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Looking for free things to do in Liverpool? You're in for a treat!
If you’re looking for a day out in Liverpool that doesn’t cost the earth, then we have you covered. We're a city with more museums and galleries than any other city outside of London and most of them are free, we've got lots of parks to visit, street art to explore and sights to see.
We know everyone says it, so just to prove it to you, here’s 50 entirely FREE things that you can do in Liverpool.
ARTS & CULTURE
Liverpool has the most museums and art galleries outside of London and the best thing about them is that most of them are free to visit! There will be places to head for art lovers, families, history fans and everything in between so pick your favourites and make a day of it!
1. Explore Liverpool’s history and culture
MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL
The Museum of Liverpool is the largest museum dedicated to a city in the UK - pretty impressive! You could spend hours with the kids in here learning all about Liverpool.
2. Dive into a book
LIVERPOOL CENTRAL LIBRARY
This is no ordinary library… take a break in the cafe, explore the rows of books or get some of the best views of Liverpool on the rooftop! Liverpool Central Library also have a discovery room for children and often host storytelling themed days. You need to see the Picton Reading room too, it’s like being on the set of Harry Potter!
3. Immerse yourself in modern art
TATE LIVERPOOL
Tate Liverpool has been at the Royal Albert Dock for over 30 years and is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside of London. Tate Liverpool regularly hosts blockbuster exhibitions, free exhbitions and loads of events inculding Tate Lates! You can catch The Turner Prize at Tate Liverpool until 19 March 2023.
4. Learn about historical and contemporary slavery
THE INTERNATIONAL SLAVERY MUSEUM
The International Slavery Museum is the only museum of its kind to look at aspects of historical and contemporary slavery as well as being an international hub for resources on human rights issues. As well as being totally free to enter, there's lots of events going on throughout the year!
5. Discover thought-provoking photography
OPEN EYE GALLERY
Explore the insightful and thought-provoking photography exhibitions at Liverpool’s Open Eye Gallery! Open Eye Gallery has consistently championed photography as an art form that is relevant and accessible to everyone.
6. Explore a local creative hub
BLUECOAT
The Bluecoat is Liverpool’s creative hub which showcases visual art, music, dance, live art and literature. It's one of the most historic buildings in Liverpool City Centre. It has four galleries, a relaxing garden at the rear and shops at the front which also run free family craft activities over the weekend.
7. Discover treasures from around the globe
WORLD MUSEUM
Discover treasures from around the globe from Egyptian mummies to casts of dinosaur bones at the World Museum. You can see their varied collections such as the Aquarium, Bug House, Planetarium, Discovery Centre plus much more all for FREE!
8. Delve into contemporary art and film
FACT
FACT on Wood Street has 2 galleries and a whole cinema for you to explore regular modern art exhbitions. It's one of the coolest places in town.
9. Wander around St George’s Plateau
ST GEORGE’S HALL
Take a wander around the outside of St Georges Hall, and discover their incredible architecture. Did you know that the Blockbuster film ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ filmed scenes here disguised as 1920’s New York! You can also find the beautiful St John’s Gardens behind the hall.
10. Discover our TWO Cathedrals
ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL and METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Only the best cities have TWO cathedrals. Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. Take a stroll around the building and take in the breathtaking architecture and interior! then, take a trip down a street named hope and be fascinated by the Metropolitan Cathedral and its story... you could even visit the city's 'THIRD Cathedral' underneath, at the crypt.
11. Marvel at historical art
WALKER ART GALLERY
Housing one of the largest art collections in England, the Walker Art Gallery features items such as Dante’s Dream, Tinted Venus and Pietà.
12. Seek out some street art
LIVERPOOL STREET ART
From Klopp Art to becoming a Liver Bird, wander Liverpool's Baltic Triangle and snap some of the finest street art the city has on offer. Check out our blog on all spots to head to.
13. See the skies inside a church
BOMBED OUT CHURCH
Take a walk up Bold Street for a multicultural journey, a street which has become a must-see for visitors and renowned for its independent retailers. No visit to one of our favourite streets would be complete without heading all the way up to the Church of St Luke - also known as the Bombed Out Church by the locals. A much-loved landmark at the very heart of the city, you can come here and bask in its green gardens, marvel at what remains, and embark upon one of the many amazing free events that are held here throughout the year.
14. Dance at a free music festival
LIVERPOOL MUSIC FESTIVALS
Liverpool is hosting an abundance of festivals this year, many of which are free! From Africa Oye to Liverpool Biennial and LightNight…there’s plenty of events to get involved with without breaking the bank. Check out our blog on Liverpool's music festivals.
15. Explore public art
LIVERPOOL MONUMENTS
There are hundreds of public art dotted around Liverpool.... Can you find the Super Lambanana’s? Or maybe John Lennon on Mathew Street?
16. Visit our Chinese Arch
CHINA TOWN
Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Take a visit to Chinatown and discover the beautifully crafted traditional Chinese arch at the entrance commemorating the twinning of two cities - Shanghai and Liverpool.
The structure was imported piece by piece from Shanghai, and then reconstructed by craftsmen from China. There are 200 dragons on the wooden and marble structure and stands at 15m high, which makes it the largest Chinese Arch outside mainland China!
17. Take a look at some local independent art
OUTPUT GALLERY
Output Gallery on Seel Stret is an independent gallery that puts on shows highlighting all of Liverpool's local creative talent and it's free to pop in.
OUTDOOR SPACES
There’s nothing better than spending a few hours out in the sunshine and we have plenty of parks and outdoor areas that are totally free to soak up some rays in the Summer or stroll around in the Autumnal months.
18. Stroll around a Grade I listed park
SEFTON PARK
Sefton Park is a magnificent 235 acre park which is Grade 1 listed is the perfect place of a leisurely walk, a picnic with the family or even a run, if you fancy it! It’s also home to the beautiful Palm House which has lots of events going on, a cafe, a children's playground plus so much more!
19. Explore our famous dock
ROYAL ALBERT DOCK LIVERPOOL
A walk around the Royal Albert Dock on a hot summer’s day should definitely be at the top of your to-do list in Liverpool! There are plenty of free events on throughout the year to enjoy and the views across the Mersey are amazing!
20. Walk along our Waterfront
LIVERPOOL WATERFRONT
Dominated by Liverpool’s famous ‘Three Graces’, the Waterfront has to be one of our favourite places in Liverpool! In the summer it comes alive with free events and things to do. Come winter time, it turns into a festive wonderland! We recommend starting at the Liver Building and taking a walk right down to the M&S Bank Arena - see how many of our famous buildings you can see on the way!
21. Catch some rays at Crosby Beach
CROSBY BEACH
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take the short train journey to Crosby Beach, which is home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ - a sight so amazing you have to see it in person! Did you know the Liverpool City Region has over 50 miles of coastline?
22. Head a little further to Formby Beach
FORMBY BEACH
Formby Beach is a glorious beach with dramatic sand dunes surrounded by sweeping pinewoods. Enjoy breathtaking sea views or a picnic; head out on a bracing coastal walk or find out about Formby's fascinating history, with links to asparagus growing and the early days of aviation. Whether you want to walk, run or ride your bike there's something for everyone at Formby, the perfect place to get outdoors and active.
23. Do a bit of window shopping
LIVERPOOL ONE
Take a stroll around Liverpool ONE, great for window shopping and leisure activities. Stroll Chavasse Park following the free Nature Trail. Take part in a game of ping pong on the tables outside Utility or enjoy a picnic in the park or at the green steps by Thomas Steers Way.
If you fancy adding a bit of history to your walk around Liverpool ONE then have a look at their Heritage Trail, a free self-guided audio tour. Take a step back in time and discover more than 300 years of Liverpool's history across the area. With 16 stopping off points, each site tells a fascinating tale of Liverpool's history. You can find out more about the Heritage Trail here.
24. Marvel at a Stately home
CROXTETH HALL AND PARK
Enjoy a family day out at Croxteth Park. Discover the wildlife, take part in the orienteering walk or visit the miniature railway track.
25. Visit an historic park
PRINCES PARK
Princes Park is a historic, grade II listed park. You can take part in the weekly free 5km run, or play a game of tennis.
26. Visit the National Trust
FORMBY WOODS
Explore beautiful woodlands surrounding Formby in Merseyside, home to the rare native red squirrel. Rare wildlife, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered - part of Formby's amazing and ever changing landscape.
27. Meet some Iron Men
ANOTHER PLACE
100 spectacular cast-iron, life-size figures by Anthony Gormley are spread across three kilometres of the foreshore and stretch almost one kilometre out to sea at Crosby Beach!
28. Take a trip to the woods
CHILDWALL WOODS
The 39 acre woodland is a designated Local Nature Reserve in the south east suburbs of Liverpool, with views overlooking the Lancashire and Cheshire plain. While there why not take part in one of the nature trails?
29. Take a walk between two football clubs
STANLEY PARK
Stanley Park is famous for dividing our two football clubs - Liverpool and Everton! It’s a 111 acre park which is Grade II* listed! Have a stroll around, let the kids play on the playground or even attend one of the many events that happen each year!
30. Head over the water for a trip to the beach
NEW BRIGHTON BEACH
Just a short train journey from Liverpool with Merseyrail, New Brighton Beach offers miles of golden sand - perfect for a sunny day! Bring your bucket and spade and see how many sand castles you can build.
31. Explore more of Wirral's beautiful beaches
THURSTASTON BEACH
Take a stroll along Thurstaston Beach, it's a very popular spot for dog walkers too!
32. Stroll around a lake
WEST KIRKBY MARINE LAKE
Enjoy West Kirby’s Marine Lake by taking a leisurely stroll around the border of the lake or along the stretch of beach from West Kirby to Red Rocks at Hoylake.
33. Take a walk along the prom
OTTERSPOOL PROMENADE
Otterspool Promenade is a stunning riverside walk and accompanying area of parkland in South Liverpool. With beautiful views across the River Mersey, the promenade is an ideal place to go for a stroll, walk the dog, cycle or kite flying.
34. Take in some of the best views of Liverpool
EVERTON BROW
Head up Everton Brow to see a stunning panoramic views of the city. On a clear day you can even see the Welsh mountains in the distance!
35. Go back in time
THE GEORGIAN QUARTER
Take a stroll around the beautiful Georgian Quarter. You can find Hope Street at the core of the Georgian Quarter, winner in the Academy of Urbanism Awards for ‘Best Street’. The streets that radiate from Hope Street and Rodney Street are all lined with beautiful Georgian terraced town houses.
36. Visit the famous Strawberry Field
STRAWBERRY FIELD
Visit the famous Strawberry Field gates in Woolton which became a point of pilgrimage for thousands of Beatles fans from around the world. Strawberry Field gates hold a special place in the history of The Beatles, with John’s experiences in and around the children’s home providing inspiration for the unforgettable song.
37. Chill in a city centre park
CHAVASSE PARK
A park in the middle of the city - perfect! Head up to Chavasse Park for a picnic, a relax in the sun and a bit of fresh air.
38. Build some sandcastles
SOUTHPORT BEACH
Just 40 minutes on the train from Liverpool and you’ll be in our very own seaside resort complete with a pier! No planes to catch, no euros - just good old British fun in the sun!
39. Stroll around some Victorian Gardens
BOTANIC GARDENS
Opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with all sorts of colourful floral displays! Enjoy a stroll around or admire the stunning garden lake.
40. See the park that inspired New York’s Central Park
BIRKENHEAD PARK
The park that helped inspire the design of Central Park in New York City - need we say anymore? There’s lots to do including a large adventure playground for children, 2 cricket clubs, tennis courts, bowling greens, football pitches and 2 large fishing lakes!
THINGS TO DO
If you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t cost a penny have a look at these for some suggestions to tick off your list.
41. Take a photo with the Fab Four
THE BEATLES STATUE
No trip to Liverpool is complete without a picture with these 4 famous lads on the waterfront! You can't miss this larger than life statue.
42. Pet some animals
RICE LANE CITY FARM
Situated in Walton just outside the city centre, Rice Lane City Farm is the perfect place to see some farm animals up close - all for free! There is even a petting farm where you can help take care of the animals.
43. Watch the sunset
SUNSETS IN LIVERPOOL
The sunsets in Liverpool are beautiful all year round. Summer, spring, autumn, winter, the sky lights up with the most incredible colours. For some inspiration on places to head in the Liverpool City Region to catch the sun go down have a look at our Sunsets in Liverpool blog.
44. Stroll around Lark Lane
LARK LANE
Jump the train to St Michaels Station and have a wander around the trendy South Liverpool street. There are loads of independent shops, places to eat and it’s right next to Sefton Park too.
45. Visit a giant greenhouse
PALM HOUSE
If you are visiting Sefton Park, then the incredible Palm House is well worth a visit. It has been expertly renovated from the derelict shell of its former self, and is now an oasis of peaceful greenery.
46. See our stunning architecture
LISTED BUILDINGS
Did you know that Liverpool has the largest collection of Grade II-listed buildings outside London? The city has 2,500 listed buildings and 250 public monuments. Can you find them around the city?
47. Walk down Mathew Street
MATHEW STREET
Walk in the foot steps of The Beatles down the famous Mathew Street, see The Cavern Club, The Wall of Fame and the new renovated Cavern Quarter signs.
48. Explore underground tunnels
FRIENDS OF WILLIAMSON TUNNELS
Liverpool is full of hidden gems that you would never think existed like Williamson's Tunnels, which snake their way underneath the city centre. You can go on a tour of them totally free but donations are always welcome.
49. Do some film set spotting
LIVERPOOL ON THE BIG SCREEN
Even if you haven't been to Liverpool you will have more than likely seen it on a television hit or big screen blockbuster without even realising it. From wizards flying down the Mersey Tunnel to fantastic beasts taking over St George’s Hall and a couple of peaky blinders lurking around Stanley Dock, visiting Liverpool is like being on your very own movie set! Check out our blog on all the top spots to see.
50. Get some photos for the album
INSTAGRAMMABLE LOCATIONS IN LIVERPOOL
Everybody loves a good photo opportunity, right? We’re lucky that Liverpool is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has some pretty cool and impressive spots to grab the pictures that will be sure to rake in the likes on Instagram! Check out our blog on all the best photo spots in the city.
For more information and updates on what is happening across Liverpool follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Located on Liverpool’s incredible World Heritage Site waterfront, the Albert Dock structure features the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the whole country.
A magnificent 200-acre Park that looks like a natural landscape rather than a man-made park.
The Museum of Liverpool has now opened following the lockdown period. The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city and the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century.
They define one of the most beautiful skylines in - well we’d say the world - the Three Graces consist of the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building
The International Slavery Museum is located within Liverpool's Albert Dock, inside the Maritime Museum building.
The Walker Art Gallery holds a stunning collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts spanning over six hundred years. Home to outstanding works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin and Gainsborough, the Walker is also one of the finest art galleries in Europe.
Welcome to the home of British and international modern and contemporary art in the North; Tate Liverpool. Aren’t we lucky?
These spectacular sculptures by Antony Gormley are on Crosby beach. Another Place consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore, stretching almost one kilometre out to sea.
Liverpool Record Office, housed within the Central Library, collects, preserves, and makes available archives and printed material relating to all aspects of the history of Liverpool.
Open Eye Gallery is an independent not-for-profit photography gallery located on Mann Island at the heart of the Liverpool Waterfront – next to the Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool and Albert Dock.
A Grade I listed, 300 year old building in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, Bluecoat offers a year-round programme of visual art, literature, music, dance and family activities.
The Grade I listed St George’s Hall sits within the heart of Liverpool in more ways than one; it is a place of congregation and celebration, offering a central location and a true sense of the city amidst incomparable surroundings.
From the sea to the stars, a visit to World Museum reveals millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities.
Offers more than 170 famous high street stores, fashion brands, cool independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants to the city centre.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain's biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe
Croxteth Hall and Country Park is a haven in the heart of a proud and passionate local community; a jewel in Liverpool’s crown and a place where visitors can escape to the country without leaving the city…
Princes Park in Toxteth, Liverpool, England, is a 45 hectare municipal park, 2 miles south east of Liverpool city centre. In 2009 it had it status upgraded to a Grade II* Historic Park by English Heritage.
Red squirrels, natterjacks, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered - part of National Trust Formby's amazing and ever changing landscape.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery is regarded as one of the finest art galleries in Europe. It's located in model village, Port Sunlight in Wirral, a place rich in architectural charm.
Southport Beach has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy. The QCA award tells visitors that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK.
Birkenhead Park is an idealised countryside landscape of open meadows, natural woodland belts and lakes shaped as rivers.
Liverpool is a place with a whole lot of history, and its Festival Gardens are no exception.
New Brighton is a seaside resort located in the north east corner of Wirral. Home to the Floral Pavilion Theatre and Conference Centre and a new redevelopment underway on the promenade with restaurants, hotel, cinema and casino.
The Sefton Park Palm House is a Grade ll* listed building, the jewel of Sefton Park and an iconic Victorian Glasshouse.
Lonely Planet, no less, rated Bold Street as one of the best shopping streets in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
Strawberry Field is a space to explore, unwind and dream in the place, which inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters.
Port Sunlight is a beautiful model village and award-winning tourist attraction boasting wide boulevards lined with charming cottages, all built in an intriguing range of architectural styles.
No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. This dramatic icon of faith, architecture and human endeavour is spectacular in both scale and design.
