By Ade Blackburn
Looking for ways to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors around the Liverpool city region this summer? There’s a variety of activities from open-air theatre to relaxing walks and encounters with adorable farm animals to thrilling water sports. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, family adventures, or a chance to commune with nature, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the highlights that await.
Outdoor Theatre
Step into the wilderness this summer for tales of the woodland weird, unholy rites and ancient places of cosmic power with the ArtsGroupie CIC production of Midsummer Night’s Scream. They continue to revive the storytelling tradition with a summer solstice slant, performed by local authors John Maguire and David Griffiths at performance gardens across the city, 11 – 19 June. There are also excellent outdoor theatre productions being staged this summer at The Reader at Calderstones Park.
Festivals
Following record breaking attendances last year, Africa Oye will take over Sefton Park once again for two packed days of live music, dance, workshops, DJ stages, food stalls, traders and more. The much-loved event will this year take place 22 – 23 June 2024 with the festival running from 12:30pm to 9:30pm both days.
The On The Waterfront Festival at the Pier Head, 20 – 23 June, is also worth checking out, with performances from Ocean Colour Scene, Deacon Blue and Ben Hemsley.
For something more genteel, the Southport Flower Show, 15 – 18 August, offers spectacular floral displays, gardening advice and cookery demonstrations.
Sports
Looking to get wet and wild? Wirral Watersports Centre, based at West Kirby Marine Lake, offer a full range of water sport activities in a scenic and calming location, ideal for a family day out.
Crosby also has the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, offering a host of water sports and outdoor activities. Plus, Southport’s Marine Lake has self-drive motorboats and a wild jet boat ride, not for the faint hearted!
Beach trips
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take the short train journey to Crosby Beach, which is home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ – a fascinating display of outdoor art. Another Place consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres and stretching almost one kilometre out to sea.
The Liverpool City Region has over 50 miles of coastline, including the scenic West Kirby and Formby Beaches, which are also ideal for the family.
Walks and wildlife
Enjoy a family day out at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, discover the wildlife, take part in their orienteering walk or visit the miniature railway track, admission to the park is free.
Another excellent area to discover is Childwall Woods, a 39 acre woodland and a designated Local Nature Reserve in the south of Liverpool, the woods have views overlooking the Lancashire and Cheshire plain. You can also take part in one of their nature trails.
For something different and perfect for kids, Rice Lane City Farm is the ideal place to see some farm animals up close and all for free! There is even a petting farm where you can help take care of the animals. The farm is situated in Walton just outside the city centre,
Parks
A park in the middle of the city is the perfect place to escape. Head up to Chavasse Park for a picnic, there’s often different events and activities taking place to enjoy and it’s a great sun trap in the summer.
Birkenhead Park helped inspire the design of Central Park in New York City and is also an impressive park in its own right. There’s lots to do including a large adventure playground for children, tennis courts, bowling greens, football pitches and two large fishing lakes. Head on the Merseyrail Wirral Line to West Kirby and get off at Birkenhead Park Station.
Bike Trails
Hop on two wheels and enjoy a ride out along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, or the Transpennine Trail. There are many cycling routes that start and end in Liverpool.
St Helens also has some great bike trails, from easy to expert level, including the Spike Island loop from St Helens Central.
The Wirral Way, which forms part of Wirral Country Park, is also perfect for cycling, a 12 mile traffic-free ride running from West Kirby to Hooton.
If you’re still looking for more things to do around the Liverpool city region take a look at our What’s On listings.
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.