Liverpool really is a fantastic city for a day out, weekend away or even a longer break for people of all ages, with something to suit all moods and tastes. If you are looking to spend some time in Liverpool with your family and don’t know where to start, look no further!
Famous as a city of culture and home to Britain’s most famous musical export, the Beatles, there is history and culture around every corner.
Museums
If your kids are anything like mine, they only have a limited capacity for museum visits, so I always prefer to go for those with free entry, so you don’t feel too begrudged when they reach their limit and want to move on and go somewhere else. Luckily Liverpool has lots of great choice when it comes to museums that fit the bill, as the city with the most museums and galleries outside of London.
A favourite of ours is the World Museum, which covers everything from the prehistoric to Ancient Egypt, not to mention an aquarium and planetarium to boot! There is something for all ages to be found here and even includes lockers and buggy parks making it easier for families to negotiate their way around without being laden down.
Another Museum worth a visit is the Museum of Liverpool, which does exactly what is says on the tin. Covering the history of one of Britain’s most famous and favourite cities, in a truly impressive waterfront building, there is a transport section containing over 200 vehicles, including Liverpool’s Overhead Railway gallery and a fascinating glimpse into life in wartime Liverpool inside the Piermaster’s house. Transformed back into a 1940s wartime home, it is the only one of the original four built on the site to survive wartime bombings.
Street Art
If you fancy a bit of culture, but museums aren’t your thing, why not try taking a little wander around Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle where you can admire some of the fantastic street art on offer, from an ode to Liverpool on Jamaica Street, to a mural commissioned by the Beatles Museum to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles Abbey Road album on the side of Cains Brewery, you can be sure to spot something iconic.
The Beatles
For the music lovers among you, there is of course the Beatles Story, with replicas of iconic locations central to The Beatles Story, to memorabilia and exclusive photos, you can immerse yourselves in 1960s Liverpool and the world of the fab four. For those interested in the real sights, you can take The Magical Mystery Tour bus around the city, which tours all the places around the city that saw the birth of The Beatles, from the homes of John and Paul, which are now owned by the national trust and are open to the public for pre-booked tours, to George’s childhood home, which is still privately owned. The tour also takes in the locations made famous by their music, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, and it is a must for any Beatles fan.
Central Library
For little ones and grown ups alike, you can’t go far wrong with a visit to the breath-taking Central Library. Located on William Brown Street, opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station, this is no ordinary library! There is a children’s reading room which often hosts child friendly events and for fans of Harry Potter, the Picton Reading Room is like stepping into the pages and into Hogwarts itself. The criss-cross staircase provides an impressive aspect both up to the glass roof and down to the floors below, but you can also discover some of the best views the city has to offer from the rooftop.
Exploring The City
A wander around the city centre is also an activity in itself, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and moods, you can also discover sculptures and pieces of public art dotted all around, the Super Lambanana’s are not to be missed, but can you spot them all?! A trip to Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Royal Albert Dock, with a mixture of shops, cafes, museums, and is home to the Tate Liverpool but also offers fantastic views of the Mersey River, where you can of course take the Ferry across from as little as £12 per adult and £8 per child, with under 5s going free.
Places To Visit Nearby
If you have longer to spend in the city, why not spread your wings and travel outside the city centre and take in some of the city’s more hidden gems? For those fond of nature, take a stroll in Sefton Park, a 235-acre Grade 1 listed park which offers a breath of fresh air plus the beautiful Palm House, an impressive Victorian structure which is home to a collection of plants from around the world. Just a stone’s throw from Sefton Park is another of the city’s hidden gems, Lark Lane. A quirky, eclectic mix of boutiques, independent shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, it is a lively and fun place to be both day and night.
Also within easy reach of the city centre, you can find some beautiful coastline, with long sandy beaches and views across the estuary to the Welsh hills. One such beach is Crosby, which marks the start of the 22-mile Sefton Coastal path and is home to 100 cast-iron figures that make up internationally renowned artist Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation, stretching almost a mile out to sea. Just a little further along the route you can find Formby Beach, part of the National Trust’s nature reserves. Featuring some of the UK’s best sand dune habitats, home to many rare species including the natterjack toad and surrounded by a sweeping pinewood forest, where you can spot the iconic red squirrel in its natural environment.
It’s safe to say that whatever your interests and however long you have to spend in the city, Liverpool is a fantastic place to visit with kids big and small and at any time of the year.
Amy loves nothing more than travelling and exploring new places. She has two boys who also love an adventure, and have a long bucket list of places yet to see! They can often be found in a cafe enjoying a spot of people watching in any new place they go.