Liverpool On a Rainy Day: 12 Things To Do
Located in the northwest of England, Liverpool is a former industrial city and port this has reinvented itself in recent decades as a fantastic place to visit. The former industrial wealth of the city has left a legacy of beautiful buildings, museums, and art galleries, especially along William Brown Street and the Liverpool waterfront, including the Royal Albert Dock. Taking in some of the most stunning buildings of the city is a great way to spend some time in Liverpool, and just walking around the city and visiting coffee shops, pubs, interesting shops, and other locations can be so much fun.
However, given its geographical location, it probably won't come as a huge surprise to hear that Liverpool has its share of rainy days. Receiving just under 33 inches (835 mm) of rain per year, a trip to Liverpool means being prepared for the rain. And while it rains most in fall and winter, the truth is, a rainy day can strike in just about any season in this northern city.
But rain doesn't have to stop play in this cultural hub. Liverpool has so many great museums and other indoor attractions that you can have a great time no matter what the weather outside is doing. Drop off your bags in a luggage locker in Liverpool, and you'll be able to enjoy some of the best Liverpool museums and other attractions in this justifiably famous city.
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World Museum Liverpool
The World Museum Liverpool is a great choice for a rainy day in the city. As part of the National Museums Liverpool group, this museum covers a huge range of topics including natural history, archaeology, world cultures, ancient civilizations, and more. With so many different galleries to explore, you could easily spend an entire day here. And if the weather really takes a turn for the worse, there's even an IMAX cinema on-site showing some great movies.
The eclectic approach of this museum makes it a great place for all the family. You can explore ancient Egypt in one gallery, then dive into the world of fossils in another. The planetarium is always a hit, and there's so much to see here that you could spend hours in this museum. Best of all for budget travelers, the World Museum is completely free to visit, so you can take a trip around the world and back in time without spending a penny. It's the ideal way to avoid the bad weather on a rainy day and something that should appeal to just about everyone in your travel group.
Royal Albert Dock
No list of things to do in Liverpool on a rainy day would be complete without mentioning the Albert Dock. This is one of the most popular tourist areas in the city and for good reason.
The Albert Dock is home to a number of top attractions, including the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool, and the Maritime Museum. There are also a number of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained.
And best of all, the Albert Dock is located right on the water. So even if it's raining, you can still enjoy some stunning views of the River Mersey.
The Albert Dock is one of the best places to start your exploration of Liverpool. And with so many things to see and do, you could easily spend more than one rainy day here.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Another excellent Liverpool Museum, the Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long maritime history. As a port city, Liverpool has always had a close connection to the sea, and this museum does a great job of explaining that history and bringing it to life.
You can learn about the city's role in the slave trade, explore exhibitions on the Titanic and the RMS Lusitania, and see some fascinating displays on the history of shipping in the region. The Merseyside Maritime Museum is also located in the historic Albert Dock area, so even if you don't go inside you can enjoy exploring this beautiful part of Liverpool. But you really should visit the museum to learn more about the social and commercial history of Liverpool and its importance as a major British port during the heyday of the Empire.
And like the World Museum, entry to the Merseyside Maritime Museum is free. So if you're looking for things to do in Liverpool on a rainy day that won't break the bank, this is a great option.
NQ64
The perfect place to keep the kids entertained when the rain is falling, this arcade is packed with games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Guitar Hero, and Time Crisis, among other classics you may remember from your own childhood.
And don't make the mistake of thinking this is one just for the kids. NQ64 markets itself as an arcade bar, and you should definitely try one of the computer game-themed cocktails or the huge selection of craft beer. As is usually the case in British pubs, families are welcomed, so this is that rare attraction that has something for just about everyone.
NQ64 is located in the heart of Liverpool's Chinatown district, so you can explore this fascinating part of the city before or after spending some time in the arcade. With over 30 classic games to choose from, NQ64 is a great option for a rainy day in Liverpool. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of excellent Chinese restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery is one of the best art museums in the UK and a great choice for a rainy day activity.
The Walker Art Gallery has an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art spanning the last 700 years. You can see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Gauguin, Picasso, and many other famous artists. And if you need a break from all the art, there's even a cafe on site where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea.
Best of all, admission to the Walker Art Gallery is free. So if you're looking for things to do in Liverpool that won't cost you a fortune, this is definitely worth considering.
The Walker Art Gallery is located on William Brown Street, one of Liverpool's most famous streets and the only street in the UK that consists of nothing but museums, galleries, and libraries. That means that you could make a trip to the Walker part of a wider exploration of the cultural highlights of Liverpool while you visit this fascinating street and feed your mind with everything it has to offer.
Beatles Story
For a totally different kind of museum, check out one of Liverpool's top tourist attractions, the Beatles Story. Liverpool is of course known as the home of the Fab Four, perhaps the most successful and well-loved band in history.
The Beatles Story tells the tale of how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr came together to form the band and change the course of popular music. You can see replicas of the Cavern Club, where the Beatles first gained notoriety, as well as a re-creation of Abbey Road Studios, where they recorded some of their most famous albums.
Even if you're not a huge Beatles fan, the Beatles Story is still a great option for a rainy day in Liverpool. It's educational, interesting, and provides a glimpse into one of the most important bands in history. And like many of Liverpool's other attractions, it's located in a beautiful area of the city near Albert Dock. You can learn all the history of this legendary band, then explore more of the almost limitless attractions on Albert Dock to get a real taste of what Liverpool has to offer.
Tate Liverpool
For a truly world-class art experience, head to Tate Liverpool on a rainy day. This gallery is part of the Tate network of galleries, which includes some of the best art museums in the world.
Tate Liverpool has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and many other major artists. You can also see special exhibitions that change on a regular basis.
And like the Walker Art Gallery, admission to Tate Liverpool is free. Tate Liverpool is located on Albert Dock, one of the most popular tourist areas in the city. That makes it easy to combine with some of the city's other top attractions like the Beatles Story, the Maritime Museum, and the Brittania Vaults. As a result, you could easily spend more than just one rainy day in this lively area.
Baltic Market
If you're looking for a more unique experience, head to Baltic Market on a rainy day. This is an indoor market with a focus on local food and drink.
At Baltic Market, you can try some of Liverpool's best local produce, including cheese, bread, meat, and beer. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants if you need something to eat.
Baltic Market is located in the city's historic Baltic Triangle area. This is one of the most up-and-coming areas of Liverpool, with a lot of new bars and restaurants popping up all the time. So if you're looking for something a bit different, this is definitely worth checking out. Foodies won't want to miss this deep dive into Liverpool's culinary scene, and you can even take a guided tour of the Baltic Triangle to learn more about what makes the area so special.
Adventureland
If you're looking for things to do with kids in Liverpool, Adventureland is a great option. This indoor play center is perfect for a rainy day, and the kids will love it.
Adventureland has a huge climbing wall, a soft play area, and a number of other activities to keep the kids entertained. And if you need a break, there's a cafe on-site where you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
Adventureland is located not far from the city center, so it's easy to combine with some of Liverpool's other attractions. And with a reasonable admission price, it's a great option for families on a budget.
Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE is a large shopping center that's perfect for a rainy day. With over 170 shops, restaurants, and cafes, you can easily spend a whole day here enjoying some of the best shopping in Liverpool.
And if you get tired of shopping, there are a number of other attractions located within Liverpool ONE. These include the Museum of Liverpool, the Walker Art Gallery, and The Beatles Story.
So if you're looking for things to do in Liverpool on a rainy day, Liverpool ONE is a great option. With something for everyone, it's the perfect place to escape the weather and enjoy some indoor fun.
Magical Mystery Tour
If you just can't get enough of the Beatles, Liverpool's popular Magical Mystery Tour is the perfect complement to the city's well-regarded Beatles Museum. The tour will take you to places made famous by the songs of the band, including Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane, so you can have fun exploring Liverpool with other Beatles fans. For a quirky way to see more of the city, this specialist tour is hard to beat.
Visit Anfield
No trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC. Even if you're not a big football fan, a visit to Anfield is a great way to experience the passion and energy of the city.
You can take a tour of Anfield Stadium, learn about the club's history at the Liverpool FC Story museum, and even see the famous redshirted players in action at a match. Tickets to a home game aren't easy to come by, but if you do manage to get one, you'll be treated to what is generally regarded as the best atmosphere in the English game.
If you're looking for things to do in Liverpool on a rainy day, Anfield is the perfect option. With so much to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day here.
Conclusion
Rainy days aren't exactly a rare occurrence in Liverpool. Luckily, the city is set up for that. No matter what the weather is doing, you won't struggle to find fun and interesting activities to keep you occupied. Drop off your bags at a Liverpool luggage storage and get ready to fall in love with this northern city.
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