Best Merseyside adventure sports: Top 19 activities in Liverpool

Sep 14, 2020 BY Luke Rees

Are you heading to Liverpool – or already in the area – and looking for something exciting to do? Well the best Merseyside adventure sports are as good as anywhere in the UK. To inspire you we have put together the top 19 activities in Liverpool for you to try.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, outdoor enthusiast or just want to try something new read on to find out about the top adventures in Liverpool.

Merseyside bouldering Image courtesy of climbing hangar Liverpool

Best Merseyside adventure sports

Liverpool is in the northwest of England. Famous for the Beatles, Liverpool (and Everton) Football Club and as one of the UK’s most important ports throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It is well known as a great city for a night out and for the jovial Liverpudlians – more commonly known as scousers.

The city has a population of around half a million people but the wider Metropolitan area of Merseyside has around 1.4 million people. It is in the top 10 UK cities by population, but with miles of coastline, the less densely populated Wirral and many nature reserves there is still plenty of outdoors to enjoy.

Its location in the northwest is easy to reach with fast trains from London, Birmingham and Manchester. Furthermore, Liverpool airport welcomes international visitors as does nearby Manchester airport.

It is within a two hour drive of the Lake District, the Peak District, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia. So if you want to climb, mountain bike, or trek there are world renowned destinations within easy reach.

city walks on liverpool waterfront pxfuel royalty free image

But this article is about the best Merseyside adventure sports and we want to keep things local. So all the activities below are either within Merseyside or less than an hour drive from the Liverpool City centre.

Top 19 activities in Liverpool

The good news is there’s plenty to offer in the area. Everything from water sports to climbing and mountain biking and hovercrafting:

Mountain biking, Childwall Woods

There is some of the UK’s best mountain biking at the above mentioned national parks. But if you want to ride off-road within Merseyside then head to Childwall Woods. There is fun XC style single track through the trees with roots and mud the main challenges.

Cycling

As you head into the city there is no chance of finding mountain bike tracks. But the more laid back cyclist will enjoy Liverpool Cycle Tours. Join the award-winning tour to ride around the city taking all the sights of glorious Liverpool. Learn some of its history and take in the beautiful architecture.

cycling LIVERPOOL city one of the best activities in Liverpool Wikimedia CC image by calflier001

If you are more of a dedicated roadie then there are plenty of excellent routes to explore. The 34 mile loop of the Wirral is a definite highlight as is the 25 mile ride up the coast through Crosby and Formby to Southport. There are also longer routes out of Merseyside to discover.

Walking the city

Some say the best way to explore a destination is on foot and Liverpool is no exception. Walk alongside the river Mersey from Otterspool Promenade to Albert Dock. The views of the city combine old historic buildings, with modern developments, including exciting projects by local company RWinvest that are improving the city.

Hiking in Merseyside

View the city from the other side of the Mersey by hiking in the Wirral. The ridge at Bidston offers good cityscape views. On the north and west of the peninsular there are countryside and coastal footpaths to explore.

To the north of Liverpool you’ll find miles of sandy beaches and dunes. It stretches across almost 5000 acres of protected landscape from Crosby through Formby, Ainsdale and Birkdale all the way to Southport. Using the trainline you can easily hike long sections in one direction making it one of the best activities in Liverpool using public transport.

Hiking Formby sand dunes one of the best merseyside adventure sports Royalty free conor samuel from unsplash

Wakeboarding, Liverpool Wake Park

If it’s your first time in Liverpool, then the world-famous Liverpool Docks are not to be missed. Situated only three quarters of a mile from the south end of the Albert Dock and Liverpool One shopping centre, you’ll find a cable wake park with plenty of features. Please note this is currently closed and possibly relocating.

Hovercraft racing: Frodsham

Hovercraft racing is available at Hover Force Adventure Centre just 40 minutes from Liverpool in Frodsham, Cheshire. Race hovercrafts across land and water in one of the most unique outdoor activities near Liverpool. Off road go-karting, axe throwing, archery, buggying, shooting and more is available at the centre.

Sailing, Liverpool Watersports Centre

Want to learn to sail? Head to Liverpool Watersports Centre where there are multiple courses available and instructors on hand to help. If you are already a qualified sailor you can hire Toppers, Picos, Wayfarers or a Drascombe Longboat. There’s also the option to windsurfing on the Mersey.

Kayak, Canoe, SUP

With so much coast to explore around Merseyside the various paddle sports are understandably popular. If you have the gear you can either go it alone, alternatively head to the Liverpool Watersports Centre for tuition and equipment rental. Stand Up Paddleboard, canoe or kayak down the Mersey, around the Wirral or up the coast.

SUP in albert docks liverpool one of the best merseyside adventure sports Royalty free image from Piklist

Inflatable Docks Course

This is one of Merseyside’s best-loved activities. The giant inflatable obstacle course is found at Duke’s Dock on Liverpool’s famous waterfront. Channel your inner Ninja Warrior, experience your very own Total Wipeout, or take part in some family fun. Anyone from the age of six can challenge themselves to the huge free falling slides and inflatable obstacles.

Spartacus Combat Archery

Combining archery, paintballing and dodgeball this new activity is all the rage. Put your sportsmanship and physical fitness to the test as you encounter combat sports at Spartacus Tag Archery. Challenge your coworkers or friends to a dramatic archery assault course and join in for one of the best activities in Liverpool.

Bouldering, Climbing Hangar

With two climbing locations in Liverpool, Climbing Hangar offers exceptional bouldering experiences. From beginners to experts, kids (from 7) to adults their bouldering offers something for everyone. Book lessons, a party, 1-2-1 coaching or just time on the bouldering wall for one of the best Merseyside adventure sports.

Climbing, Awesome Walls

Do you prefer sports climbing? Then check out Awesome Walls. The 12 meter wall offers a variety of routes for all levels. You can book lessons to learn the ropes, or climb independently. Easily one of the best activities in Liverpool and great for training before rock climbing in the National Parks mentioned above.

Climbing at Awesome Walls one of the best merseyside adventure sports Wikimedia CC image by Matěj Baťha

Abseil Down the Anglican Cathedral

Lovering yourself over a 150-foot drop is a terrifying experience. Muster up the courage, or grab a partner and pair up for moral support, and take a leap of faith off the side of the renowned Anglican Cathedral. This is more of a charity event than a regular activity so you’ll need to book well in advance.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing at Hoylake

Between West Kirby and Hoylake on the Wirral you’ll find perfect beaches for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Hoylake beach is two miles wide and seven miles long and its chest-deep flat water at high tide is ideal for beginners. West Kirby beach is a little smaller but still good and works in different wind directions.

Kite Buggying and landsailing at Hoylake

When the tide goes out the fun does not end. There is a huge expanse of sand that when the wind is blowing is perfect for kite buggying, landsailing and other similar sports.

We hope this list of the best Merseyside adventure sports inspires you to test your limits and book some outdoor activities in Liverpool. If you’re travelling elsewhere in Britain, check out our Cheap UK adventure holidays for other ideas.

 
 

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