Birkenhead, Merseyside

Flower Delivery to Birkenhead with Clare Florist

Located within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England, Birkenhead is best known as a centre for shipbuilding, as well as a seaport and its related industries. The town is located on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, and opposite the city of Liverpool.

HISTORY

The name Birkenhead is most likely derived from bircen, an Old English word that means birch tree. Many birch trees used to grow on the headland.

Birkenhead maintained its agricultural status as it was shielded from the Industrial Revolution due to the River Mersey.

In 1829, shipbuilding started in town and William Laird established an iron works in 1824. Several notable vessels were built in Birkenhead, and these include the HMS Achilles, CSS Alabama, HMS Birkenhead, Resurgam (the pioneer submarine) and the HMS Prince of Wales.

The establishment of the Mersey Railway Tunnel in 1886 and the Queensway Road Tunnel in 1934 allowed to town more access to Liverpool. As a result, development grew and it furthered the status of the town as an industrial centre.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Birkenhead Park – the first public park in the world and designed by Joseph Paxton. The park features two lakes, many listed buildings, a cafe and a visitor's centre. The lower park also features a children's playground. American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead commented on the lovely gardening of the park with its variety of shrubs and Birkenhead flowers.

Birkenhead Market – features more than 300 indoor and outdoor stalls, including two fishmongers that are nationally acclaimed. The market lies at the centre of town with a major bus station situated just outside.

Birkenhead Priory & St Marys Tower – the priory is the oldest standing building in Merseyside. It was founded in 1150 by Benedictine monks who looked after travellers for close to 400 years. The monks also supervised the first regulated “Ferry 'cross the Mersey.”

Grange & Pyramids Shopping Centre – a retail destination located in an indoor centre, as well as in pedestrian outdoor streets. The centre has more than 130 high street shops, banks and dining establishments. Whether coming here for a romantic meal or a family dinner, there surely are lots of options for you to enjoy. Of course, when doing the former, don't forget to send flowers to Birkenhead to surprise your date.

Williamson Art Gallery – located at the centre of Birkenhead and features one of the best art collections found in the North West of England. The gallery features different types of paintings, particularly British watercolours and works by local artists.

LANDMARKS

Hamilton Square – a town square surrounded by Georgian terraces; it ranks second to Trafalgar Square in number of Grade I listed buildings found in one place.

Birkenhead Town Hall – location of the register office in town.

Queensway Tunnel Main Entrance

Woodside Ferry Terminal

RECREATIONAL SPACES

Other than Birkenhead Park, there are other places to find flowers in Birkenhead or do other recreational activities, and these include:

Mersey Park

Victoria Park

Arrowe Park – a large area of parkland located on the western edge of town; features Arrowe Hall, a Grade II listed mansion done in the Elizabethan style; houses the Arrowe Park Golf Club that features a clubhouse and 18-hole course.

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