Liverpool is a thrilling city to visit all year round, but visiting in the winter offers unique opportunities for fun that you won't want to miss out on. No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, this city can provide it. One of the best aspects about Liverpool in the winter is the sheer number of events taking place. Of course, you can also find more private experiences and attractions with enough variety to keep the whole family entertained throughout the colder months. Here are the 10 best things to do in Liverpool in winter.
- 1
Liverpool Christmas Market
Embrace the vacation spirit with this market
- Families
- Food
- Shoppers
The Liverpool Christmas Market is an annual winter market showcasing vacation food and crafts and other festivities. When you visit this bustling market, you'll find numerous stalls offering a wide variety of items, including handmade gifts, artisan goods and vacation foods. Some of the most popular items here include mulled wine and other festive offerings. Of course, foodies are sure to enjoy the sweet treats and the delicious food from the Bavarian broil. Even the decorations and vibrant lights make this market a memorable visit for the whole family.
- 2
Museum of Liverpool
Explore the city's rich history
- Families
- History
Read moreThe Museum of Liverpool is a fascinating museum showcasing the history of Liverpool, its people and its impact on the world. Located at Pier Head on the waterfront, the exhibitions here are quite varied, so you'll find art, botanical collections, oral testimonies and archeological material among its collections. When you visit this museum, you'll find 4 primary themes on display. The museum captures Liverpool as a Great Port, a Global City, a People's Republic and a Wondrous Place. Each of these themes are subsequently separated into 4 unique gallery spaces with memorabilia dedicated to telling the city's story.
Location: Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 1DG, UK
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)
Phone: +44 (0)1514 784545
Map - 3
Chavasse Park
Spend time in the outdoors
- Couples
- Families
Read moreChavasse Park is an open park space with peaceful seating neighborhoods, walking paths, and landscaped gardens. Located in Liverpool ONE near restaurants and attractions, Chavasse Park is a tranquil spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and unwind from sightseeing. You’ll find plenty to see and do in the park, such as nature trails for kids with information about the local wildlife and seasonal festivals and events. If you want to spend more time outdoors, The Terrace offers al fresco meals overlooking the park and takeout options for a park picnic.
Location: Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1512 323100
Mapphoto by John Bradley (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
- 4
Tate Liverpool
Explore an iconic art gallery
- Families
- History
Read moreTate Liverpool is a famous art gallery that showcases work from the Tate Collection, a prestigious collection of British art dating back to the 16th century. Located on the Royal Albert Dock, the museum's permanent collection spans centuries as you'll find contemporary works from the Guerrilla Girls and works from Henri Matisse. The unifying theme is British art. In addition to the Tate Collection, you'll also find temporary exhibitions and events frequently being held here. While the works on display during these exhibitions may be unique compared to anything in the Tate Collection, they still embody quintessentially British art.
Location: Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1517 027400
Map - 5
Liverpool ONE
Go shopping in an open-air complex
- Families
- Shoppers
Read moreLiverpool ONE is a massive open-air shopping mall where you'll find more than 160 shops of various kinds that the whole family can enjoy. Located on Wall Street, you'll find luxurious and budget-friendly shops in equal measure at the center, whether you're looking for clothes, electronics or toys for kids. In addition to the shops, this center also features a movie theater. The Odeon Liverpool ONE movie theater is among the largest in the city with more than 3,000 seats among 14 screening rooms. Additionally, you'll find a 36-hole mini golf center for fun after shopping.
Location: 5 Wall St, Liverpool L1 8JQ, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1512 323100
Mapphoto by Alex Liivet (CC BY 2.0) modified
- 6
Cavern Walks
Explore a miniature shopping mall
- Families
- Shoppers
Read moreCavern Walks is a shopping mall with trendy boutiques and services with something for everyone. Located in the heart of the historic Cavern Quarter, this shopping mall takes pride in offering a unique collection of independent retailers and designer brands, catering to every style and taste. Among the shops at this complex, you'll find Cricket, Vivienne Westwood, Boudoir Boutique, Kids Cavern, and Nail Nation among others. Additionally, you can grab something to eat and drink at one of the 2 local cafes known as Lucy in the Sky and Chantilly.
Location: 12 a cavern walks, Liverpool L2 6RE, UK
Open: Monday–Wednesday from 9 am to 5.30 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1512 369082
Map - 7
Radio City Tower
See breathtaking views
- Budget
- Families
- Photo
Read moreThe Radio City Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in town, and you can visit the top to take in panoramic views of the expansive city skyline. Located in the St Johns Shopping Center, the tower stretches about 121 meters above the city's center, so you'll find impressive sights in every direction. The views from the tower are particularly impressive given the extent of your vision. Specifically, you'll be able to see some of the most iconic landmarks in town like St Johns Beacon. Additionally, you'll be able to see as far as North Wales, Lancashire and even Blackpool on clear days.
Location: 1 Houghton St, Liverpool L1 1RL, UK
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10.15 am to 5.15 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1514 726800
Map - 8
The Sandcastle Waterpark
Splash around in a waterpark
- Adventure
- Families
Read moreThe Sandcastle Waterpark is an indoor waterpark that lets you enjoy some aquatic fun even if it's the middle of winter with slides, pools and more. Located at South Beach at Blackpool, this family-friendly waterpark is one of the largest in the country, and it features 18 total attractions including a V-shaped slide and a wave pool. In addition to the rides, you'll also find spots to get something to eat and drink during your stay. Additionally, there's a spa area that's particularly popular with adults who are just looking to relax while their kids enjoy playing throughout the pools and slides.
Location: Promenade, Blackpool FY4 1BB, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1253 343602
Map - 9
The Royal Standard
Discover an artists' hub
- Photo
The Royal Standard is an artist-led gallery and studio that’s designed to encourage creativity and artistic expression through public exhibitions and workshops. Located in the Northern Lights in Cains Brewery Village L8, the gallery hosts unique exhibitions each month and worked with over 350 artists over the years. To further enhance the Royal Standard as a creative hub, the gallery delivers monthly workshops for members to learn new techniques and methods. The gallery also partners with other creative organizations across the city.
Location: 3 Mann St, Liverpool L8 5AF, UK
Phone: +44 (0)7938 748273
Map - 10
Central Library
Relax at a library
- Budget
- History
- Photo
Central Library is a popular library and one of the largest in the country with impressive architectural designs and a vast collection of books and documents. The collection itself was built up over more than 150 years, so you'll find several examples of well-preserved historical works and rare books. The library is located on William Brown Street and features literary sidewalk leading to it in the form of a clever entrance riddle. Within the library, you'll find the Picton Reading Room, a massive room with books from floor to ceiling several floors high. It's also remarkably quiet making it a premier place to relax if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EW, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 3 pm (closed on Saturday–Sunday)
Phone: +44 (0)1512 333069
Map