Southport’s historic Hesketh Park Observatory is opening its doors to visitors this month as part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival across Sefton, 11 – 20 September 2026.
Located within the park grounds on Albert Road, the wooden observatory was first constructed in 1901. Inside, the building houses a six-inch aperture telescope built by manufacturer Thomas Cooke in 1869, which still retains its original clockwork drive system.
Visitors will be able to look inside the mid-Victorian structure and learn about the observatory’s role in local astronomical history. Entry to the observatory is completely free with no pre-booking required on the following dates and times:
Sunday 13 September: 11:00 – 16:00
Wednesday 16 September: 11:00 – 16:00
Sunday 20 September: 11:00 – 16:00
The opening is one of several free heritage events taking place across the borough this month. While many venues are drop-in, some guided walks and tours require booking in advance due to limited spaces.
Other local highlights include:
- British Lawnmower Museum (Pre-booking required): Guided tours on Shakespeare Street featuring lawnmowers previously owned by public figures, including King Charles, Princess Diana, and Queen guitarist Brian May.
- Duke Street Cemetery Walks (Pre-booking required): Guided walking tours focusing on the local history of the 1886 Mexico Lifeboat Disaster.
- The Atkinson (Drop-in): Social history handling sessions on Lord Street alongside talks on the history of local press reporting.
- Marshside Fogbell (Drop-in): An opportunity to see ongoing restoration work at the heritage site on Marshside Road.
- Ainsdale Station Walk (Pre-booking required): Guided walking tour exploring the site and remnants of the planned 1908 Seaside Garden Village.
- Marine Lake Wildlife Walk (Pre-booking required): A guided walk around King’s Gardens and Marine Lake hosted by Green Sefton.
Admission to all Heritage Open Days events is free.
To check individual opening times, see weather updates, or book advance tickets for restricted-capacity events, visit the official Heritage Open Days Sefton Event List.