Royden Park Wirral, all you need to know

Royden Park is our go-to for a walk in the woods; we particularly love visiting in Spring and Autumn as the seasons change.

I have many lovely memories of visiting Royden Park as a child, running through the woods with my cousins, searching for fairies in the walled garden, and jumping aboard the miniature railway. It still has that same magic today and is always my number one choice for a woodland walk in Wirral. Spanning over 200 acres, this park is ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to spend much-needed time outdoors. Here’s everything I have learned about Royden Park (so far) to help you plan a visit.

A brief history of Royden Park

In the 1820s, the park’s current location was covered in heath and woodland. By the 1860s, a house known as Hillbark had been constructed on the estate, and the area had been landscaped and planted. During the 1870s, a coach house and walled garden were added.

In 1928, Ernest Royden acquired the estate and relocated his house (brick by brick), Hillbark, to the site after demolishing the earlier residence. The estate, which included Hillbark, Thurstaston Common, and Royden Park, was sold to Hoylake Urban District Council following Royden’s passing in 1960.

Royden Park and Thurstaston Common were then made available for public recreation. Hillbark is currently a privately owned hotel, spa and wedding venue. After local government reorganisation in 1974, Wirral Council took over the management of the park and common.

Today, the park features a visitor centre, walled garden, miniature railway, woodland walks, and a large lake called Roodee Mere. The old coach house for Hilbark is now a cafe and resource centre.

Royden Park, Hill Bark Rd, Frankby, Wirral CH48 1NP

The walled garden at Royden Park

The walled garden, constructed in 1870 as the kitchen garden for Hillbark House, showcases fine Victorian architecture and serves as a valuable community resource. The Wirral Model Engineering Society has added a beautiful laburnum arch.

Within the walls, you can find a herb garden, a bog garden, a flower garden, and a traditional cottage garden that was initially used to grow plants for medicinal purposes.

The walled garden, located to the right of the Courtyard Cafe, is free to walk around. Pop in when the gate is open and enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Miniature Railways at Royden Park

Wirral Model Engineers Society runs two miniature railways at the park. One is on ground level, the other is raised. Established in 1961, the society has continuously improved the railway tracks and facilities.

The first railway features a combined 2½, 3½, and 5½ inch gauge raised track for detailed scale models of full-size steam locomotives, which was extended to 1,200 feet in 1980. The second railway is a 7¼ inch gauge ridable miniature railway pulled by a traction locomotive, and its track was extended to 2,267 feet in 2004.

They only ask for donations so it’s a lovely way to spend time in the park and support the society. They regularly update their Facebook page with running times, so you can check that before visiting to avoid disappointment!

Cafés near to Royden Park

Next to the car park, you will find The Courtyard Cafe, 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 various 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 the location of 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, which is formed by quarrying and the natural weathering of the area.

Although the mysteries surrounding the rock remain, it is a known fact that Vikings settled on the Wirral during the 9th century. Many local place names have been derived from 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 of £1 per hour for the car park or £5 for all 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. Please note that 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 various events and activities throughout the year.

Can you fish at Royden Park?

Roodee is open to the Association of Wirral Angling Clubs licence holders 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.