[7] A zoological collection was added for the 1874 season[8] as a visitor attraction, which included a bear pit, monkey enclosures, aviary with an eagle and black swan, a camel, and a lions' den.

[10] Unfortunately the building of the Manchester Ship Canal turned the area into somewhere more industrial and less idyllic, and by 1893 it was said that "some of the glories of the place have departed", "though the glorious woods still remain"[11] and this was followed in May 1895 by the death of Thomas William Thompson, the owner and driving force behind the gardens.

The refurbished facilities included a 40 foot high triumphal arch over the entrance, the former monkey-house had been changed into a bandstand, and a large hall, which they called the Victoria Palace, had been added which could seat 3000 or 4000 people.

The roller coaster was put up for sale by the operators Whirling Limited, at the end of the 1905 season, where it was described as "substantially timber-built, and includes a loop about 50ft high, elevated station house, track of about 300yds, together with four iron-built cars, a Crosby's 15HP oil engine, &c".

The whole was for sale as a result of a court order along with the lease of the ground and goodwill with possession on completion[17] A buyer must have been found as the topsy turvy railway was still being advertised at Eastham Gardens in 1906.

[19] The adverts from that time onwards suggest the indoor rifle range, bowling and dancing in the pavilion (formerly called the Victoria Palace) were the main activities.

[24][page needed] Although planned for demolition as part of the work, the old Ferry Ticket Office - at the time being used as a public convenience - was saved after appeals by various parties.

[26] Eastham Country Park was officially opened on 10 July 1973 by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bebington, who walked the nature trail and unveiled a bronze plaque.

The trails through the woodland reveal overgrown stone walls, raised platforms, the bear pit, disused fountains and in places concrete foundations giving tantalising clues to the complex past of this fascinating location.

[29] Other birds common to the park include the blackbird, blue and great tit, chaffinch, collared dove, magpie, robin, thrush, wood pigeon, treecreeper, nuthatch, and wren.