Eastham Village Preservation Association

Eastham’s Victorian Pleasure Gardens

Eastham Pleasure Gardens grew from the popularity of day trips from Liverpool, with visitors arriving by paddle steamer to enjoy fresh air, woodland walks, bluebell displays and the open fields of Eastham. What began as a simple rural escape gradually developed into one of the most remarkable leisure attractions on the Mersey.

Over time, the grounds were transformed with shaded walks, arbours and landscaped gardens. Attractions were added year by year, including early electric lighting, a large zoo, fairground rides and amusements, penny-in-the-slot machines, donkey rides, a Pierrot stage, a bandstand, a boating lake, a dancing green, and even a “Loop-the-Loop” railway experience. A hotel was built, and crowds were drawn by spectacular performances and events — including appearances by famous acts such as Blondin.

For many years, Eastham thrived. But as new attractions opened elsewhere and travel habits changed, visitor numbers declined. By 1929, the ferry service closed and the Pleasure Gardens gradually disappeared.

What remains today

Although much has been lost, important features still survive within the woods. These include the 1857 architect-designed ticket office, the tile-lined woodland paths, and the impressive remains of the Pleasure Gardens’ structures — including the high wall that once enclosed the boating lake, and the bear pit, one of only two known to survive in the country.

Our ambition

EVPA is committed to helping protect and preserve what remains of Eastham Pleasure Gardens. These surviving features are the “bones” of an extraordinary place — and powerful reminders of a time when Eastham was a nationally known destination for leisure and escape.

How you can help

We are working to protect what remains of Eastham Pleasure Gardens and to raise awareness of its remarkable history. If you can spare a little time, we would love your help with volunteering, research, events, or practical conservation tasks. Join our helpers list by clicking this button. This takes you to the contact page – just fill in the details and ‘send’.