Things to do in Port Sunlight

Built at the end of the 19th century, the idyllic garden village of Port Sunlight was originally constructed by Lord Lever as a home for workers at his soap factory, Lever Brothers, which eventually became Unilever.

Today, the village is home to a fascinating museum, beautiful architecture, a world-class gallery, stunning parks and a thriving community. Port Sunlight makes an ideal visitor destination thanks to its well-connected transport links and variety of accommodation, perfect for families and solo explorers alike. Check out our list of things to do in the area! 

Discover the story of this fascinating village at Port Sunlight Museum

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The starting point of any trip is a visit to the Port Sunlight Museum, which provides a fun and interactive history of the village. 

 

View fine art and the world's best collection of Wedgwood jasperware at Lady Lever Art Gallery 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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After discovering the history of this idyllic village, head across the road to Lady Lever Art Gallery. This stunning building houses one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art and is dedicated to the memory of Lord Lever’s wife, Elizabeth. 

 

See where the 'Fab Four' first performed at Hulme Hall

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hulme Hall is a Grade II listed venue within the heart of the village that runs several events across the year, as well as being the perfect venue for private hire events. Like other buildings in Port Sunlight, Hulme Hall is steeped in historical significance – and it even boasts the title of the first place that the Beatles played as the Fab Four complete with Ringo Starr as their drummer. 

 

Take a stroll through time

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Port Sunlight is the perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning architecture. Make sure you walk down Queen Mary's Drive, taking in the view of the boating lake with Lady Lever Art Gallery at one end and a poignant war memorial at the other. 

For stunning views, be sure to walk along Dell Bridge (pictured above). This tranquil space is like something straight out of a fairytale. 

 

Admire stunning Gothic Revival architecture at Christ Church

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Port Sunlight’s stunning history extends out of the village centre, with Christ Church providing the perfect spot for quiet contemplation in the surrounds of its distinctive Gothic Revival architectural style. 

 

Catch a show at Gladstone Theatre

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Port Sunlight isn’t just a daytime destination – the Gladstone Theatre has your evening entertainment needs covered! From traditional theatre through to comedy and even cinema, there is something for everyone. 

 

Discover plants and more at Port Sunlight Garden Centre

For green-fingered guests, the Port Sunlight Garden Centre has your retail therapy needs covered including everything from interior furnishings to plants and decorations. 

 

Take a walk along Port Sunlight River Park

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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You can also make the most of the great outdoors by strolling through the Port Sunlight River Park and taking in the stunning views across the River Mersey.

 

Enjoy some food and drink 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Your refreshment needs are covered during your visit, with several places to grab a light lunch and coffee including cafes in Lady Lever Art Gallery, Tudor Rose Tea Rooms and Blooming Skull Coffee on the edges of Port Sunlight Village. 

Whilst tea-total Lord Lever may not have been keen on the idea of pubs in the village, there are a few to choose from including Bridge Inn and The Lyceum Club. 

 

Walk through the set of films and TV shows

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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With its preserved period architecture, it’s easy to see why Port Sunlight has caught the imagination of screen audiences in popular television shows and films! From Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys through to Peaky Blinders and Tolkien, you may recognise some of the streets you wander down. 

Towns and Villages