Birkenhead Park included on UNESCO UK Industrial Heritage Trail
Birkenhead Park has proudly joined UNESCO’s UK Industrial Heritage Trail that connects places that helped shape the modern world.
In total, 22 UNESCO designations have been selected to celebrate the United Kingdom’s globally significant international industrial heritage to form a trail for enthusiasts to explore.
Birkenhead Park is on the UK’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status after being placed on the UK Government’s short list of applications in 2023. It was chosen as the first site from the list to be put forward for the title and a decision could be made as early as summer 2027.
Birkenhead Park is not only a source of pride for Wirral but a place of global significance that helped shape how cities across the world think about public space.
Joining UNESCO’s UK Industrial Heritage Trail is a fantastic recognition of that legacy, strengthens Birkenhead Park’s position as a leading heritage destination, while connecting us with other places that share our story of innovation, industry and community.
As we continue our bid towards World Heritage status, this milestone will help us protect and enhance the park for future generations. We’re committed to working with residents, visitors and partners to ensure Birkenhead Park continues to thrive as a place of history, wellbeing and inspiration.
Birkenhead Park’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status was recently boosted by the award of £177,700 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Wirral Council has earmarked a further £50,000 to support this work, bringing the total project value to £227,700.
The funding will be spent on work to produce a long-term development plan for the park that will be put together following comprehensive engagement with and input from sector specialists, stakeholders and – most importantly – visitors and the local community.
Designed by Joseph Paxton and officially opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was a pioneering urban municipal park. It was the first park in Britain to be purpose-built for the entire population and became known as the ‘People’s Garden’.
Created during the Industrial Revolution, it offered a healthier, greener environment for people living in rapidly growing towns, regardless of their social or economic background.
Its innovative design has had a lasting global impact, famously influencing the creation of New York’s Central Park, as well as Sefton Park in Liverpool.
To view all the UNESCO UK Industrial Heritage Trail sites on an interactive map, click here.
Discover more
Residents and visitors can learn more about the park’s rich history, hidden stories and heritage of the park by joining a guided walk led by ranger Hannah Shakeshaft. They take place on:
- Saturday 27 June, 10am–12pm
- Sunday 26 July, 10am–12pm
- Sunday 19 September, 1pm–3pm
The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities. Booking is essential. To reserve a place, email birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 652 5197.
