Kirkby: Discover its history, gallery and market

These highlights differ significantly. You can choose based on the interests that matter most for your trip.

Church architecture and Heritage Walk

Construction of the present-day St Chad’s Church began in 1869 on the site of an earlier chapel, thought to have been Norman. For history enthusiasts, the distinction between the dated construction of the present church and the only presumed origins of its predecessor chapel offers a concrete way into local history.

The Kirkby Heritage Walk adds a route through the landscape to the historical theme. It is part of a programme of Heritage Walks around six conservation areas in the borough; the programme was developed in partnership with Merseyside Guides. The walk passes through Millbrook Park Millennium Green, an area of natural beauty with a variety of habitats. Those who enjoy exploring local history alongside the landscape will find a different focus here from a visit centred on the church building.

Gallery and Acorn Farm

Kirkby Gallery offers a different cultural focus from the Heritage Walk. Its wide-ranging exhibition programme draws on holdings from national and regional collections, as well as contributions from regional galleries. The Gallery stages three major temporary exhibitions each year in its main exhibition space. For culture enthusiasts, this means two distinct types of visit: the Gallery offers changing exhibitions, while the Heritage Walk combines local history and landscape. If a particular exhibition is a deciding factor, check the programme for your travel dates. The gallery programme brings together two perspectives: the collections provide its content, while the three major temporary exhibitions each year define the rhythm of presentations in Kirkby Gallery’s main exhibition space.

Acorn Farm appeals to a different kind of visitor: this family-friendly attraction in Kirkby gives visitors the opportunity to feed and pet many animals. The focus is an activity with animals rather than an exhibition visit or a historical walk. Those looking to include a family-friendly animal experience will find a different focus here from the Gallery or the Heritage Walk.

Green spaces, cycle route and market

The names of the green spaces help distinguish their different connections: the Kirkby Heritage Walk passes through Millbrook Park Millennium Green, while Mill Dam Park is part of the Kirkby Cycle Route. The walk and the cycle route therefore cater to different travel interests. Millbrook Park Millennium Green has also received the Green Flag Award.

The covered Kirkby Market adds a market visit to the options. The council webpage consulted on 1 September 2026 lists more than 130 stalls at the covered Kirkby Market; this number may change. The market is therefore a distinct point of interest for travellers who want to include a covered market alongside cultural and nature-related interests.

For an overview of the wider trip: Knowsley.