Ah, Liverpool. As a city I grew up near, I know it as a vibrant, party-loving, city filled with music, comedy, and good shopping options. That doesn’t exactly sound like a haven of relaxation but underneath all of that, there are a few places where you can escape it all and have a relaxing time.
As a riverside city, it is famous for its docks, being the birthplace of The Beatles, famous football teams, and Scouse humour. But if that Liverpool excitement is all a bit much for you and you’re looking for some relaxing ideas to unwind then this list is the one for you.
Let’s explore some relaxing things to do in Liverpool and see what this great UK city has to offer on the chilled side of the spectrum.
1. Explore these fantastic city parks
Liverpool has some great parks and each has their own features that make them different so it’s difficult to pick just one. You can walk around, take in nature, grab a coffee, and just relax.
The best parks for this are Sefton Park, which has a little fairy glen waterfall and a glass palm house, both great for a quiet sit off. Croxteth Hall Park is another good one with its huge stately home, Calderstones Park, Princes Park, and the famous Strawberry Field are 3 other quiet, green spaces with their own personalities.
2. Immerse yourself in art at the Tate Gallery Liverpool
Step into an impressive world of art at Tate Liverpool, a renowned gallery showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It helps that the gallery is situated in Albert Dock which is a pretty calm and impressive area to walk around away from the heavier hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Wander through the huge, quiet galleries, check out the diverse range of exhibits, and be inspired by the modern and historic artwork. Why not grab a tea or coffee in the cafe to top it off?
3. Indulge in a local spa treatment
Why not spoil yourself with a rejuvenating spa experience at one of Liverpool’s many luxurious spas? There’s plenty to choose from both in and slightly outside of the city so take a few hours or a day away to pamper yourself.
Maya Blue Wellness, The Chill Out Spa, Crowne Plaza Spa, and Adam and Eve Turkish Bath are a few top picks. Surrender to the expert hands of therapists as they offer soothing massages, facials, and other treatments that will leave you feeling brand new.
4. Sail away on a relaxing Mersey River cruise
Try out a boat journey along the Mersey River, which offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline and picturesque waterfront, which has completely transformed in the last 15 years.
As you glide along the river, feel the breeze in your hair and take in some good cityscape views, Wirral is on the other side but that has less to look at, however, the coastlines are long. if you take the ferry across the Mersey they’ll still play the famous song from Gerry and The Pacemakers too.
5. Take a reading escape at Picton Reading Room
Grab a good book and relax at the Picton Reading Room, a grand Victorian-era circular space within Liverpool Central Library.
This place sort of acts as a sightseeing plus reading spot due to the historical movie-like feel of its huge towering bookcases. Settle yourself into one of the comfy armchairs and drift off into a different world with a good, immersive book.
6. Try some rejuvenating float therapy
This could be a very new experience for you to try, especially if you like some alone time. Drift away into a state of deep relaxation with a session of float therapy, one of the places in Liverpool that offers this is Float Planet on Dale Street.
Immerse yourself in a pod filled with warm salt water, which allows your body to float easily while your mind floats free from any stresses. You can turn the lights and the music on or off inside the pod to adjust it to your preferences. Many people have mentioned how it helped to heal injuries.
7. Get over to the beach
Yes, you might not think Liverpool offers stunning relaxing beaches but in fact Crosby Beach and Formby Beach are two relaxing hidden gems of Liverpool. Get over on a warm-ish day ideally and relax, check out the Crosby beach human statues known as Another Place. Sit down and relax watching the tide come in and out, there are some great scenic coastlines and you can just walk for miles in peace and quiet.
8. Unwind with a relaxing afternoon tea
I’d say even the guys would secretly love this if they tried it. Indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Liverpool’s charming cafes or tearooms. Oh me oh my and Panoramic 34 are two good spots for a nice atmospheric afternoon tea and nibbles treat.
Try their selection of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of good old English tea in any flavour, all served in a fancy, calm setting.
There you go, Liverpool has plenty of relaxing things to do that caters to every preference so you can always find some peace and ambiance to recharge your batteries. While you can have exciting times in Liverpool it also lends plenty of places to relax as well. So, the next time you find yourself here in one of the great UK cities, try one of these activities and recharge yourself ready for the week ahead.