Liverpool’s charm isn’t just reserved for sunny days. When the rain clouds gather there’s lots of indoor activities in Liverpool and the local region. Whether you want to explore renowned museums, wander through stunning art collections, or discover modern art, you’ll find plenty to do in this guide.
Museums
Museum of Liverpool
Want to find out more about the history of the city? Then take a trip to the Museum of Liverpool.
Maritime Museum & The International Slavery Museum
To discover Liverpool’s Seafaring past, head to the Maritime Museum. While you’re there, pay a visit to the International Slavery Museum and hear the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery.
World Museum
The World Museum is great for exploring Ancient history, outer space and coming up close to some critters. The full dome Planetarium is the perfect way to discover more about the Earth and Universe.
Port Sunlight Museum
Port Sunlight Museum is an award-winning museum that tells the story of William Lever and his vision to create a village for workers at his Sunlight Soap factory. Explore how the village developed over the years, from the working and living conditions to the charming architecture, and meet the people who built it and lived here.
Western Approaches HQ
Western Approaches HQ Museum is a precious time capsule that will transport you back to WW2, their self-guided tours take around 1.5 hours. Walk through hidden rooms and discover the stories locked in the WW2 bunker that protected the tactics of the British Armed Forces and aided the Allied victory.
The Beatles Story
The award-winning The Beatles Story is the the world’s largest permanent exhibition telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles. The exhibition features walk through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios, and many more. Additionally, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of authentic memorabilia such as original instruments, clothing, John Lennon’s glasses, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, never-before-seen photography and original handwritten lyrics.
Art Galleries
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool is home to an impressive collection of art galleries from traditional to contemporary work. The Walker Art Gallery, houses paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. The collection includes European Renaissance paintings, masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt and Turner and the winners of the John Moores Painting Prize.
Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool holds international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, including work from Picasso, Tracey Emin and Sir Peter Blake. Their impressive collections could easily take hours to explore and their kids zone is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged too. * While the Tate Liverpool building at the Royal Albert Dock is closed for improvement, Tate Liverpool has moved into the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North, Mann Island.*
The Bluecoat
The Bluecoat also offers a unique and varied programme of visual art, performance and literature. They host a regular programme of family events for all ages, so budding artists have a place to explore their creativity.
Open Eye Gallery
If photography is your thing, Open Eye Gallery is an independent not-for-profit photography gallery and archive championing photography as an art form, hosting entertaining exhibitions.
Sudley House
With a trip to Sudley House you can explore the home of George Holt and his family, a Victorian merchant with impeccable taste in period furniture and paintings.
Williamson Art Gallery
Visit Williamson Art Gallery to view their collections of artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and maritime history. They are also home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK, and to some internationally important paintings.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
And if you want to discover one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative arts, then a visit to the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Wirral is a must.
FACT
FACT is the UK’s leading organisation for the support and exhibition of art and film that embraces new technology and explores digital culture. They have two large art galleries, three cinema screens showing mainstream and art house films, a media and events space, a lab for learning and experimentation, a café and a bar.
The Atkinson, Southport
The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. You can find them in the middle of the iconic Lord Street and just 3 minutes’ walk from Southport train station.
They offer an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Significant investment has been made in refurbishing their stunning 19th century buildings to create a welcoming and accessible multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
British Music Experience
You can discover the extensive history of British Rock and Pop music at the British Music Experience. With over 600 artefacts charting the UK’s musical past with memorabilia, stage outfits, instruments, images and footage, it charts the beginnings, rise and influence of British pop from 1945 to the present day.
There’s plenty to see in their galleries and you can engage in their audio visual experiences and hologram performances. Plus, you can get hands on in their interactive zones including the Gibson Interactive Studio where you can learn to play guitar, drums or keyboards. Or dance your way through the eras in the Dance the Decades studio.
Central Library
Liverpool’s Central Library was remodelled and reopened in 2013 and is full of surprises. Check out their famous collections of rare books housed in the stunning Hornby Library and Oak Room, as well the impressive Picton Reading Room. You can also study their rare archives from the 13th century to the present day which tell Liverpool’s story.
The Anglican & Metropolitan Cathedrals
A visit to both the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals is a great way to take in some awe-inspiring architecture, with plenty of features to explore in both buildings. The Anglican Cathedral, Britain’s biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe, is free to enter. You can also choose to do the the tower and audio tour which is highly recommended.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is steeped in history too. Beneath the Cathedral lies a unique opportunity to view one of the city’s greatest architectural gems, The Lutyens’ Crypt. And it’s no ordinary cathedral crypt; to many in the city this is Liverpool’s third cathedral, a secret spiritual space.
The World of Glass, St Helens
From its humble beginnings to its rise as a world leader in Glass making, you can find what made St Helens great, at The World Of Glass in St Helens. Step into St Helens past and relive life in the town in the last century.
You can also find out about properties of glass, look through periscopes and microscopes, and play with lenses to change the colours in light. Plus admire contemporary glass and beautiful designs from some of the Worlds greatest makers.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.