Port Sunlight

This leisurely stroll around the central part of the extraordinary Port Sunlight garden village is only a little over 1 mile (2 km) in length, but should be treated as a basis for wandering off and observing the architecture and the delightful setting. It is all on sealed surfaces and any old shoes will do, within reason. There are plenty of opportunities for refreshment: the Bridge Inn, a pleasant café opposite the station and a bistro in the Lady Lever Gallery.

Start at Port Sunlight station [1] and head down Park Road to the right of the café [2] opposite. There are lovely houses on the left, the Lyceum [4] is ahead and the Dell [3] is on the right.

Turn left at the Lyceum and then right to go around the green. Turn right onto Bolton Road, where Hulme Hall [5] is opposite.

At the Bridge Inn [6], turn left onto Church Drive and you come immediately to Christ Church [7]. Take a circuit of the church via the semi-circular King Edward Drive and then turn right when you get back onto Church Drive.

Just past the school [8] on the right you come to a large green and you will see the Lady Lever Gallery [9] over to the left. Head towards the gallery along Windy Bank. Opposite the gallery is the Sunlight Vision Museum and a souvenir shop. After visiting the gallery take a quick detour around ther corner to look at the Leverhulme Memorial [10]. Head down the Diamond [12], noting the fountain [11].

Half-way down the Diamond, at the intersection with the Causeway, is the imposing War Memorial [13]. Keep on along the Diamond until you reach a little raised walled garden with an archway [14]. This is a pleasant place to sit and take in the vista back the way you have just come. Return to Bolton Road and turn right. Go down to Greendale Road and turn left to arrive back at the station.