Liverpool is readying itself for summer and 2019 promises to be one not to miss! With its pretty green spaces, rich musical heritage, lively festivals and intriguing maritime past, the city has something for every taste. Add in the world heritage waterfront, bold architecture and vast collection of museums, coupled with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, and you’ll soon discover why a city break to Liverpool is a must this summer.
Picnic parks are a hive of activity
Hidden among the city’s incredible architecture is an abundance of beautiful green picnic spaces where you can sit back and relax in the summer sun. Alongside its lush green grasses, Sefton Park plays host to exciting music festivals across the summer, welcoming Africa Oye, the Liverpool International Music Festival and Cream Classical in the Park. Reading more your thing? Grab a book and head to Calderstones Park, where The Reader is launching the first international shared reading centre for the summer. Keep an eye out for performances of Shakespeare in the gardens near the main mansion house too. For more outdoor productions, grab your picnic and head to the gorgeous grounds of Speke Hall, where performances are set to run all summer long.
A rooftop drink with a difference
Liverpool has no shortage of buzzing rooftop locations where you can sit with a cocktail in hand and soak up the amazing views. History buffs can gaze out over the Albert Dock from the stunning interior of Carpathia, a cocktail and champagne bar and terrace that’s decked out with artefacts from the historic Carpathia ship that rescued survivors of the Titanic. Foodies can tuck into delicious BBQ grub alongside your cocktails on the terrace at Hus or take in panoramic views from Matou while sampling delights from its extraordinary Pan-Asian menu. Oh Me Oh My’s hidden Goodness Gracious Roof Garden, in the shadow of the iconic Royal Liver Building, also comes alive in the summer sun, while the newly opened Eden has a fresh cocktail menu to mark the occasion. When it comes to making the most of the summer season, Liverpool is always ahead of the game.
A taste of seaside traditions
If you’re looking for an escape from the city, venture north from Liverpool city centre and discover miles of golden sands. Southport is a haven of tranquillity, while fans of water sports can see kite surfers and kite buggying in action at Ainsdale Beach. Immerse yourself in Anthony Gormley’s art installation ‘Another Place’ at Crosby Beach and soak up the atmosphere at New Brighton on the tip of the Wirral peninsula. Why not head south-westwards from Liverpool into Wales for a dose of seaside tradition? Alongside its glorious sandy beach and old-school funicular railway, Llandudno has a traditional pier with a handful of arcade games and even a Punch and Judy show. Colwyn Bay has miles of soft sands and acts as a gateway to the best of North Wales’ adventure sports. Grab your chance to fly at 100mph over an old quarry on the Zip World Velocity 2 zip wire and feel your heart racing at the National White Water Rafting Centre.
Come as you are to celebrate Pride
2019 marks 50 years since the Stonewall riots that sparked the global Pride movement and Liverpool has big plans to celebrate. Pride in Liverpool is returning to Tithebarn Street in the heart of the city’s Gay Quarter, with live entertainment, music and activities that celebrate equality and diversity. The theme for this year, Come as You Are, encourages everyone to come together in the spirit of friendship and respect, so as the rainbow flag flies high and proud over the city on 27-28 July, join the traditional parade through Liverpool and discover the welcoming heart of Pride.
Musical culture unlike anywhere else
As the city that gave the world the Beatles, Liverpool is proud of its musical and cinematic roots. From a visit to the Beatles Story or the renowned Cavern Club to a trip down Penny Lane, there’s no better place than Liverpool to immerse yourself in the world of the Fab Four. Don’t miss when Yesterday launches in British cinemas this summer too, a musical comedy from director Danny Boyle and starring Ed Sheeran that has music by the Beatles at its core. A must for music lovers and Beatles fans alike.
Global flavours from top street vendors
They’ll be a new addition to Liverpool’s thriving street food scene this summer, as the Duke Street Food and Drink Market has just launched in a restored 100-year-old warehouse, providing a platform for the best of Liverpool’s independent foodie brands. Pop to CINDER for open wood fire cooking or grab a drink from the specialist classic cocktail bar. It will also be home to not one, but two, concepts that found success on TV’s Million Pound Menu – Cuban street food specialists FINCA and Iberian venture Pilgrim. Baltic Market is the city’s original street food market and there’s plenty for you to get your teeth into, from savoury donuts and dim sum, to tacos, tostadas, frozen yogurts and deep fried chicken. Camp and Furnace also features an eclectic menu in its warehouse space that you can enjoy, while DJs and musicians provide the ultimate in summer-friendly beats.