10 things to do in Liverpool on a rainy day

The Autumn weather has most definitely arrived, but that doesn’t mean there’s still not plenty to do in the city.

Given our city’s knack for unpredictable weather, it’s wise to have a few indoor plans up your sleeve while looking for things to do in Liverpool.

The city offers plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. So here are some things to do in Liverpool when the weather isn’t playing along. 

Visit Museums and Galleries 

One of the great things about Liverpool is our abundance of museums and art galleries, most of which are free entry! Get out of the rain and immerse yourself in culture and history at one of these iconic establishments: 

The Beatles Story – Explore the history of the world’s most famous band.

World Museum Liverpool – Discover natural history, world cultures, and ancient civilisations.

Tate Liverpool at RIBA North– Enjoy contemporary and modern art exhibitions.

Museum of Liverpool – Learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

Indoor Shopping 

Head to the Liverpool ONE shopping centre, which has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. With plenty of restaurants and shops, there’s plenty of places to stop and get dry!

Check out St John’s Shopping centre which has everything from clothing stores, to Aldi and Home Bargains, as well as a food court to grab a spot of lunch.

Also situated in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, is Metquarter – a premium retail destination, with an unrivalled mix of global brands and dynamic local labels including Kids Cavern, Everyman Cinema, Cricket Fashion, Boss, 200 Degrees and Kurt Geiger, and GPO food hall.

Watch a Show 

There’s always something playing in the city, whether that’s theatre, live music, or concerts. 

Check out what’s playing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre or the Everyman and Playhouse Theatre’s. You could even enjoy live music at venues like the Cavern Club or the Philharmonic Hall.

Take a look at our calendar for all the latest shows across the city region HERE!

Explore Royal Albert Dock 

No Visit to The Albert Dock is complete without stopping into the Maritime Museum to find out all about Liverpool’s seafaring past. Or you can hear the untold stories of enslaved people, and learn about historical and contemporary slavery at The International Slavery Museum. 

Don’t forget to explore the shops, cafes, and restaurants in the historic dock area while you’re there… a velvety hot chocolate from Rough Handmade is perfect for warming up against the chill of the breeze from the Mersey.

Fun Indoors!

Climbing used to be considered one for adrenaline junkies, but has now moved mainstream with the onset of indoor climbing walls, so why not try indoor rock climbing at The Climbing Hangar in Speke?

They’ve revamped the place and its bigger and better than ever before. It’s a great place for new climbers to have fun and try a different way to keep fit… but don’t worry if you’re a seasoned pro then they have more challenging route lined up just for you. 

Take the kids over to Bubbles’ World of Play in New Brighton. Bubbles’ is the largest and most innovative indoor play area in the UK, offering a whole new concept of play that is both fun, educating and fitness enhancing for 0-11 year olds.

Children are encouraged to learn and explore over 30 different countries and zones, from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Northern Lights, stopping for fun in India, Dinoland, Italy and many other ‘countries’ along the way.

Parents can relax in the comfortable seating areas enjoying quality food and drink from their 5* kitchen, whilst knowing your children are safe and secure thanks to their extensive CCTV system, alarms on all exit doors and secure check in / check out admission system.

Escape the weather at Breakout Liverpool

Breakout Liverpool is definitely one of the most fun ways to spend 60 minutes anywhere in the city – and it’s not just great for groups of mates, it’s perfect for families.

Did you know Breakout Liverpool, on Sir Thomas Street, is one of the longest running escape rooms in the UK? It has a choice of 16 different themed rooms, which take real teamwork to crack before the time runs out.

Go to the Cinema

Get cozy at “The Other” Everyman inside the Metquarter. Big squashy couches, food and drink brought straight to you seat and a good movie… what’s more perfect on a rainy day. 

Head over to the Odeon in Liverpool ONE and take your experience to the next level with their Dolby Cinema and IMAX screens, both featuring luxurious recliner seats.

Bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke and more!

For loads of rain-free fun you have to get yourself over to Roxy’s!

Roxy Ballroom in the Cavern Quarter of Liverpool has is a great way to let your competitive spirit go wild with ten pin bowling, Roxy Golf, shuffleboard, karaoke and plenty of other games to choose from.

Or head over to their sister site Roxy Lanes on School Lane.

Get your game on

ArCains boasts three massive floors filled with hundreds of retro and modern games, three bars, pool tables, shuffle-board, free Wi-Fi, and the ArCains café. Now, with the addition of ArCains 18+, this gaming paradise has reached a whole new level.

They recently launched ArCains 18+, a chic bar inspired by Tokyo’s most vibrant arcades, combining the beloved gaming attractions with an elegant, luxurious feel that offers a unique adult-friendly experience.

Whether you’re a fan of retro classics or the latest next-gen consoles, ArCains 18+ has something for everyone.

Have a drink in an old prison cell

There’s so many cosy pubs and restaurants to check out in the city, The Bridewell in Campbell Square has got a great reputation for its unusual and fascinating bar area, in the cells of this former Liverpool lock-up. 

Close to Liverpool ONE and the Albert Dock, the Campbell Square favourite has been named Pub of the Year 2022, thanks to its cask ales, and a range of craft kegs and continental beers.

You’re always guaranteed a warm welcome from landlady Fiona Hornsby and husband, Dominic, who’ll be happy to chat and regale guests with stories about the pub where, in its former life, Charles Dickens worked as a special constable, and was even used by the US Military in WWII!

For more things to do in Liverpool check out our calendar HERE.