History and Nature in Urban Wellbeing: The Liverpool Old Town Case
The relationship between natural environments and human wellbeing is well-established. Less discussed but equally significant is the role of historical richness and architectural beauty in supporting the kind of restoration and regeneration that we usually associate with natural settings.
Beyond Biophilia
Environmental psychology has extensively documented the wellbeing benefits of natural environments — what E.O. Wilson called ‘biophilia,’ the innate human affinity for life and living systems. Less attention has been paid to what might be called ‘chronophilia’ — an affinity for temporal depth, for environments that carry the visible traces of previous human generations. Historic cities may offer this.
The River Mersey as Natural Context
Old Town Liverpool exists in relationship with the River Mersey — one of England’s great rivers. The waterfront, visible from the bottom of Water Street and a 15-minute walk from the heart of the Old Town, provides a natural counterpoint to the urban density of the historic streets. Including the waterfront in an Old Town visit creates a more complete environmental experience, balancing the architectural stimulation of the Old Town with the expansive, watery openness of the Mersey.
Trees and Green Spaces
The Old Town has limited green space within its boundaries, but several public gardens and squares in the immediate vicinity provide natural respite. The garden areas near the Anglican Cathedral, a 15-minute walk south of the Old Town, offer a significant natural environment that can be incorporated into extended Old Town visits.
The Complete Urban Wellbeing Experience
The most complete Old Town wellbeing experience combines the historical and architectural richness of the Old Town streets and buildings, the social warmth of its pubs and restaurants, and the natural expansiveness of the Mersey waterfront. Together, these three elements address the full range of environmental factors that support human wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there green space near Liverpool Old Town?
There is limited green space within Old Town Liverpool itself, but the waterfront is a short walk away and provides open space and river views. St John’s Gardens, near Lime Street, offers green space within easy walking distance of the Old Town.
How does the Old Town Liverpool environment support wellbeing?
The Old Town’s architectural beauty, historical depth, social infrastructure and walkable scale all contribute to wellbeing — through the psychological benefits of beautiful environments, the perspective-giving effects of historical context and the physical benefits of walking in a stimulating setting.
Explore Old Town Liverpool on the Action Path
Walk the historic streets of Liverpool’s Old Town with purpose and awareness. Our self-guided Action Path connects the city’s most powerful locations in one conscious urban journey.