10 things you can do before 10pm in Liverpool

New restrictions have come into force this week – but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out and about to enjoy – and support – our city.

The sun is shining and, as always, there’s so much we can do, while still following the new guidelines to make sure we keep ourselves and everyone else safe.

It’s important we do everything we can to get rid of Covid-19, but it’s vital too that we look after our physical and mental health (and well as that of our city).

So whether it’s getting some fresh air with the family, or heading to the pub or our favourite – or a new – restaurant or bar with our other half, let’s do it.

If you’re looking for ideas on what you can do safely, here’s our 10 things you can do before 10pm in Liverpool…

1. Culture: Tate Liverpool – Don McCullin

From the 1960s, Don McCullin forged a career as one of the world’s leading photographers of conflict, and he’s spent his life covering war, famine and displacement around the world. 

The results of his efforts can be seen in the unforgettable and, sometimes, harrowing images accompanied by his brutally honest commentaries of the atrocities he witnessed, now on display at Tate Liverpool.

When he was home in the UK McCullin often turned his attention to the lives of people who had been left impoverished by policies of deindustrialisation, and so the exhibition also features images of life and industrial scenes in Liverpool and other northern towns and cities during the 1960s and 70s.

The Don McCullin Exhibition is £13 or free to members with a ticket. Book here.

2. Food: LerPwl 

New to the city but fast becoming one of THE places to eat, The Barrie brothers’ restaurant is attracting foodies to the Royal Albert Dock, so why not find out why?

It’s owned by Ellis – remember him from the Great British Menu and Ready, Steady, Cook? – and Liam Barrie, who are originally from Liverpool and have already opened the highly-praised Marram Grass in Anglesey.

Their amazing menu includes the best sustainably-sourced seafood, including mussels and oysters from the Menai Straits and Cornish razor clams, to delicious home-grown pork and vegetables from The Fat Pig Farm, and other quality ingredients from around the British Isles and beyond.

Enjoy a delicious dinner for two – last booking is currently 6pm – or simply cocktails in Margot’s Bar.

Book a table here.

3. Drinks: BoBo on Castle Street

With the new-style continental look and feel of Castle Street since the introduction of the Liverpool Without Walls project, new Iberian bar BoBo couldn’t be better placed.

Sitting among some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, BoBo now takes the place of the former Veeno site, serving Spanish and Portuguese-inspired drinks and snacks, which means chorizo sausage rolls, charcuterie and cheese boards and… fresh pastel de nata custard tarts.

Combine that with jugs of sparkling sangria, a great wine list and fab offers lined up to make the weekend that bit more special, and it’s worth saying hola (or olá) to this place.

Book here.

4. Cinema: Everyman Cinema

There’s going to the flicks, and there’s enjoying cinema in style and the latter definitely describes the experience at the Metquarter venue.

Now re-opened – and how we’ve missed it – you can watch the latest blockbusters and films from a range of genres in comfort, with its plush seating and food and drink offerings.

Films currently include Bill and Ted Face The Music as Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter recreate their famous alter-egos, and Rocks, about a teenager who fears she and her brother will be forced apart if it’s discovered they’re living alone.

Don’t you love a bit of movie magic?

Book your tickets here.

5. Great outdoors: walking routes

If there’s one thing that’s surprised many of us during lockdown and the coronavirus crisis, it’s how much we’ve enjoyed a walk and stretching our legs.

The Ramblers have seen an increase in people walking so why not give it a go.

There are loads of walks in and around the city, or a little – but not too far – further afield and the best of it is, you can go alone, with family or those in your bubble, and have fun in the open air while distancing yourself from everyone else.

We’ve got lots of suggestions of walks to try, so all you need to do is lace up your trainers or walking boots and put your best foot forward.

11 of the best Liverpool walking routes

11 longer walks within 90 minutes from Liverpool

6. The gym

Lots of gyms have re-opened offering the chance to get lifting those weights or joining in a class like Zumba or Cardio and Core.

Many safety measures have been put in place including temperatures being taken as people enter, everyone being given their own space so they can distance and, of course, vigorous and full-cleaning routines being carried out.

Keeping fit – in the gym or at home – is more important than ever right now.

Connor O’Brien, from Absolute Body Solutions which has gyms in Speke, Liverpool city centre and Manchester, says: “Keeping on top of your fitness improves your immune system, your fitness and strength. It also makes us feel better mentally, as well as physically.”

7. Delivery at home

If you’re isolating, shielding or just playing it safe, you might not be able to enjoy a meal out right now, or have drinks in your favourite bar – at least not just now – but you can have both delivered straight to your doorstep.

So why not let some of the best venues in Liverpool entertain you where you are.

There’s still so many restaurants, bars and cafes delivering food, cocktails, spirits, wine and beer to you – so get ready to relax, unwind, and raise a glass to a fabulous service.

We teamed up with Independent Liverpool and Liverpool BID Company at the very start of lockdown and beyond to create a full directory so you can choose from loaded burgers, perfect pastas and pizzas, Scandanavian Scouse, mouth-watering desserts, cakes, a seemingly endless selection of drinks, and more. All you need to do is pick up the phone, download an app or get online.

See who’s on our directory here.

8. Days out

The are so many places to visit throughout the city and Merseyside that it would be impossible to name all our favourites, but there’s a few you might want to have a think about for starters.

The museums and galleries, like World Museum Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery, always offer a great day out, not least because they are free – which isn’t a bad thing when we’re all watching the pennies – but especially because they are filled with fascinating exhibitions and art works from all over the world.

Treasure Hunt Liverpool is a great walking adventure and chance to explore hidden parts of the city with clues from Captain Bess; the magnificent Tudor Speke Hall is now back open to visitors of course along with its gorgeous grounds and gardens, and attractions like The Beatles Story and the 360 Tour at the Royal Liver Building offer plenty to see and learn about our city and its history.

There are still more brilliant places like Martin Mere Wildlife and Wetland Centre of course, Formby Squirrel Reserve and the beautiful beach, the seaside resort and Pleasureland in Southport, Knowsley Safari Park, and the list goes on.

Just don’t forget that because of Covid-19 restrictions, and social distancing and other measures, it is necessary to book most, if not all, of these places in advance.

9. Parklife

If you want to go somewhere for a picnic, take a chilled out walk or find some green space for a family game of hide and seek or rounders, then there’s no shortage in Liverpool.

* Calderstones is a stunning 94-acre family park in South Liverpool boasting woodland, a lake and fields (and a one-thousand-year-old oak tree), and beautiful Japanese and old English gardens

* Greenbank Park in Mossley Hill boasts its lovely lake – and, now, the fab Watering Can café

* Sefton Park has a beautiful boating lake, Eros and Peter Pan statues and, of course, the Victorian Palm House 

* Stanley Park, home of the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, is famous for its rose gardens and wildlife habitats – as well as separating the grounds of Liverpool and Everton – and it has a great playground.

Take your pick.

10. Staycation

With that fortnight in the Spanish sun on hold for many of us this year, we’ve holidayed here. But you don’t even need to travel across the British Isles to enjoy a break away – because there are some superb city hotels where you can Staycation just a few miles from home.

You get to rediscover what makes this city great with all the sites and attractions just a few steps away, and you get to wallow in a little luxury, which can never be bad! Just look at this three…

The Secret Garden Suite at Urbanista Hotel, Bold St:  Situated in the Ropewalks conservation area, it’s perfectly placed for all the great bars, restaurants and attractions Liverpool has to offer. The Secret Garden Suite is one of four specially designed suites and can welcome up to six guests, has a beautiful en-suite, chic lounge and dressing area and access to its own private courtyard.

Book here.

The Sunday Times put Lock and Key Boutique Hotel in the top 100 UK hotels with an outstanding reference: “This Georgian townhouse hotel in a prime Liverpudlian location is full of heart, with stand-out service.”

The 14-bed boutique hotel is set within a Grade-II listed Georgian townhouse in Duke Street. Its bar has a collection of must-try cocktails whether you’re staying in or heading into town and with loads of great reviews about its service, plush design and value for money, it’s one of the best-kept secrets (so don’t tell everyone!).

Book here.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool: There are loads of offers and more to recommend this rather special hotel with a history going back to when the city’s port was the most important in the world. It’s within walking distance of the city centre and attractions like the Liver Building’s new 360 Tour, you can dine in its theatre style restaurant, Stanley’s Bar & Grill, or, if you are looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway, treat yourself to a massage or facial at Maya Blue Wellness, its own subterranean sanctuary!

Book here.