily walk to Thor’s Rock from Royden Park. My son enjoys every minute of this walk.
I’ve heard several colourful legends surrounding Thor’s Rock’s origins. Some believe Thor struck the rock with his hammer, while others suggest it was a place of Viking worship. However, this rock is a natural formation called a tor, formed by quarrying and natural weathering in the area.
Although the mysteries surrounding the rock remain, it is known that Vikings settled on the Wirral in the 9th century. Many local place names have Viking origins, such as Thurstaston, which means “village of a man called Thorsteinn” in Old Norse.
Thor’s Rock, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HH
Royden Park FAQ’s
Is there parking at Royden Park?
Yes, there is a charge per hour for the car park, or for the whole day. You can find further information here.
What are Royden Park’s opening hours?
Royden Park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, Royden Park is free to enter.
Is Royden Park dog-friendly?
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead around livestock and wildlife. This is a popular dog-walking area.
Are there picnic areas available?
Yes, there are picnic areas throughout the park.
Is the park accessible for those with limited mobility?
Yes, some pathways are accessible for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility. Find further information here.
Does Royden Park hold events?
Yes, Royden Park often hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
Can you fish at Royden Park?
Yes, Roodee is open to licence holders of the Association of Wirral Angling Clubs to fish.
I hope this article has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to explore Royden Park’s beauty. It’s a place we cherish and continually find joy in returning to. Please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts about Royden Park, or if you have any information to add. Thanks so much for reading.
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I think it’s a disgrace the Wirral Borough Council has allowed car parking charges to the public when they don’t have the right on land that was bequeathed to the common man, and many other locations on the Wirral absolutely distroying Birkenhaed market when they sit in fancy offices paid for by the people of the Wirral. Let’s see if this is published being so close to the truth.
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment! I agree parking prices and how public spaces are managed can stir up strong opinions, especially when it comes to financial choices that affect our community. It might be a good idea to contact the council directly. In this blog post, I’m sharing why we love to visit Royden Park as a family and what to expect if you visit (including current car park prices).
Thanks,
Shayle
Hi shayle
This is a lovely article about Royden Park. It captures the history, fun and quality of the the area. I visit the park frequently and never get bored. The people I meet are friendly and it is well maintained. I hope others will read this and visit. It’s a shame David only focused on the one negative (although I feel it’s worth the car park cost) aspect of your post. Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the article about Royden Park. I agree, and hopefully, more readers will take the time to visit and experience everything the park has to offer. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Shayle, that the beauty of living on The Wirral, we have stunning parks. Roydon Park has been a family fav since I was a child. Its a peacfull place and the kids love playing hide and seek in the woods. Thanks for the article it is a lovely reflection on its history
Hi Julia, I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. We really are fortunate to have such beautiful parks and spaces!