Here are 10 of the best free things to do in Liverpool. One of our favourite things about Liverpool is that you don’t have to spend the earth to have a day out.
When I first started visiting Liverpool as a teenager I would take £5 out with me for the entire day, maybe even less than that. This would cover my train ticket, a few snacks to keep me going and a drink! I’d have honestly the best day. I’d visit free museums and galleries, wander around the Albert Dock or take photos of stunning architecture and street art.
I’m nearly 30 now and I still do this, the price of food, bus and train tickets might have increased but so has the number of free things to do in Liverpool.
Here are 10 of the best free things to do in Liverpool
1. Visit the World Museum
A great place to visit with the family is the Liverpool World Museum. This museum is the oldest of the museums and galleries operated by National Museums Liverpool. It first opened on 8 March 1853 in the Ropeworks district of Liverpool, and it moved to its present site on William Brown Street in 1860. It has expanded to become one of the great museums of the British regions, with collections and displays of life sciences, earth sciences and human cultures around the world.
There’s are so many interactive activities for children, in the Bug House and Aquarium you can get really hands-on. Then for a small fee, you can gaze at the stars at the planetarium. World Museums Planetarium features shows including Earth, Moon and Sun, Fly me to the Moon and From Earth to Universe.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore this museum and check out their website for more information and events.
2. Visit the Museum of Liverpool
Worth the visit just for this stunning view alone! This view unsurprisingly won ‘Best window with a view’ for its stunning view of the Three Graces. The Museum of Liverpool reflects the city’s global significance through its unique geography, history and culture. Visitors can explore how the port, its people, their creative flair and rich sporting history have shaped the city.
The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first national museum which is solely devoted to the history of a regional city. It is also the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century.
For more information and events check out their website.
Located near the Albert Dock, where you will also find the Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum, all definitely worth a visit!
3. Visit the Walker Art Gallery
For art lovers, the Walker Art Gallery displays paintings, sculptures and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. From David Hockney to Banksy there is sure to be something here that will catch your eye. Admission to the Walker is free, except for special exhibitions. The Decorative Arts gallery here holds more than 500 pieces of glass, ceramics, pottery, clothing and furniture from the ancient world to the 20th century.
If you have children there is even ‘Big Art for Little Artists’ which is a specially designed gallery created for children under 8 years old.
Visit their website for more information and events.
4. Visit the Anglican or the Metropolitan Cathedral
Both Cathedrals are examples of incredible architecture and free to visit. The Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world! The interior simply has to be seen, it’s truly unreal. Then straight through the city (down Hope Street) is the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The largest Catholic cathedral in England, the Metropolitan Cathedral together with its sister Cathedral at the other end of Hope Street plays an important part in the life of the City of Liverpool and Merseyside.
5. Spot Liverpool street art
If you love spotting street art Liverpool has some absolute gems. If you’re a fan of Liverpool football club check out Jürgen Klopp on Jordan Street in the Baltic Triangle by Manchester-based artist, Akse.
You can find an ode to Liverpool by Paul Curtis on Jamaica Street in the Baltic Triangle. The title reads ‘For All the Liver Birds’. This piece of street artwork has even been visited by The Duchess of Cornwall.
Visit here for a list and locations of must-see Liverpool street art.
6. Wander around the Albert Dock
Make sure to visit the Albert Dock. We never get tired of walking around here. It has the largest collection of listed buildings in the UK. This once famous docking port is now packed with galleries, museums, bars and restaurants. The city’s famous Three Grace buildings also reside near Pier Head.
While your there check out the love locks that line the barriers.
7. Visit Liverpool Central Library
Believe us when we say libraries are not boring! Liverpool Central Library is absolutely stunning inside too. Here you can see the famous collections of rare books housed in the magnificent Hornby Library and Oak Room. View the impressive Picton Reading Room, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Study their unique and rare archives from the 13th century to the present day which tell Liverpool’s story.
There is even a space to discover books with an area for under 5’s too. Free computers for school work or having fun. Storytelling and events also take place here too.
Check out their website for events and more information.
8. Visit Sefton Park and the Palm House
Sefton Park is a really beautiful place to lose time, wander and enjoy nature. This magnificent 235-acre park is a Grade 1 historic park in the Sefton Park district of Liverpool. It is a Green Flag and Green Heritage awarded site with beautiful features and monuments (the Peter Pan one is our personal favourite!).
The Aviary Cafe serves a range of hot and cold drinks and refreshments. Or stop off by the Lakeside Cafe and grab a coffee or ice cream. They will keep you going exploring the park.
While you’re there definitely check out the Palm House! From artisan fairs to tea dances, there’s always something going on at the Palm House. Find out more information here.
9. Venture out and Visit Crosby Beach
If you fancy a change from exploring the city then take a quick train to Crosby beach. Here you will find the hauntingly beautiful ‘Another Place’ by Anthony Gormley. Liverpool has over over 50 miles of coastline and Crosby beach has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy so it is a perfect spot for a day at the seaside.
10. Visit Formby Woods and Beach
Formby has a gorgeous beach with sand dunes and is surrounded by coastal pinewoods. I remember visiting here as a child with my grandad, we’d take a piece of cardboard to sit on and slide down the sand dunes then have a picnic. Endless hours of fun!
If you get bored of that then try your luck spotting rare red squirrels in the pinewoods. You can find the red squirrel walk here.
Will you be giving any of these a go? Let us know your favourite free things to do in Liverpool in the comments below.
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