6 fun things you can do in Port Sunlight this Summer

Summer is just around the corner, so you might be thinking what you can do next to fill the (hopefully) sunny days.

As always, there’s going to be loads to do across Liverpool City Region, and if you want to get planning ahead there’s a few events and activities at Port Sunlight that you might want to get in the diary – or book now so can you can enjoy the anticipation too.

Port Sunlight’s one of the finest surviving worker villages in the world and it’s right on the city’s doorstep. A 20-minute car journey or train journey from the centre of Liverpool will see you across the Mersey to discover this unique village filled with amazing architecture, stunning parks and gardens, and cracking cultural days that’ll create tons of memories for you and the family.

The slogan of Port Sunlight Village Trust is ‘beautiful, unique, and the perfect day out’, and looking at this little lot that’s absolutely spot on!

1. An unmissable photography exhibition

For the first time ever The British Press Photographers’ Association is bringing its annual ‘Assignments’ exhibition to Wirral, celebrating the best of press photography over the last year. The exhibition’s being held in Bridge Cottage – one of Port Sunlight’s most distinctive houses which isn’t usually open to the public – and, open from Saturday, June 8, to Sunday, September 1, you can pay what you want to visit.

And, while we’re on, you could visit again from September when Bridge Cottage will be hosting another exhibition of photographs, this time by Francesco Mellina, with eye-catching images capturing the Liverpool club and music scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, including iconic band Dead or Alive and late lead singer and songwriter Pete Burns who grew up in Port Sunlight.

2. Enjoy the longest rose garden in the North West

The rose garden that runs through the Diamond, Port Sunlight’s central boulevard, is one of the longest in the North West, filled with thousands of roses of different varieties. It makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie or you can just enjoy their scent as you stroll along. Once you’re done you can explore the rest of Port Sunlight’s acres of colourful parks and gardens.

3. Inspiring walking tours

Every Wednesday-Sunday at 11.30am, a fascinating 90-minute walking tour takes you on an adventure to discover the history and stories that make Port Sunlight so special. You can peel back the layers of how and why the village was built, explore the beautiful architecture, and hear tales of village life past and present. You can book online or pay on the day, although pre-booking is recommended as places are limited. Tours leave from, and end at, Port Sunlight Museum.

4. An open-air theatre performance to remember

We all love a bit of Shakespeare and how lovely to watch it outdoors in the village’s most beautiful park? Folksy Theatre is putting on a performance of As You Like It, the bard’s great comedy about life, love, betrayal and faith, there on Wednesday, August 14. Get ready for live music, bold characters, audience interaction and plenty of laughs – and maybe take along a picnic to enjoy while you watch this fun-filled production. Tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for children.

Book tickets here.

5. A Road Race

Every year, thousands of runners take part in the Road Race, one of the most picturesque running events in Britain. In 2024, BTR Liverpool is inviting people to take part on Sunday, June 9 and there’s a 5k or 10k route … or you can even do a dual race to run 15k! Families can also take part in a 1k Fun Run on the day. Register for the Unilever-sponsored Road Race here.

6. A Summer adventure trail

Every day in Summer families can go on a self-led activity trail around the picturesque village with Bertie the Butterfly. Pick up a £2 trail pack from Port Sunlight Museum (open Wednesday-Sunday) and don’t worry about pre-booking because, with no limited numbers, it’s a guaranteed perfect family day out.