Watch: 8 ways to enjoy the summer holidays at National Museums Liverpool

There’s plenty to see and do this summer at National Museums Liverpool

Summer’s here and, while the weather might not always be bright, there’s loads to do to make sure you and your family stay sunny side up at National Museums Liverpool.

As always National Museums Liverpool have got a ton of things to see and lots of great activities which you can do come rain or shine. From Greek and Roman myths to photographs and fairies, it’s such an action-packed summer they’ve had to open an extra day each week!

So if you’re planning a great day out while the kids are off school, here’s where you need to start…

Return of the Gods

With the most amazing collection of sculptures and objects and two-metre statues that will tower above you, this family-friendly exhibition dives into Greek and Roman mythology to introduce you to the ancient characters who’ve inspired today’s film and comic book heroes and heroines. Their lives were packed with more drama than the cobbles of Corrie with great loves, even greater feuds, and the power to influence, save – or condemn human lives forever. You can see what life would have been like in a luxury Roman villa – and journey into the underworld to meet Hades. Find out more here.

The Aquarium

National Museums Liverpool — Credit: Gareth Jones

The Aquarium at World Museum’s got bigger and better, with new larger tanks, new species, and immersive projections. You can get up close to hermit crabs, pop your head in the viewing bubbles to see its terrapins immersed in water, and not forgetting you can say hello to the Nemo fish, rays, skates and smiling sharks we all love. It’s a fascinating watery world AND if you’re quick, this summer you can find out how the museum looks after the creatures in its care in a Behind the Scenes Tour on selected dates throughout summer. Info here.

Wondrous Place

This fab exhibition at Museum of Liverpool showcases what we know already – that Liverpool’s got a staggering roll call of trailblazing entertainers, musicians, sports people, writers, poets, visual artists and comedians. Its Stage and Screen display examines the city as a film and TV set with items including one of Villanelle’s costumes from Killing Eve worn by Liverpool actress Jodie Comer; and from iconic Beatles suits to Spice Girl Mel C’s stage costume, it explores Liverpool’s reputation for musical creativity along with its sporting legacy, with running shoes worn by World Champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Natasha Jonas’s Miss GB boxing shorts. Find out more here.

Titanic Exhibition

We’ll never not be fascinated by the Titanic and this famous ship that sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York more than 100 years ago. The renowned city exhibition at the Maritime Museum explores the story of what was at the time the largest ship in the world and its links with Liverpool, and throughout summer there’s a host of special events like The Night The Lights Went Out with pop up performances like that from fictional first-class passenger Emily Broughton Williams, and Music for the Classes, an interactive session to find out what music was played on board and learn about Wallace Hartley, a violinist and band leader on RMS Titanic. Delve in on the website here.

Seized! The Border and Customs Uncovered

More fascinating stuff at the Maritime Museum where you can find out all about the work of the customs officer and the dark and unseen world of smuggling (where things are not always what they seem). You can learn all about the clever tactics of the criminal – and the even cleverer methods used to catch them; and every Thursday in August in Return of the Detector Dogs you can meet the highly-skilled canines who work with Border Force to detect drugs, weapons, and other smuggled goods. More info here.

The Flower Fairies

Spread your wings and fly over to Port Sunlight for this special exhibition that’s at Lady Lever Art Gallery until November 5. Exploring 100 years of Cicely Mary Barker’s beautiful illustrations, including her best-loved flower fairy creations and early sketches, there’s also digital projections, items from NML’s botany collection, and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by award-winning fashion designer Vin Burnham. Book tickets here.

Sudley House

Step back in time to the Victorian home of the philanthropic Holt family in Mossley Hill Road. Sudley House is part of National Museums Liverpool and one of the few period homes that still has many of its original features and boasts the only surviving Victorian merchant art collection in Britain still hanging in its original location. It’s also got a new Home and Away exhibition with foreign views from the collection of George Holt which highlight the Holt family’s interest in travel; and local views of Liverpool and the surrounding area in the 19th century when the Holts lived at Sudley.

You can also take a tour of the house itself and discover the Secrets at Sudley. Find out more here.

Big Art for Little Artists

There’s always an opportunity to get creative – and possibly a bit messy – in this dedicated gallery at the Walker Art Gallery. The colourful, interactive space has got costumes, toys, books, games, paintings, sculptures, and objects for children up to five to explore, and for craft lovers, there are rotating themes each week with materials provided, so children can get inspired and create something different each time they visit. And, on various dates from now until August 31, primary school-aged kids can spend their summer making memories – and more besides – at the Walker with its Craft and Create workshops. Book here.