April is here meaning spring is in full swing and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). Although it’s the month of Easter, this April offers so much more than feasting on chocolate (as much as we like doing that regardless of the time of year) as there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Liverpool to put a spring in your step. From outdoor activities like open air candlelight concerts and exploring all the spots for cherry blossom in the city, as well as some indoor events like getting up close and personal with some of our biggest loves, tapas and sausage dogs. Without further ado, check out some of the most brilliant things to do in Liverpool this April.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a spell of beautifully warm weather, which lead us to running to the nearest beer garden or terrace, however we’ve heard there could be another heatwave on its way this April (reaching a whopping 28 degrees!) There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand amongst good company and luckily many Liverpool restaurants created their very own alfresco dining spots last year and they’ll be making another appearance for when the sun is out. If you fancy being super prepared this month for when the hot weather arrives, book yourself a place at one of these outdoor dining spots.
2. Rock out to the timeless classics of Queen at this candlelight concert
Feeling under pressure? Want to break free from the shackles of a stressful work week? This is the answer. Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen puts the beloved anthems of the band in the spotlight once more. Coming to Liverpool on April 8, a talented string quartet will be performing classical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits in a sensational evening that will have you scouring the internet for a lemon-yellow leather jacket and dusting off your vinyls. Book your tickets here.
3. Venture to these beaches near Liverpool for a good dose of sea air
We get the odd bit of sunshine even in spring so why not head to the beach and soak up some sun and the fresh sea breeze? Ditch the concrete jungle that is Liverpool for a day and head to the coast, where you’ll find a selection of beautiful, sandy beaches near the city that you never knew existed. From the beautiful yet super busy Formby, to underrated wonders such as Crosby Beach – there’s plenty of lovely beaches just a short drive from Liverpool to explore this summer. Check out our full guide here.
4. Find the most brielliant cheese spots in Liverpool on this cheese crawl
Join The Liverpool Cheese Crawl for two and a half hours of non-stop cheese every Saturday this April: from swanky blue cheese and gooey grilled cheeses to interactive cheese-themed quizzes and competitions. The crawl starts at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre and will be packed full of the finest of Liverpool’s brie-lliant cheeses, with very mature fun facts, and the chance to heckle your quizmaster with your favourite cheese puns that will have your group crumbling faster than a Wensleydale. Meanwhile you’ll feta believe you’ll learn a bit about cheese making, and be introduced to some cheese mongers and shops you just camembert to stay away from. Find your tickets here.
5. Discover this secret garden in a Liverpool park
Hidden in one of Liverpool’s largest and most popular parks, and one that you may have frequented often as part of your daily exercise during lockdown, is a secret garden and it’s about to add to the excitement this month. This beautiful garden located in Calderstones Park will be opening back up during the Easter weekend (April 15-18) to serve food and drink outdoors.
6. Be surrounded by cute sausage dogs at this Dachshund pup-up cafe
The most adorable hangout spot for dogs is coming to Liverpool, and it’s especially for dachshund puppies, so if you’ve got one of these tiny sausage dogs yourself (or just love them) this is the event for you. Pup-Up Cafe: Dachshund Edition will be returning to the city and bringing lots tiny sausage dogs together at Revolución de Cuba at Albert Dock on April 17. It’s the perfect place to socialise puppies, featuring free, unlimited puppuccinos and dog treats, toys, goodies to buy and tons of photo opportunities.
7. Head to Aintree Racecourse for the Randox Grand National Festival
Between April 7 & 9, visitors to Aintree Racecourse can experience three days of world class racing and the greatest steeplechase with the Randox Grand National Festival. You could be at Aintree to witness the drama unfold in person. On April 7, the racecourse will play host to Randox Liverpool’s NHS Day and will feature Grade One racing show-stoppers and is one of the highest quality race days in the racing calendar. April 8 marks the Randox Ladies Day which will be full of fashion, colour and fabulous fun, followed by the legendary Randox Grand National Day on April 9. Find out more here.
8. Head to this Chinese buffet restaurant and have your food served by robots
Providing a pretty unique service in Liverpool, the BellaBots form The Chinese Buffet’s USP – which allows guests to enjoy a completely digital service when dining in their restaurants. Cooked up fresh in the kitchen by The Chinese Buffet’s team of human employees, guests can dig into a menu packed full of traditional Chinese cuisine, with dishes such as spring rolls, Kung Po chicken, Sichuan beef and so much more on offer. Each dish is brought over by the restaurant’s robot waiter, BellaBot, which you can grab your plates off when it swings by your table. It’s an absolute dream come true for the socially awkward and quite the experience!
9. Explore the numerous cherry blossom spots in Liverpool before they’re gone
Spring is finally here which means warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning, and of course, the most beautiful of all- pink cherry blossom. Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom for a short time during March and April, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. If you’re looking for a new walk or day trip out, then these beautiful flowers are the perfect excuse. From the beautiful Wavertree Botanic Gardens to the quaint corners of the Georgian Quarter, cherry blossom is abundant in Liverpool but blink and you’ll miss it!
10. Join the people of Liverpool in making a stand against racism at this brand new festival
Championed by the Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, Liverpool Against Racism (LAR) will take place this April and will feature specially commissioned music and cultural events, with the aim of stimulating the conversation about, and action against, racism. With a focus on community cohesion, the festival will act as a platform for people and organisations to creatively respond to hate crime. Running for a week, from April 23-30, the programming team – led by key music industry figure Yaw Owusu – is pulling together plans which will see live talks and debates, in addition to music and cultural events, featuring a diverse line up of local, national and international individuals and organisations who are invested in the charge for change.
11. Tuck into tasty tapas at newly-reopened Neon Jamón
Neon Jamón sadly closed its doors two years ago but will be opening up once more for Liverpudlians to feast on Catalan-inspired dishes. The Liverpool restaurant has made a short move from its former home at Smithdown Place, taking residence on Smithdown Road, where it will be next door to its sister site, The Crafty Swine. Diners can tuck into plenty of tapas- from croquetas to chorizo, patatas bravas to Padrón peppers, this month, however Neon Jamón will not be taking any bookings for tables of less than seven people.
12. Enjoy 360-degree views of Liverpool at this open air candlelight concert
New this April, Candlelight Open Air: Jazz In The Sky will take you to new musical heights, as a jazz band performs on the rooftop of The Shankly Hotel. The central Liverpool hotel – which is dedicated to the life and work of legendary football manager Bill Shankly – hosts a range of exclusive events in this enviable spot, thanks to its glorious panoramic views of Liverpool, and the Candlelight series will be joining the ranks this month. As the sun sets in Liverpool on April 28, the rooftop of The Shankly Hotel will glow with hundreds of candles, which will surround the jazz band for two mellow, 90 minute-long sets. Find your tickets to this magical event here.