Museum of Liverpool
If you want to discover more about this city’s diverse history, then the Museum of Liverpool is a must-visit. Just around the corner from Lime Street, the museum sits right on the waterfront and contains collections that tell Liverpool’s most important stories, from its famous docks, to the Blitz, to an art gallery full of local work. With lots of activities and interactive exhibitions, the kids will learn and have fun too.
The Wheel of Liverpool
Check out the city from a different angle by taking a ride on Liverpool’s own version of the London Eye. Based on Keel Wharf, the 196ft tall Ferris wheel will give you a fantastic panoramic of the city and the River Mersey, along with lots of information from your own ‘capsule’ commentary. Let the kids press their face up close to the glass whilst you enjoy the amazing 360 views.
Liverpool One
If you fancy a quick trip to the shops or grabbing a bite to eat before going onto your next attraction, this is the number one place to go. Set in the heart of the city centre and with over 170 shops, bars and restaurants, you can also enjoy a quick round of mini-golf or catch a movie in the Odeon cinema.
Liverpool One is perfect for a pit stop coffee and cake, a family meal, or for the little’uns to run off some steam in one of the play areas.
The Beatles Story
Scousers don’t really talk about it, but their city is also home to the world’s first major boy band. Step back into the Sixties and experience the famous foursome’s music in real-life replicas of important places in the band’s history, such as Abbey Road Studios, Casbah and the Cavern.
You can also see lots of memorabilia and pictures up close as you follow the story of the four young lads who’ve done good.
The Royal Albert Dock
The centre of Liverpool’s waterfront, the Royal Albert Dock brings together the best elements of the city’s important history and modern character. Now renovated into shops, bars and restaurants, the 19th-century warehouses are a great place to walk, explore and experience the culture of the city.
From here, you and the kids can enjoy the Victorian Carousel, take the Magical Mystery Tour or simply enjoy looking out over the Mersey.
The Maritime Museum
Liverpool was home to many people who lived most of their lives at sea. Here and at the neighbouring International Slavery Museum, you can find out all about the city’s growth as a major port, its history of immigration and its place in the fateful story of Titanic.
Old Dock tours are run regularly from the museum or you can explore their collection yourself, with plenty of events and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Knowsley Safari
If you fancy taking in some of the not-so-local wildlife, you can take a 20-minute train ride from Lime Street to Prescot station and head to Knowsley Safari. Here, you can explore 550 acres of safari from the safety of a guided bus or even on foot. See lions, tigers and rhinos out on the grounds or get to meet birds of prey, giraffes and meerkats up close in one of the park’s experiences.
Sefton Park
On summer days, Sefton Park is the place to visit for locals and visitors. As a Grade-listed park, you’ll discover lots of hidden spaces and monuments as you explore its 200 acres. With plenty of room for the children to play, plus a boating lake, a cafe and the famous glass-panelled Palm House, the park is the perfect place to enjoy a hot, sunny day in the city centre.
Williamson’s Tunnels
Built by 19th-century tobacco merchant Joseph Williamson, the tunnels are rumoured to have been created as a haven in case of Armageddon. Now, they form a mysterious labyrinth under the city’s Edge Hill district, with regular tours run by a group of enthusiasts and volunteers. So why not don a hard hat and experience the city from underground?
Otterspool Park
You may be in a city, but you can still escape to the beach. Otterspool’s Promenade is a great place to stroll and enjoy views of the Mersey, or you can take the kids to the Adventure Park where they can climb, run and play as long as they want. Take a picnic or enjoy lunch at the Otters Cafe for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.
Liverpool City Football Club
Having won their first Premier League title this year, what better time to visit the home of some of the world’s most famous players. Anfield Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Liverpool fans and is a must-visit if you’re looking to soak up some of the local sporting culture. Book onto a stadium tour to get the full experience and remember, don’t mention Everton.
Mersey Ferry Tours
The Mersey has always been at the centre of life in the city. So what better way to round off your trip than to see Liverpool from the water. Ferry tours run regularly from the Albert Dock and take in the whole stretch of the city, from the iconic Liver building to the modern cityscape of this World Heritage dockside. Climb onto the top deck and enjoy seeing Liverpool the way thousands of visitors have for hundreds of years.
Planning a trip to Liverpool
Whatever you plan to do on your family visit to Liverpool, the best way to travel into the centre from other major UK cities is by train. If you’re travelling from London, booking advance tickets for your journey will mean you can enjoy a relaxing trip, with two trains between London and Liverpool departing every hour from Euston station.
You can also get to Liverpool by train easily from Birmingham New Street and Manchester Picadilly, so you can be sure to have a great day trip, wherever you’re travelling from.
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