10 amazing heritage sites you can visit for free in Liverpool City Region this month 

Heritage Open Days, the country’s largest festival of history and culture, is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this month as it returns with loads of free events and activities.

Heritage Open Days will take place between 6-15 September. People can find out more about their heritage, community and local history – and even explore buildings that aren’t normally open to the public. 

There are more than 5,000 fascinating spaces and places to be enjoyed, from historic houses to factories and museums, formal gardens and graveyards, and more.

And there are plenty you can visit across Liverpool City Region, like these…

The Municipal Hotel & Spa, Liverpool

To celebrate Heritage Week, The Municipal Hotel & Spa is hosting heritage tours, offering a unique glimpse into the Dale Street building’s rich history as the former home of Liverpool City Council.

More info here.

Wavertree Lock Up

Discover Wavertree Lock Up, a listed building on Wavertree Village Green that’s more than 200 years old. It was originally used to house local drunks but was also home to Irish immigrant families during the potato famine.

More info here.

St Chad’s Church, Kirkby

St. Chad’s has been at the heart of the community for centuries, and for most of that time was a small chapel in a small agricultural community. But 150 years ago, the current church was built by the Earl of Sefton, and Kirkby was elevated to its own parish, with a building that contains the best of its Victorian era. 

More info here.

British Lawnmower Museum, Southport

Go on a one-hour guided tour around the British Lawnmower Museum with curator, author and ex-racing champion Brian Radam to learn more about the humble lawnmower – and see some that belonged to the rich and famous including rock legend Brian May, Paul O’Grady, and the then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana!

More info here.

The Smithy Heritage Centre, Eccleston, St Helens

Adding to its ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ exhibition of clothing and accessories from World War Two, The Smithy’s looking at life on the Home Front and finding out how people coped with the restrictions of rationing. Try food made from wartime recipes and get seeds to grow your own.

More info here.

Mersey Tunnel Tours – Georges Dock Building, Liverpool

Georges Dock Building will open its doors to let visitors see behind its Art Deco exterior. It was one of six ventilation stations for the Queensway Tunnel and also the most ornate, as it was built to be head office for Mersey Tunnels. There’ll be free mini tours and a small display of artefacts and photographs.

More info here.

The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool

Join The Bluecoat for creative activities inspired by its history as the oldest arts centre in the UK. There will be artist-led activities, games and more, and it’s suitable for all the family.

More info here.

Strawberry Field

Visit Strawberry Field, where a young John Lennon often played and is now home to an interactive visitor centre with exhibition and garden tour. Five years since its launch Strawberry Field is opening its iconic gates to everyone with free entry during its anniversary weekend.

More info here.

The Hartley Hut, Mann Island

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see inside the Hartley Hut, one of three watchmen huts at the Royal Albert Dock. Join the dock gateman as he shares stories about the hut and explore finds from recent dockside excavations with the archaeology team.

More info here.

Hadlow Road Station, Willaston, Wirral

Hadlow Road Station’s a historic railway station preserved as it was in the 1950s. The station buildings are Grade II English Heritage listed and include a waiting room, ticket office and signal box along with public toilets.

More info here.

Find out more about the Heritage Open Days festival here.

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