To the east of it is the Canada Dock branch railway line, and to the north is West Derby Road.

The lake has a historical reputation linked to the matrons of the former orphanage, who allegedly employed extreme disciplinary measures on unruly children.

According to accounts, they would submerge the children's heads in the water until the brink of drowning, only releasing them when they were in a state of distress and pleading for the practice to cease.

Another building within the park is Newsham House, which is the residence for judges attending the Crown Court in Liverpool and was visited by Queen Victoria.

[3] On the 30 July 2012 Newsham Park's lakes were temporarily closed due to potentially toxic blue-green algae.