10 Hidden Gems In Liverpool

Updated: 21 February 2020

By James Rand, a proud Liverpudlian who’s a classical music admirer and maritime enthusiast.Edited by Holly Stark

What makes Liverpool such a unique city to live in is its friendliness and energy, at the same time as feeling quite rural, with a small town feel. It has the size and facilities of a large city, but it’s easy to navigate, with good-hearted people, a community vibe and avenues with 200 year old trees. After spending the first 27 years of my life in Liverpool, I moved to London for 14 years. I did eventually come back and am constantly discovering new pockets and hidden places in Liverpool. Seeking Liverpool off the beaten path? With plenty of cool places in Liverpool to dive into, you won’t be stuck for things to do as you uncover undiscovered Liverpool. Take a look at my top 10 hidden gems in Liverpool that most tourists, and sometimes even locals, don’t know about. Discover what’s best for you; from leafy green paradisal parks to historic churches to alternative Liverpool suburbs, the city has something for everyone. Let’s dive in.

Croxteth Hall Country Park

A hidden gems Liverpool guide would not be complete without a trip to Croxteth Hall Country Park. Four miles out of the city, this ex country estate and ancestral home has acres of majestic trees at its heart and is beautiful to visit. Seeking things to do in Liverpool with family, or for peace? Head to Croxteth Hall Country Park; a wonderful family day out, with a historic Hall, Croxteth Home Farm, the Victorian Walled Garden where visitors can explore Liverpool's historic botanical collection, a 500 acre country park and nature reserve and one of Liverpool's oldest public buildings, West Derby Courthouse. For children, there is an adventure playground, miniature railway and an orienteering trail. Kickstart your trip with nature, history and fun at Croxteth.

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Oh Me Oh My

Check out Oh Me Oh My; a grand tea house with a rooftop bar showcasing great views of the Mersey and the Royal Liver Building. With a really chilled, laid back vibe, Oh Me Oh My is an accessible, affordable and stunningly attractive space where you can meet, think, eat, drink and relax. Soak up the panoramic views of the city as you sip a smooth G&T. Steeped in 1950s opulence with a modern twist, Oh Me Oh My is perfect for anyone seeking Hollywood soundtracks, soul tunes and vintage French and Italian classics. Head up to this rare rooftop haven within the bustling business district for a secret Liverpool experience not to be missed.

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Speke Hall

Speke Hall is hidden away physically as well as in the psyche. The hidden Liverpool gem is an original Tudor Mansion, built in 1530 and now owned by the National Trust. It’s well worth a visit for its atmospheric interior that interconnects many eras. See Liverpool off the beaten path as you peel back the Hall’s many layers. The Great Hall and priest hole date from Tudor times, while the Oak Parlour and smaller rooms, some with William Morris wallpapers, illustrate the Victorian desire for privacy and comfort. You can also see Jacobean furniture carvings, a fascinating fully equipped Victorian kitchen and servants’ hall, and a beautiful restored garden.

Home Farm

A 5-minute walk from Speke Hall is a model Victorian farm building, restored and part-adapted to provide a restaurant, shop and visitor facilities. The land offers estate walks, a children's play area and orchard. The laundry has been converted into the education room and the dairy contains interpretation material. Furthermore, rooms such as a gun room have been changed over the years and then changed back by the National Trust in order to show more of the History of Speke Hall. Take a woodland stroll among spring bulbs, a rose garden, summer border and stream garden, and enjoy panoramic views of the Mersey basin toward the Wirral Peninsula and North Wales hills from The Bund, a high bank.

Baltic Triangle

One of the best fun things to do in Liverpool at night, the Baltic Market is an amazing Independent Liverpool blend of booze, live entertainment and street food, supplied by local vendors and breweries. Head inside and sit on rustic Baltic Triangle benches and barrels or outside on a terrace and soak up some sun, then catch some live music at the cool warehouse venue. Check out the charming 20’s themed Peaky Blinders Bar and Food Court and drink among folk in flat caps and flappers dressed in fringe. For something different, grab your clubs, cans or cocktails at hidden gem Ghetto Golf; an 18 hole golf course and a fun way to spend your night. Have a drink in an old campervan and stop off at holes along the way that involve putting into Granny’s living room. There are bars around the course and if you’re looking for quirky places to eat in Liverpool, they have street food vans and a bar outside.

Princes Park

Princes Park is a Grade II historic park in Toxteth with a fishing lake, playground, foundations of a former boathouse and dazzling entrance gates. It’s not to be missed for anyone with an interest in the natural, the local and the historical. A classic example of Victorian urban development, the park has a serpentine lake and a circular carriage drive. Princes Park was designed by Joseph Paxton and James Pennethorne in 1842. Often overlooked by visitors and locals, with it being next door to more popular Sefton Park, Princes Park is a lovely place to go for a stroll under leafy green trees, either alone, or with the family.

Woolton

The cosy neighbourhood of Woolton is a charming village, not just for locals, but visitors to Liverpool too. It’s the resting place of Eleanor Rigby, and with connections to the Iron Age, nice and the beautiful St Peter’s Church was the meeting place of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. If you’re seeking a quiet break from Liverpool’s busy city streets, take refuge in Woolton and walk among beautiful 19th century buildings and one of the oldest picture houses in Britain.

Allerton

Beatles fans can also enjoy the quaint neighbourhood of Allerton; home to lush green parks, the Forthlin Road which was once home to Paul McCartney, Menlove Avenue which housed John Lennon and the famous Penny Lane. Take a breath of fresh air among one of the many leafy parks and enjoy a rural 19th century vibe, pre wealthy merchant times. Locally loved restaurants include the Three Piggies and Maray. Browse the many quirky gift shops filled to the brim with homely trinkets and hidden gems within the sleepy side streets far removed from the city centre.

Berry And Rye

Berry and Rye can be found on Berry Street but there are no flashing lights or striking neon signs above to door to help you find it. One of the most fun things to do in Liverpool at night, Berry and Rye is not to be missed. Head through the unassuming door to discover a speakeasy bar open from 5pm until late, seven nights a week, serving up great whiskey, blues, jazz and gin. A great place to enjoy the Liverpool nightlife; Berry and Rye is home to friendly people, good vibes and good sounds.

Brewery Village

For alternative Liverpool, head to Brewery Village. Likened to a mini Camden market, the innovative space is steeped in history and holds some of the best modern spots and places to browse retro items and clothes. A foodie paradise, the area is home to amazing one of a kind restaurants, cool cafes, wine bars and breweries. Founded by Robert Cain, Cain’s Brewery was built around 30 years after the company’s initial inception in 1851. The thriving business changed hands many times after Cain’s death in 1907, eventually being sold to the Danish Brewery Company who sold it on to British born entrepreneurs, and today’s owners, Ajmail and Sudarghara Dusanj. Second-generation immigrants raised in the South East and working in the Midlands, the Dusanjs revived Cain’s, crafting it into the incredible space it is today. They’re the first British Asians to own a British brewery, and Brewery Village is not to be missed for a unique experience in Liverpool, especially at night, when it comes alive with a unique Liverpudlian energy.