10 brilliant things to do in Liverpool when it rains

A strong first choice when the whole group wants something different. The museum’s collections range across natural history, world cultures, science and space, so it is easy to split the visit into a few favourites rather than trying to see everything.

Make the rain part of the view. This waterfront museum explores Liverpool’s people, transport, culture and place in the world, while its Pier Head setting keeps you connected to the city outside.

The Walker gives you centuries of painting, sculpture and decorative art in one grand building. It is a useful counterpoint to busier attractions and an easy place to follow your own interests at your own pace.

Step inside for the striking Picton Reading Room, Hornby Library, family space and four floors of seating. It is a practical pause between bigger attractions, but the historic rooms make it worth visiting even if you never open a book.

The scale of Britain’s largest cathedral is the experience: soaring stonework, stained glass, quiet corners and changing art or music programmes. General entry is free and no booking is normally needed.

Follow the band’s story from Liverpool beginnings to worldwide fame through recreated settings, memorabilia and a multimedia audio guide. Its dockside location makes it easy to combine with a waterfront plan.

Go wider than one band with a journey through British popular music. Alongside artist outfits and instruments, the Interactive Studio lets visitors try instruments and a vocal booth, which gives the visit energy on a long wet afternoon.

This former command centre turns a rainy day into an atmospheric journey through the Battle of the Atlantic. Its offices, secret rooms, equipment and operations map make the history feel rooted in the building around you.

Choose this when the group wants to do rather than simply look. The rooms are built around visual tricks, hands-on puzzles and photo opportunities, making it one of the livelier ways to forget what the weather is doing.

FACT combines changing exhibitions about art, film and creative technology with a Picturehouse cinema, café and bar. The free galleries are a low-commitment choice when you want an interesting stop without planning the entire day around it.