Merseyside is a historic and culturally rich metropolitan county in North West England with vibrant urban centres, iconic maritime and musical heritage, and strong transport links.
The Hardmans' House in Liverpool is a National Trust historic house museum showcasing the original photographic studio, darkroom, and an extensive collection of photographs featuring Liverpool and its people. Visitors can explore the Georgian terraced house of photographer E. Chambré Hardman and his wife.
Basingwerk Abbey is a Grade I listed ruined Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century located near Holywell, Flintshire, Wales. Visitors can explore extensive medieval ruins set within Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, managed by Cadw. The site showcases historic religious architecture and marks the start of the North Wales Pilgrims Way.
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor manor house in Liverpool, renowned for its historic timber-framed architecture, ancient yew trees, and scenic views over the Mersey estuary. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors both indoor exploration of historic rooms and outdoor gardens with walking paths.
12 Oct–8 Nov (next week)
Visitors follow an outdoor trail around the grounds of Speke Hall, completing five activities to discover a magic word and reunite the Sorceress of Speke with her lost animal familiars.
Rufford Old Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor and Jacobean hall house in Lancashire featuring richly decorated interiors, a notable sixteenth-century carved wooden screen, extensive Victorian gardens with topiary squirrels, and historical collections of arms and rural memorabilia. The site offers both indoor historical architecture and outdoor garden experiences.
1 Jan–31 Dec (another 83 days)
Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire offers a programme of scheduled talks, demonstrations, exhibitions, and drop-in activities throughout 2026. Events include daily house tours and talks, garden talks, a monthly dementia friendly café, music performances, traditional yarn spinning demonstrations, sports and games during summer, fencing drop-in sessions, a Victorian play exhibition, a woodturners market, and a scarecrow festival in autumn. Admission to events is free with normal venue admission charges applying.