Holidays in Merseyside

Weather in Merseyside

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Fri

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Sun

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Mon

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Forecast: Met Office

All places to stay in Merseyside

More around Merseyside

Getting your bearings in Merseyside

Merseyside is a compact region, and most days out centre on two very different places: Liverpool, with its music history and city landmarks, and Southport, the classic seaside option. You can see a lot in a few days, especially if you mix city sightseeing, a family treat and a heritage visit or two. With 262 places to stay on BritStays across the region, you can base yourself wherever suits your plans best.

The standout attractions by type

The lists below sort the main options by the kind of day you're after. Some places suit more than one list, so use them as a starting point.

For families

Southport Pleasureland is the obvious pick if your children want rides and a proper seaside-style day.
Funfair in Liverpool is a theme park option that works if you're staying in the city.
Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum is a curious, hands-on-feeling choice that tends to appeal across ages.

For rainy days

Liverpool Beatles Museum is an easy indoor choice for music fans of any generation.
The Hardmans' House in Liverpool is a museum and National Trust property, so it suits a quieter, indoor morning.
Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum also earns its place here when the weather turns.

For fair-weather days

Save Southport Pleasureland and Funfair for drier spells. In Liverpool, the Royal Liver Building is a landmark worth seeing in person, and it's best admired on a clear day.

For heritage

Speke Hall, John Lennon's Childhood Home and The Hardmans' House are all National Trust properties.
Knowsley Hall and Thornton Manor are listed as castle and heritage sites, good for anyone who enjoys grand houses and history.

How to group them into a sensible day

The simplest approach is to plan by area, so you're not crisscrossing the region.

A Liverpool day: start at the Royal Liver Building, spend a couple of hours at the Liverpool Beatles Museum, then round things off at The Hardmans' House. Music fans may want to add John Lennon's Childhood Home to the same trip.
A Southport day: give Southport Pleasureland most of the day, especially with younger children. Rides take longer than you expect once queues and snack breaks are factored in.
A heritage day: choose one or two of Speke Hall, Knowsley Hall and Thornton Manor. Check how they sit on a map before committing, as one well-paced visit is often more enjoyable than a rushed two.

If you have a spare day and don't mind leaving Merseyside, Chester Zoo in Chester is a popular family outing.

Where to eat

The places below all hold 5-star food hygiene ratings:

The Cambridge, Grace Arms, The Netherton and The Oak Tree are pubs and inns, so they suit a sit-down lunch or an evening meal.
Starbucks is a reliable stop for coffee and a quick bite between attractions.

Check locations and opening hours before you set out, so a meal fits naturally around your day.

Turning it into a short break

Three days works well for a first visit. Spend one day in Liverpool for the landmarks and the Beatles connection, and one in Southport for the seaside fun. Use the third for a heritage visit, or keep it flexible for whatever the weather allows.

Families might swap the heritage day for Funfair or the Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum. Couples and history lovers could happily spend more time at the National Trust properties instead.

Practical tips before you go

Keep one indoor option up your sleeve each day, such as the Liverpool Beatles Museum or The Hardmans' House, in case of rain.
Check opening days, times and any booking arrangements directly with each attraction before travelling. This matters most for heritage properties, which can have more limited access.
If you're a National Trust member, bring your card. Speke Hall, John Lennon's Childhood Home and The Hardmans' House are all National Trust.
Choose your base to match your plans: stay near Liverpool for city days, or near Southport if the seaside is the priority.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main towns to visit in Merseyside?

The two main areas for days out are Liverpool, known for its landmarks and Beatles connections, and Southport, the region's seaside option.

What is there to do in Merseyside when it rains?

Good indoor options include the Liverpool Beatles Museum, The Hardmans' House in Liverpool and the Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum.

Which National Trust properties can I visit in Merseyside?

Speke Hall, John Lennon's Childhood Home and The Hardmans' House are all National Trust properties.

What are the best family attractions in Merseyside?

Southport Pleasureland and Funfair in Liverpool are both theme park options. The Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum also appeals to families.

Where can I eat in Merseyside?

The Cambridge, Grace Arms, The Netherton and The Oak Tree are pubs and inns with 5-star food hygiene ratings. Starbucks is also an option for coffee and a quick bite.

How many places to stay are there in Merseyside on BritStays?

There are 262 places to stay in Merseyside on BritStays.

Explore Holidays in Merseyside