36 places to go and activities to enjoy around Liverpool as temperature soar
We've compiled a list of sunny outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying the good weather
Liverpool is gearing up for a mini heatwave this weekend with highs of 20C. As the city rivals Spanish temperatures, it's the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy everything the region has to offer.
We are lucky to have so many beautiful parks, pubs and activities right on our doorstep. From picturesque family walks and children's splash parks to indie beer gardens and gorgeous beaches, you're never short of options.
The hotter-than-Barcelona weather is confirmed for at least another week so plan your schedule accordingly. To help, we've compiled 36 great outdoor places to go and activities to enjoy - for kids and adults - around Liverpool.
Formby Beach
A quieter stretch than Crosby, Formby has plenty of space to spread out, making it feel less touristy. The golden sand seems to go on for miles and high dunes create a dramatic landscape.
With this stretch a the National Trust Formby, where you can enjoy a walk through the pinewoods - home to the red squirrels - before or after visiting the beach.
Address: Victoria Road, Formby, L37 1LJ
Booking information: N/A
Stanley Park Market
The weekly Wednesday market, which started with 50 stalls, quickly grew to hosting 100 stalls weekly, offering a range of fresh produce and goods. The expansion saw Stanley Park transformed into a vibrant hub of local activity which invited visitors from across the city every week.
Address: Stanley Road Car Park, Priory Road, Anfield, L4 0TQ
Booking information: N/A
Calderstones fun fair
Calderstones is gearing up to host this year's funfair which offers guests the chance to ride as many times as they like for a small fee. Until Monday, April 21, families can enjoy as many thrills as they can handle at the set price of £14.99
Address: Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool L18 3JB
Booking information: N/A
Liverpool Watersports Centre
Liverpool Watersports Centre is an award-winning aqua park in the heart of the city centre that boasts exciting activities and stunning views of the waterfront.
There is plenty to get up to at the water sports centre including paddle boarding around Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock, bouncing on a water trampoline and tackling the slippery assault course.
Address: 110 Mariners Wharf, Queens Dock, Liverpool , L3 4DG
Booking information: Here
Crosby Beach
The six-mile stretch features the 100 cast-iron figures, with sights of the Wirral and the North Wales hills in the background. Located at the start of the 22-mile Sefton Coastal Path, and thanks to its close proximity to the Port of Liverpool, it is an ideal place to look out for container and cruise ships. The nearby Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre offers additional fun for anyone making the trip.
Address: Hall Road, Blundellsands L23 8SY
Booking information: N/A
Wavertree Botanic Gardens
It features a walled garden, ornamental carpet bedding, children's play areas with swings, roundabout, multi-play and spring mobile, an ornamental fountain, summer house and fishpond, glasshouses and ancillary buildings.
Address: Edge Lane, Liverpool L7 9PL
Booking information: N/A
Newsham Park
Newsham Park is set in 121 acres it is a Grade II listed Victorian park which is surrounded by fine period architecture and also includes a fishing lake. The park's historic features include the Grade II listed Newsham House - where Queen Victoria once stayed - the Grade II listed Seamen's Orphan Institution and cast iron bandstand.
Address: Access via Sheil Road, Prescot Road and West Derby Road L6 7UF
Booking information: N/A
Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale is an adventure seekers' paradise frequented by kite surfers, kite buggies and cyclists, with free classes to discover the surrounding area and local wildlife. If walking isn’t your thing this is the one for you as car parking spaces are available right on the beach.
The adjacent Ainsdale Discovery Centre is also worth a visit, to find out more about the local wildlife and habitat. The centre is also a hub for those taking part in activities or anyone who would like to rent a bicycle.
Address: Shore Rd, Southport PR8 2QA
Booking information: N/A
Archery and zip wires at Apple Jacks
Apple Jacks Adventure Farm offers a variety of activities including tractor-trailer rides, pig racing, archery, zip wires, obstacle course and roller skating. There is also a giant maize maze for all the family to get lost in, featuring rows and rows of tall maize crops for you to explore and includes a central viewing platform.
If you work up an appetite you can head to the on-site grill venue which serves up fast food including chips, burgers, hot dogs, salads and sandwiches.
Address: Stretton Rd, Warrington WA4 4NW
Booking information: Here
The Elephant Pub and Bakehouse
The south Liverpool suburb of Woolton is great for an afternoon pub crawl, with plenty of decent venues to choose from. The Elephant boasts the best beer garden in the village.
Sprawling along Woolton Street, there's plenty of space on offer. The atmosphere really kicks up a gear when the sun comes out and the gin balloons start flowing.
Address: 1 Woolton Street, Woolton, L25 5NH
Booking information: N/A
Southport Pleasureland
A log flume, a classic roller coaster, teacup rides and flying swings will keep the kids occupied for hours. Southport Pleasureland is great for families on a budget or simply wanting to enjoy the best of the area.
Address: Marine Dr, Southport PR8 1RX
Booking information: Here
Sub Rosa
Sub Rosa boasts stylish bench seating, hanging lights, vibrant red shelters, palm trees and wildflowers which all seamlessly blend together. There's also a selection of food on offer including pizza from The Canteen.
The drinks list includes the venue's very own lager and pale ale, made with its neighbour Black Lodge Brewery, as well as gin slushes, zesty spritzers and more.
Address: 3 Kings Dock St, Liverpool L1 8JU
Booking information: N/A
Botanical Garden
Something of a hidden gem, this venue is a pretty oasis kitted out with all manner of flora and fauna. Located in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, the venue's beautiful garden is a sun trap.
Address: 49 New Bird Street, L1 0DN
Booking information: N/A
Princes Park
The Grade II historic park in Toxteth features a fishing lake and historical features such as the foundations of the former Grade II listed boathouse and sunburst entrance gates. The park features a children's play area with swings, rotational climber, junior slide, see-saw, climbing frame and spring mobile.
Address: Liverpool L8 3TH
Booking information: N/A
Dunes Splash World
Southport's indoor all-weather water park Splash World features fantastic flumes and river rides, a relaxing bubble spa and a recently refurbished toddler area including tipping buckets and fountains. After you've been swimming, take a walk through Southport or get some fish and chips to satisfy the appetite you've just worked up.
Address: Esplanade, Southport PR8 1RX
Booking information: Here
Knowsley Safari
The star of the Channel 4 'Secret Life of the Safari Park' docuseries is inviting guests to experience the lions, buffalo and baboons first-hand alongside hundreds of other animals that call the park home.
A great rainy day activity as families can remain in their cars to experience the animals in their natural habitats. In case you're worried about the baboons damaging your car, a specially equipped bus covered in ropes and ladders is available too.
Address: Prescot L34 4AN
Booking information: here.
Southport Beach
Southport beach is a great place to visit for an authentic seaside experience. Take a stroll down the Grade II listed pier, which is the oldest iron pier and the second longest in the country after Southend.
When you reach the far end you can refresh yourself in the licensed cafe. Back on the beach treat yourself to fish and chips and take in the view of nearby Blackpool - when the sky is clear you’ll even see the famous tower.
Address: Promenade, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1QX
Booking information: N/A
Allerton Hall
Locally known as the 'pub in the park', it feels like you're in a quintessentially English country garden outside this red stone building off Springwood Avenue.
A particularly good option if you've got energetic kids, as there's a play area and tons of space for them to run around on the grass. There's also some pretty nature trails and woodland areas surrounding the pub, if you need to work up an appetite first.
Address: Springwood Avenue, L25 7UN
Booking information: N/A
Otterspool Adventure
The outdoor adventure play area is free for kids to use with no tickets required. If you purchase an adventure pass you will get discounted entry to the four chargeable attractions, including the bouncing pillow, mini-quad bikes race course, volvo diggers and the maze.
Address: 37 Otterspool Dr, Liverpool. L17 5AL
Booking information: Here
New Brighton Beach
New Brighton is a fantastic and classic option for a family day out. A range of attractions are available alongside the mile-long stunning sandy beach with gorgeous views as far as the eye can see.
Address: New Brighton Beach, Wallasey. CH45 3PZ
Booking information: N/A
West Kirby Beach
At just 300m long West Kirby beach may be small but it's beautiful. On a sunny day it’s jam-packed with sun-worshipers, windsurfers and people making the two mile trek to Hilbre Island.
Next to the beach is Marine Lake; a 52 acre, five foot deep saltwater lake, enclosed by a walkway and home to the Wirral Sailing School. The town itself has a great choice of shops, cafes, wine bars and restaurants, adding to its daytripper appeal.
Address: West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG
Booking information: N/A
Chester Zoo
If the wildlife experience isn't for you, Chester Zoo offers 27,000 endangered and exotic animals for you to watch and enjoy at your leisure.
Address: Chester CH2 1EU
Booking information: Here
Adventure Dock Co.
The Adventure Dock Co is one of Liverpool’s wettest family attractions that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. With a giant inflatable obstacle course on the water and huge inflatable slides, trampolines and rafts, it packs non-stop fun for hours on end.
Address: Gower St Dukes Dock, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
Booking information: Here
Model Railway Village in Southport
This Southport attraction is ideal for kids who love trains. Across 1.5 acres of miniature landscape, families can watch a range of iconic models chug around the course surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Address: King’s Gardens, Lower Promenade, Southport PR8 1QX
Booking information: Here
Moreton Beach
Often overlooked, Moreton beach is a beautiful little hideaway along the coastline of Wirral that becomes fully exposed at low tides and has stunning sunsets. This because is perfect for long walks and quiet evenings.
The water was found to be excellent when reviewed last year and it is part of the Wirral Coastal Walk. Just a short walk away there is the historic Leasowe Lighthouse and Leasowe common, which is perfect for picnics, ball games and kite-flying.
Address: Birkenhead, Moreton, Wirral CH46 4TA
Booking information: N/A
The Ice Cream Farm
The Ice Cream Farm is home to more than 50 different flavours of ice cream. The family-friendly attraction also has a farm and different play areas, including arcades, discos and soft play areas for all ages and weather conditions.
Address: The Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Cheshire, CH3 9NE
Booking information: Here
Birkenhead Park
Less than a 10-minute train journey from Liverpool city centre, visitors can discover this historic park’s meadows, woodland and lakes. There’s also a great adventure playground for the kids as well as two cricket clubs, tennis courts, bowling greens, football pitches and a cafe.
Address: Park Dr, Birkenhead CH41 4HY
Booking information: N/A
Claremont Farm
Claremont isn't the typical farm. It offers an array of events and evenings for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you're picking strawberries, or stopping by for a theatre or cinema night, there's no shortage of invitations to take up.
Address: Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral. CH63 4JB
Booking information: Here
Festival Gardens
The park is described by many as a hidden gem of the city. Festival Gardens were originally the site of The International Garden Festival which was the UK’s first ever garden festival in 1984. It features oriental gardens, pagodas, lakes, waterways and waterfalls.
Address: Riverside Dr, Liverpool L17 5BU
Booking information: N/A
Sandhill Strawberry Farm
Sandhill allows families the chance to pick all of their produce themselves or choose from the Farm Shop with no effort needed. From June - mid-August, you can pick strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.
Address: Sandhill Strawberry Farm, Warrington Road. Rainhill, Prescot. Merseyside. L35 6PG
Booking information: 0151 4932022
Gulliver's World
The park has a selection of rides, attractions and shows for families to enjoy. There's plenty to experience, from the wild rides in the Western World to the thrilling rides of Smugglers Wharf.
Address: Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
Booking information: Here
Croxteth Country Park
Even bigger than Sefton Park, this space in West Derby boasts 500 acres of land. The country park offers woodland, pastures, ponds, streams and a network of paths and trails that are easy to lose yourself on. The park is home to Croxteth Park Farm, a traditional working Victorian farm with plenty for families to see and do.
Address: Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool L11 1EH
Booking information: N/A
Hoylake Beach
When the tide is out at Hoylake, it goes way out, leaving a vast expanse of sand and rock pools. Quieter than nearby West Kirby and popular with young families and dog walkers, yet just as easy to access with the train station a five minute walk and plenty of free parking nearby.
The Hoylake Lifeboat Station, situated on the promenade, has existed for more than 200 years and has a museum dedicated to the crews who have saved more than 800 lives.
Booking information: N/A
Chavasse Park
There is a huge variety of venues to enjoy from continental high street restaurants to lively bars and entertainment facilities. If you just fancy relaxing on the grass, then you can do just that and watch the world go by from the city centre.
Address: Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW
Booking information: N/A
Sefton Park
You might need more than a day to explore Sefton Park as the Grade 1 historic 235-acre park certainly isn’t short on greenspace. A day can be spent relaxing by the boating lake, the bandstand or the Palm House.
The Palm House itself has plenty of events happening throughout the year as does Sefton Park. Explorers can check out the grotto, better known as 'Old Nick's caves', the Fairy Glen or head straight for the children’s playground which includes swings, slides, climbing frames, a roundabout and a multi-play area.
Address: Sefton Park, South Liverpool, L17 1AJ
Booking information: N/A
WYLD Sauna
The last thing you'd want in a heatwave is to sit in a sauna but WYLD allows guests to dive directly into its surrounding Princes Docks waters for an immediate cooldown.
The sauna also offers four ice baths, two cold waterfall showers, four heated outdoor showers with salt rub and outdoor seating - so you have plenty of options to enjoy.
Address: 12a Princes Parade, Liverpool L3 1BG
Booking information: Here