Liverpool in summer: best things to do and see

Liverpool is a city that’s all about fun, adventure, and creativity, and summer is the best time to experience it. The city comes alive in the summer months with outdoor green spaces, family-friendly activities, and no shortage of fun things to do. Explore the city’s many museums, take a stroll through the streets which buzz with life, or walk along the famous Waterfront.

Summer is the time to visit Merseyside. Liverpool was voted “fourth-friendliest city in the world” by travelers, and in the sunshine, this natural friendliness really shines. There are also plenty of beautiful spots to explore nature near the city. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, some fun activities, or the best views in town, this summer guide will help you to plan your ultimate summer vacation.

Best outdoor activities

1. Join a silent disco dance flash mob

”Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street.” What better way to enjoy the sunshine than to dance through the streets of Liverpool? Try a silent disco tour for completely new way to explore the city and meet new people — you’re guaranteed a whale of a time.

Highlights:

Whether you’re an experienced silent disco-goer or this is your first time, this tour will put you in your comfort zone.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at Unit 42, S John Street, L1 8BJ. Tours start at 4.30 PM and last 1 hour.

2. Experience some of England’s most picturesque scenery

Take an unforgettable day trip from Liverpool to the Lake District and walk through the countryside that inspired some of England’s most famous romantic poetry. Explore the breathtakingly dramatic landscape with a day trip out to the Lake District.  

Highlights:

Take in the famous Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle, dating back to the Bronze Age.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at William Brown Street, L3 8EW. Tours start at 9:15 AM and last 9 hours.

3. Fight like a gladiator

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… Explore Liverpool’s local nature by heading out to a secret woodland location for an unique immersive experience that’ll see you live your gladiator fantasy with games and challenges. Led by professional actors, expect a riotous day out.

Highlights:

Prepare for hilarious photo ops, with props and togas included.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at William Brown Street, L3 8EW. The experience runs on Saturday and Sunday, 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 3:15 PM, and lasts 2 hours.

4. Abseil down one of Liverpool’s most beloved landmarks

See Liverpool from the air. Abseiling down the side of Anfield stadium will thrill Liverpool FC fans and adrenaline seekers alike. Experience an exhilarating 100ft descent from Liverpool’s famous stadium, enjoy views of the city, and pose halfway down next to the famous LFC crest.

Highlights:

After the abseil, enter the LFC Museum to learn about the famous club’s history and legacy.

Address and opening hours:

Anfield Road, L4 0TH. Operates from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM daily.

5. Get a bird’s eye view of Liverpool from the iconic Liver building

The Liver building is Liverpool’s most iconic building, and taking a tour is a fun introduction to the city’s history through audio-visual installations and digital mapping. It also boasts the most breath-taking panoramic views of the city: on a clear summer’s day, you can see as far as the Welsh mountains.

Highlights:

The Liver Bird is the emblem of Liverpool: look out for the Liver Bird sculptures that perch on the building.

Address and opening hours:

Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1HU. Tours operate between 9:00 AM-4:15 PM and last 1 hour.

6. Search for adventure in rugged North Wales

For a change of scenery, and a trip to the great outdoors, head to North Wales for the day. Visit the charming resort town of Llandudno, and see the medieval Conwy Castle, with its huge battlements and sea views. Finally, explore Snowdonia National Park, with its rugged and dramatic mountain landscape.

Highlights:

See the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in the UK and the highest in the world.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at William Brown Street, L3 8EW. Tours start at 9:15 AM and last 9 hours.

Best water activities

7. Enjoy a day out on Crosby Beach

While a beach holiday may not have been the first summer activity on your mind when booking your Liverpool vacation, the city enjoys access to a number of attractive, sandy blue-flag beaches. The most accessible from the city is Crosby Beach. Many people travel here from Liverpool in summer to see the spectacular sunsets.

Highlights:

The beach also hosts the remarkable sculpture collection Another Place by Antony Gormley, a collection of 100 life-sized statues on the sand.

Address and opening hours:

Crosby Beach, Marines Road, L23 6SN. Open 24/7.

8. Take a cruise down the River Mersey

All aboard for a colorful trip down the River Mersey. A river cruise will teach you all about Liverpool’s history as a port town and its waterfront heritage.

Highlights:

Explore the city at your own pace, and discover Liverpool’s best spots and famous landmarks with the hop-on hop-off bus.

Address and opening hours:

Liverpool Waterfront, L3 1DP. Tours operate between 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.

9. Discover a new favorite hobby at the Liverpool Watersports Center

Whether kayaking, paddle boarding, or powerboating is your thing, or if you’re just looking to rent a swan pedalo, head to Liverpool Watersports Center, where you’ll find a huge range of affordable water activities.

Highlights:

The Center also runs longer courses for those spending more time in the city.

Address and opening hours:

110 Mariners Wharf, L3 4DG. Open Thursday-Tuesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

10. Plunge into the sea at Princes Dock

If you’ve always wanted to get into sea swimming, here’s a great place to start this fun summer activity. Swim Liverpool run sessions where you can meet other sea swimming enthusiasts or take lessons if you’re less confident in the water.

Highlights:

With an excellent water quality rating, this is a clean and safe spot to swim in the heart of the city.

Address and opening hours:

Princes Dock L3 1BG. Check the website for session times.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Liverpool?

There are many beaches popular for sea swimming in Liverpool. Wallasey Beach is one of the most popular beaches. On the other side of the Wirral Peninsula, check out the lovely New Brighton Beach.

Are there any great summer festivals in Liverpool?

The Africa Oye Festival in Liverpool’s Sefton Park is the UK’s biggest celebration of African music and culture: it takes place annually in June. The Baltic Weekender Festival is an electronic music festival that takes place annually in the Baltic Triangle.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Liverpool?

Sefton Park is a beautiful central green space with lovely woodland trails and a beautifully restored Palm House.

What are some great day trips to take from Liverpool in the summer?

For stunning forests, head to Macclesfield Forest or Delamere. For a beach day, try Formby Beach or Blackpool. If you’d like a city change of scene, Chester and Manchester are both short train rides away.

What are some fun activities with kids in Liverpool in summer?

Head to the popular Knowsley Safari, Otterspool Adventure Park, or the petting farm at Rice Lane City Farm. If you’re feeling peckish, strawberry picking at Sandhill Strawberry Farm is a great family day out.