Things to Do in Liverpool

A huge neoclassical building from the 1850s that was designed as a concert hall and law court. The Great Hall with its vaulted ceiling and Minton tiles is free to enter during opening hours. You can also see the old courtrooms (usually free, but smal

🕐 Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00–16:00 (closed Sunday–Monday)

💡 Ask at the desk for the free guided tour — it’s short (20 mins) but gets you into the basement cells where prisoners were held before trial. Tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00.

A showpiece building that mixes 1860s columns with a huge modern atrium. The Picton Reading Room is the standout — a spectacular domed space lined with books. There is a rooftop garden with views over William Brown Street.

🕐 Monday to Thursday: 09:00–20:00, Friday to Saturday: 09:00–17:00, Sunday: 10:00–17:00

💡 Climb the spiral staircase to the roof terrace — it's usually quiet and gives a great view of St George's Hall.

The centrepiece of Liverpool’s waterfront — a restored 19th-century dock complex with the Tate, The Beatles Story and Merseyside Maritime Museum along its edges. Walking around the cobblestones and the dock edge is free, and you can watch the ferries

🕐 Public space open 24 hours; individual attractions have their own hours.

💡 Take the Mersey Ferry from the pier next door (return ticket about £12) for the best view of the Three Graces — but do the walk along the dock first for free.

Natural history, science and world cultures spread over five floors — think dinosaurs, space, Ancient Egypt and live bug displays. The planetarium is free but you need to book a timed ticket on arrival.

🕐 Monday to Sunday: 10:00–17:00

💡 The aquarium in the basement is tiny but free; kids love it. Also, the rooftop cafe has decent views of the Three Graces.

A 235-acre Victorian park with a boating lake, a palm house (the old glasshouse restored) and a large meadow. Plenty of space for a picnic, plus a good playground for children.

🕐 Park gates open daily 07:00–dusk; Palm House: Wednesday–Sunday 10:00–15:00

💡 Walk to the Palm House — it’s free to enter and often has local art exhibitions. The café there is better than the park café by the lake.