Sefton Park in Liverpool is one of the largest parks in England. The park's history began in 1867 when the Liverpool Corporation purchased land for the park from the Earl of Sefton, and then held a competition for the design of the park. The French architect Edouard Andre and the local architect Lewis Hornblower won the competition with a park design in French style. The winning park design included a cricket ground, and a lake for recreation activities such as boating, and fishing. The park opened in 1872. Further development of the park continued with the construction of the Iron Bridge in 1873. The bridge, which spans the Fairy Glen, was a popular meeting place during
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the Victorian times. Construction of Victorian houses at the park's perimeter continued until around 1890. Today some of the houses serve as hotels. The location of the houses, near the city center in a tranquil area, makes it an attractive place to stay, especially for leisure travellers. The main attraction of the park is the recently restored Palm House. The Victorian glasshouse, which opened in 1896, contains plant species from Africa, Asia, America, Australia, and Europe. There are also beautiful sculptures, and statues of persons who have done important work and discoveries. The Palm House also serves as host for different forms of entertainment throughout
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the year, including dance events, concerts, parties, weddings, and ceremonies. Another attraction is the Peter Pan statue which was made by the British sculptor Sir George Frampton. The statue of the boy who never grew up was donated to the park by George Audley in 1928. The Peter Pan statue was recently taken away for restoration, but has been returned to the park in december 2005, and is once again a great attraction. Jogging, cycling, and lawn tennis are also popular activities in Sefton Park. But many people visit the park just for relaxation in a tranquil setting of lawns, woodlands, and water features.
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