Your ultimate guide to Bank Holiday weekend in Liverpool

The gods of Bank Holidays are finally smiling on us and giving us some decent weather when we can actually go out and enjoy it.

If you’re lucky enough to get the three-day weekend then here are 32 fabulous things to do in Liverpool to get the most out of it …

From getting your wet suit on down at The Royal Albert Dock, to enjoying an al fresco drink in the sun, there’s something for everyone!

Drinks

Cocktails at Entry Bar

The sun’s going to be out which means we can be too – grab a rainbow-coloured chair at the new outdoor Entry Bar next to the Epic Hotel on Seel Street and check out a few of their original cocktails and great mural artwork.

Info here.

The Bridewell is back

Indoors is amazing, but The Bridewell’s courtyard can be an absolute sun trap so it’s the best spot to camp out for the weekend. It’s walk-ins only and they’ve got a new Lilley’s Cider range which will go down a treat in the heat.

Info here.

Game on at Roxy Ball Room

If you fancy games with your drinks then you need to head to Roxy Ball Room for all the pool, ping pong and shuffleboard, plus the big sunny roof terrace … and prosecco pong, a perfect match-up if ever we heard one.

Book here.

Tempest on Tithebarn Street launches

This New York-style bar from the owner of Ma Boyle’s opens this weekend so go now and you’ll get to be among the first to see what good things have happened to the old Hus site including the relaunch of that fabulous rooftop space.

Find out more here.

Rooftop drinks at Liberte

Nice weather always makes us think of rooftop drinking, and locations don’t come much better than this one right opposite the Three Graces. Liberte is open this weekend for walk-ins from midday onwards so should be plenty of chance for cocktails and tan top-ups.

Book here.

The Urban Beer Garden at Camp and Furnace

There’s always something different going on at Camp and Furnace and this weekend it’s got its indoor pop-up Urban Beer Garden. There’s a promise of beer, steins and good times – and don’t forget it’s the Champions League Final on Saturday.

Info here.

Sunday Funday at Saltdog Slim’s

Check out the forecast and it’s definitely going to be a Sunday Funday, especially at Salt Dog Slim’s because it’s Power Ballad Sunday so get tuning up your air guitar and hope you’re not wishing you could turn back time on Monday.

Info here.

Liverpool Gin Distillery is back

G&Ts go down very nicely in sunny weather – TBH even in not sunny weather – and you could be spoilt for choice at Liverpool Gin Distillery. Even if gin’s not your drink, they’ve got lots of cocktails too so you can’t lose.

More info here.

Beers at Black Lodge in the Baltic

Get the best beers in at Black Lodge which has got its taproom open this weekend from 12noon every day. There’s loads of outdoor bench seating or you can nip inside if it’s getting too hot (see how optimistic we’re feeling?)

Info here.

Red Door returns

Bank Holiday weekends are a nice excuse to get a bit dressed up, so if you’ve finally got out of sweats then Red Door is the place to make sure all that effort isn’t wasted. Cocktails indoors or on the terrace, and you can book. 

Book here.

Food

Chamber 36, Berry Street

If you’ve not tried Chamber 36’s homemade salt and pepper seasoning then use Bank Holiday weekend as a reason to do it. You’ll be thanking us forever. Amazing Pan Asian small plates, dim sum, skewers and mains, a stone’s throw from the Chinese Arch.

Book here.

Sunday Brunch at the Pen Factory on Hope St (Live music and more)

Up on Hope Street, the Pen Factory is open again and it’s got lovely new menu addition – Sunday Brunch, served until 3.30pm, and perfect for a Bank Holiday mimosa. Check out the pretty new mural in the women’s loos while you’re there!

Book here.

Steak night at Marco Pierre White’s Hotel Indigo

If you love your steaks then you need to get on the incredible ones at Marco’s – the fillet with garlic king prawns is something else and even the burgers are special. Great cocktails too to make a night of it.

Info here.

Dine with a view at Panoramic 34

Our city looks at its most beautiful when the sun’s out over the skyline, and the views – and food – are both unbelievable at Panoramic 34. They’ve reopened with a new summer menu so it could well be time to treat yourself.

Book a table here.

Proper Italian at Carlisi on Dale Street

Give yourself an authentic taste of what Italy’s really all about at Carlisi which has fabulous Italian street food on the go all day over the weekend. Think homemade arancini, Italian sausage and their famous cannoli and then make it happen.

More info here.

Duke Street Market is back

Serving from 10am until late, with brunch at the weekend from 10 til 12, we’re loving being able to get back to Duke Street Market. Pop in and you’ll find new traders like Sabich rotisserie from the Maray team alongside some old favourites.

More info here.

Take on Silk Rd at Betham Plaza

Get down to the waterfront which will be absolutely buzzing this weekend and head to Silk Rd on Beetham Plaza for fantastic tapas and meze inspired by the route that ran from the Pacific of East China through to the Med.

Book a table here.

Fazenda in Exchange Flags

Sit back and just let sizzling meats keep on coming at Fazenda where they really know their stuff when it comes to grilling the finest cuts. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, and any room, dulce de leche-filled churros will make the weekend complete.

More info here.

New restaurant Mamsan is open now

If you haven’t been to this new place in Liverpool ONE yet, the weekend is your chance because it looks stunning and it’s got amazing South East Asian dishes unlike any you’ll have ever tried before. The cocktail menu’s a wow too.

More info here.

Brunch at Lock & Key

Weekend brunch is a definitely thing so if you’re looking to spend a chilled afternoon with great food, give Lock & Key on Duke Street a go. Served until 3pm, you can go traditional with a full English or maybe try breakfast burritos?

More info here.

Something different

Knowsley Social – Lee Butler joins Danny Rampling, Sonique and more on Saturday, then on Sunday Majestic headlines performing his number one single Rasputin and he’s joined by Sweet Female Attitude and Artful Dodger.

The big top will be buzzing again this weekend with three nights of live music from the Social stage at Knowsley Estate. Tonight (Friday) Ibiza legend Brandon Block DJs alongside The Ibiza Philharmonic.

On Saturday, Lee Butler joins Danny Rampling and Sonique, with Grammy-nominated K-Klass headlining, then on Sunday DJ Majestic headlines, and is set to debut ‘Rasputin’ live with Boney M. Sweet Female Attitude and Artful Dodger are on too.

Book tickets here.

Croxteth Hall Market, Sunday

Croxteth Market is back with more than 30 traders in the stunning Victorian stable yard. It’s open from 11am to 4pm with stalls offering everything from freshly-baked bread, cheese and chutney, to dog treats, jewellery, plants and crafts.

So, if you need gifts or want to treat yourself, head to the hall.  There’ll be card machines for payment, but organisers reckon it’s worth taking cash too just in case.

More info here.

See the Bush Dogs in their new enclosure at Knowsley Safari

Say hello to Knowsley’s newest residents, the South American bush dogs – the smallest pack-hunting dogs in the world. They’re super-cute, they’ve got webbed feet and love to swim, so you can watch them dive in their new enclosure.

There’s a new food court with lots of street food, drinks and desserts, and birds of prey and sea lion displays are back, just remember to book!

Book your visit here.

Point Blank Shooting Range is now open

It’s definitely one to get in your sights! Point Blank is a state-of-the-art simulation shooting range in the former basement site of Olive on Castle Street.

There are no real-life targets or graphic imagery, it’s all about speed and accuracy to test your aim and trigger reflexes. It’s got a menu of American classics likes pizza and wings, there’s bottomless brunch every Sunday and great cocktails. 

Book here.

Spend a day in sunny Southport

There’s so much to do in Southport, especially when the sun shines – you can head to the beach or take a stroll – or tram ride – along the famous Victorian pier.

Victoria Gardens is a beautiful place to wander or stretch out with a picnic. Thrillseekers can head to Pleasureland for heart-racing rides and if you fancy a walk or bike ride, Southport’s got great routes to explore.

More info here.

Celebrate the NHS at Tate Liverpool

We’ve had so many reasons to be grateful our wonderful NHS over the last year and Tate Liverpool has an exhibition celebrating Merseyside’s key workers.

New York artist Aliza Nisenbaum created a series of new paintings of NHS staff who worked tirelessly for their communities during the pandemic. Extended to the end of summer, it captures their stories and highlights the impact Covid-19 had on their lives. 

Book your visit here.

Take on virtual reality at VRVE

Fancy changing places with your screen hero and leaping onto a runaway rollercoaster or taking on a daredevil free-climb? VRVE is a new Virtual Reality Visitor Experience which, using cutting-edge technology, allows you to put on your VR headset and live out your action fantasy.

There are more than 50 games and experiences for all the family to choose from and a café for post-adventure food too. 

Book here.

Nomadland or Peter Rabbit at ODEON Liverpool ONE

Pick up your popcorn and grab a drink, sit back … and enjoy.

We’ve all missed watching the latest movies on the mega screen with surround sound, but now they’re back and there’s loads of great films to watch. 

Little ones will love Peter Rabbit 2, voiced by James Corden, and older ones will want to catch Nomadland with Oscar-winner Frances McDormand.

Book tickets here.

Live music all weekend at Cavern Liverpool

The beat goes on at The Cavern with live music throughout the Bank Holiday weekend from 11.30am.

Cathy Carter, Clark Gilmour and Tony Coburn are among those in the Live Lounge and front stage on Saturday, and Barney Taylor, Gary Murphy and Richard Batty are on Sunday.

Monday has a full day of music from some of The Cavern’s resident acoustic artists in the Live Lounge.

More info here.

Sleeping Beauty at M&S Bank Arena’s Auditorium

Panto magic’s back at the Arena with two shows daily throughout the weekend, and it’s on until June 4. Gareth Gates and Emma Grace Arends star with comedy favourite Bippo the Clown.

Evil Carabosse curses Princess Beauty to die on her 21st birthday but, thanks to Beauty’s Fairy, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be broken with a kiss from her true love. 

Book tickets here.

Culture overload with Liverpool Biennial

Liverpool Biennial 2021 has added nine indoor venues for art fans to discover, including the old Lewis’s department store building and the top floor of the Lush flagship shop on Church Street along with galleries and historic buildings.

On the theme of The Stomach and the Port, the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary art showcases 150 works of art by 50 artists and collectives from 30 countries.

More info here.

Wild Shore (formerly Adventure Dock) is open now

Get ready to make a splash as the Aqua Park is back at the Royal Albert Dock with a plenty of activities for the whole family. 

There’s the huge blow-up assault course with slides and obstacles to challenge your balance and fitness and, new for this year, Wild Shore has stand-up paddle-boarding, pedalos, kayaks and mini port boats. It’s wild and wet – and guaranteed fun.

Book your visit here.

Get your skates on at the invisible wind factory

A unique newly-launched roller-skating experience, this isn’t your average skating rink. Its theme is an interplanetary disco with mirrored geometry, laser grids and a giant floating spaceship creating an other-worldly adventure as you test your skills.

The IWF team will be exploring ways to combine exercise, sport and wellbeing with immersive audio-visual production, music and art – and the Rollerdrome is the first stage.

Find out what’s on here.