We’ve all been there – checking your bank balance and realising you’ve got about too few quid to last until payday, but you’re not about to spend another weekend on the sofa watching Netflix. Liverpool’s brilliant when you’re loaded, but it’s also one of the best cities for making your money stretch when your wallet’s a little light.
From the waterfront and world-class museums and parks to wild fun activities in the Liverpool city centre, we’re breaking down how to have a proper laugh without crying at your banking app later.
Each “free things to do in Liverpool” list bangs on about the same spots, and honestly? They’re not wrong. You’ve got Royal Albert Dock and the waterfront, which are genuinely mint for wandering and snapping photos that make it look like you’ve got your life together. World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery and The Bluecoat all offer proper culture hits. Then there’s the parks – Sefton Park, Princes Park, Otterspool Promenade, Croxteth Hall Park – all perfect for walking off last night’s questionable decisions or having a picnic when the weather cooperates.
Then there’s the Beatles bits, like Mathew Street, the Beatles statue on the waterfront, street art like Paul Curtis’ Liver Bird wings, and enough Insta-friendly sites to keep your content game strong. All great, but maybe a bit too “Sunday afternoon with your grandad” energy.
Here’s the thing – museums are ace, parks are lovely, and the waterfront at sunset is genuinely gorgeous. But let’s be honest: you walk a lot, you take some photos, you get a bit of culture, and then what? You’re not exactly coming away with a story that starts with “remember that mental time when…” They’re brilliant for days out in Liverpool, sure, but don’t you want a night out with your mates or a date that’s more exciting than cliché coffee and wandering around?
That’s where the trap is – you save all this cash being sensible, then blow it on overpriced drinks somewhere boring, even though you’re keen for a killer experience.
The smart move when you’re broke isn’t to do nothing. It’s to stack up the free bits during the day, then spend a small amount on one thing that’ll actually stick in your brain. Do the waterfront walk, hit a museum, chill in Chavasse Park, and get your moody sunset photos at Albert Dock – all for zero pounds. Then, when the sun goes down, spend a small amount on something that blends boozy fun with budget-friendly adventure.
When you’re skint, every pound matters, so you need to be smart about what makes an experience worth your cash. Some tips to separate an ace evening from just a random Saturday include:
Junkyard Golf Club Liverpool has the vibes you need for a worry-free night with your mates. In the middle of Liverpool’s bustle, you can easily stop by or book ahead, whatever fits your vibe. So, after exploring the city, you can swap wholesome daylight vibes for a night of friendly competition, drinks and bumping music.With an Unlimited Golf ticket, you can stretch your budget over endless rounds. From £12.50 our Unlimited Ticket options give you the most bang for your buck. You don’t need to pick from our crazy golf courses – play all of them, as many times as you like! For a little extra, you can even add 2 drinks to your ticket and save money by pre-buying your cocktails.
When you’re skint, it’s tempting to just not go out at all. But that’s tragic, and you deserve better than another weekend wondering what everyone else is up to. Liverpool’s packed with brilliant free stuff that’ll fill your day without touching your bank balance, but when you do spend, make it count on something a bit chaotic and well fun..
Junkyard’s got three whacky 9-hole courses of boozy golf, creative cocktails, electric playlists, arcade fun and an atmosphere that feels like a house party. You’re not just sitting in another expensive bar watching your money disappear – you’re playing, competing, laughing at your mates’ terrible putting skills, and making the kind of night you’ll actually remember. But bring your A-game, because the loser buys the drinks!
