Because Liverpool is widely known for its industrial history, many people forget that they city also has a host of different outdoor spaces and activities to enjoy. If you are a fan of the outdoors, then you will find that Liverpool and the surrounding area still has plenty of different things to offer to you.
Liverpool Waterfront
The Mersey is an exceedingly important part of Liverpool, so no trip to the city would be complete without a trip to the Liverpool Waterfront. Explore the historic dock areas and visit Pier Head to see the famous Royal Liver Building. Atop the tall spires of this building, you will be able to spot two giant statues of the Liver birds. These mythical birds have long stood as a symbol for the city. Thanks to regeneration plans, Pier Head now plays host to a variety of different outdoor festivals, including food festivals and themed markets. Down at the Waterfront you can also catch a ferry across the Mersey to Birkenhead or a tourist trip to see the City from the sea.
Another Place
Another Place is an excellent example of outdoor art in the Liverpool area. The installation consists of 100 cast iron figures that are spaced across 3km of the sands at Crosby Beach. Due to the ebb and flow of the tide, these sculptures are covered and uncovered by the sea twice per day. Watching the figures be submerged by the sea or watching them slowly emerging from the waves as the tides recede can be a very cathartic experience. Visitors should not attempt to walk out to the furthest figures, because the tide can come in quickly and in an unpredictable fashion.
Watersports
Liverpool and the Mersey estuary area are ideal locations for those who are looking to indulge in a variety of different watersports. Standard watersports facilities, such as kayak and speedboat hire, are widely available from providers in the waterfront and dockland areas.
There are also a few more unusual facilities available for those who are feeling a little more daring or wacky. For example, visitors can take a turn on an inflatable water trampoline which floats in the river. Participants bounce on the trampoline to get as high as they want, and then they launch themselves off into the water. They can easily climb back onto the inflatable using a ladder which goes down into the water.
Alternatively, the Wakepark facility gives visitors the opportunity to try their hand at the exciting new sport of wakeboarding. Wakeboarding is very similar to water-skiing, but participants stand on a board which resembles a snowboard. If taking part doesn’t appeal to you, then it is just as thrilling to watch others having a go.
The Wirral Way
The Wirral Way is a 10 mile long walking and cycling route that takes in some of the gorgeous scenery on the Wirral peninsula. The path is clearly marked so it is very difficult to get lost, and the terrain is relatively easy so it is suitable for people of all abilities. There are also plenty of picnic spots and places to stop off for provisions along the way. Although the Way can be walked or cycled all year round, it is particularly beautiful when walked during the changing of the seasons, because it passes through open countryside as well as more built up areas. The Wirral is just a short ferry ride across the Mersey from the heart of the city.
Port Sunlight Village
The Port Sunlight Village is a prime example of an outdoors, historical attraction. The village is also situated on the Wirral, between Liverpool and Chester.
Port Sunlight was commissioned by philanthropist William Hesketh Lever in 1888. He ran the local Sunlight soap factory and needed a place to house his workers. Whilst many factory owners of the time were primarily concerned with profit, Hesketh Lever realised that workers were more productive when they were happier and healthier. Housing and sanitation standards in the village exceeded those found in most other types of worker accommodation in the area. The village now stands as an open air museum. There are extensive grounds and gardens for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors.
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