It might not be the Maldives, but the Palm House in Sefton Park offers its own little slice of the tropics, especially in the summer months when Liverpool’s famed ‘giant conservatory’ is naturally warmed to balmy holiday temperatures.
Even when the sun doesn’t show its face outside, there’s a raft of things to enjoy ‘under the palms’ over the summer holidays, for all ages.
Whether visitors want to craft, create, relax, meditate, learn something new or just enjoy an evening of good food and entertainment, the team at the Palm house has worked with other organisations across the city to curate a steady stream of events and activities to suit everyone.
Kate Johnson, CEO of the Palm House said:
“We love being a hub for local community events, offering a variety of free activities throughout the year for our visitors of all ages. The summer holidays are a great opportunity to build up our programme with more activities to suit our younger visitors and have them enjoying the space in and outside the Palm House.
“Along with our programme of adult-events, we have craft activities, a Teddy Bear’s picnic and yoga for little ones, and older children can enjoy our inspiring art workshops here this summer. We hope these opportunities to experience the Palm House, its beautiful plants and unique atmosphere will be just the start of the memories they can make in this fabulous building.”
The summer programme kicks off with Liverpool Arab Arts Festival on Saturday 20 July, and also includes the Japanese Society North West’s Summer Matsuri on 31 August, bringing the spirit of Japan to Liverpool in this extraordinary festival.
Couples considering the venue for their future weddings can also visit for one of the monthly Wedding Open Evenings to experience the Palm House in all its summer glory as its wedding options are showcased, capturing the joy of holding a special celebration in the magical space under the palms.
Kate continued:
“As well as the Teddy Bear’s Picnic for our younger visitors, when the Palm House café will also be open for sandwiches and – more importantly – coffee for grown-ups, those same grown-ups are invited to book a babysitter for our Cheese & Wine Night with Penny Lane Jazz Band on Sunday 10 August, for a well-earned break from the summer holidays.
“If adults need some relaxation, we have that too, with multiple opportunities to unwind and meditate with Pilates and meditation sessions held on our Tranquil Tuesdays, operated on a ‘pay what you can afford’ basis. As a charity, we’re grateful for all the donations we receive from visitors and events, and even buying a coffee or a slice of cake in the café can have an impact on our ability to run our free events programme, and to add value to the lives of our local community.”
For more information on what’s going on over the summer at the Palm House, visit www.palmhouse.org.uk/whats-on/
Family friendly events
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival – Family Day
Sunday 20 July
12 – 5pm
Free
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) Family Day is an unmissable highlight in Liverpool’s cultural calendar. Immerse yourself in a free afternoon of authentic Arab art, culture and community during this joyful celebration, featuring music and performance by leading musicians. The Family Day also brings an array of creative workshops, mouthwatering cuisine, exciting children’s activities and more than 20 stalls featuring authentic crafts and traders. For more information visit www.arabartsfestival.com/events/family-day-2025/
Craft Club
Tuesday 29 July, 19 August, 28 September
1 – 3pm
Free, drop-in event
Suitable for all
Families are welcome to come, make and create under the palms together. Artist-led drop-in session as part of the Palm House’s family programme of events.
Rooted at the Palm House
Wednesday 30 July, 6, 13, 20 August
1 – 3pm
Free
Suitable for young people age 12+ and adults – pre-booking required
These four hands-on workshop sessions, funded by the Ulrike Michal Foundation for the Arts, will journey through a range of creative processes including drawing, printmaking, sculpture and painting. Inspired by the natural world, inspiration will be taken from the beautiful surroundings of the Palm House, with each session having a different focus to build creative skills through colour, pattern, shape, texture and materials. All materials are provided, and a collaborative artwork will be created at each session, which will then be displayed at the Palm House. Places are limited and pre-booking is essential. Link to book.
Yoga Bears in the Garden
Tuesday 5 August
10 – 11am
Free
Children aged 3 – 9 years old
Join a family YogaBears class in the garden outside the Palm House for a fun-filled magical hour of breathing, movement, games, relaxation and meditation. A wonderful way to begin the day with little ones. Participants are advised to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat if they have one. No need to book.
Teddy Bears Picnic
Tuesday 12 August
1 – 3pm
Free
Children aged 0 – 6 years old
The in-house story time team from the Palm House will be welcoming younger visitors for a special Teddy Bear’s picnic on the grass surrounding the Palm House. Children are asked to bring their teddies, family, friends and a picnic for a fun-filled couple of hours of stories and songs. Bring rugs, folding chairs and food, or stock up on sandwiches and refreshments from the café to enjoy on the grass. There might even be time for an ice cream! No barbeques please.
Story time
Tuesday 26 August, 16 September
11am and 1pm
Free
Children aged 0 – 5 years old
Sharing stories and rhymes with children from a young age is great for their development and communication skills. The team at the Palm House are experts at delivering these popular sessions for little ones, so spend an hour with them enjoying stories followed by some crafting.
Travelled Companions Activities for Babies & Toddlers
Wednesday 27 August
10:30am and 11:45am
Free
Children aged 0 – 5 years old
Travelled Companions specialise in creating original, imaginative and engaging theatre for young audiences. Using music, movement, storytelling and media, they create stimulating theatrical environments for children to explore. This 45-minute interactive play session is for little ones and their grown-ups to embark on an adventurous journey together, exploring the outside world around us. Children will move their bodies and make discoveries using their imaginations, all set to the backdrop of beautiful live music in the Palm House.
Japanese Society North West – 2025 Summer Matsuri
Sunday 31 August
11am – 4pm
Free
Suitable for all
Step into a world of vibrant Japanese culture and timeless traditions at the 2025 Summer Matsuri. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as the spirit of Japan is brought to Liverpool in this extraordinary festival. From the thunderous beats of taiko drummers and rousing Japanese folk songs, to the delicate art of ikebana (flower arranging), shodo (calligraphy), and sado (the tea ceremony), the best of Japanese culture will be brought together from across the UK. Marvel at the skill and precision of elite martial artists and be enchanted by delicate koto and shamisen performances, traditional instruments that will introduce you to Japan’s musical heritage. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sefton Park Palm House’s lush greenery, this family-friendly event is a celebration of community and culture. Whether you’re a lifelong Japan enthusiast or simply curious to explore something new, there’s something for everyone.
Adult events
Yoga with Kimmy Bird
Monday 21 July
6 – 7pm
Donate what you can afford – pre-booking required
Join Kimmy Bird Yoga for a calming and accessible Vinyasa Flow yoga class, perfect for beginners and all abilities. This gentle, breath-led practice focuses on mindful movement, helping build strength flexibility, and relaxation. Participants can expect a welcoming space to unwind, connect with the body, and find inner tranquillity. For beginners or those looking to deepen their practice, this class will leave attendees feeling refreshed and restored. Pre-booking is required, and participants will need to bring their own mats. Link to book.
Sing Along
Tuesday 22 July, 30 September
2 – 4pm
Free
A Tuesday Sing Along is one of the Palm House’s regular free events for older people, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for people to come and join in, sing, or just enjoy the music in a friendly accessible space.
Tranquil Tuesday – Meditation with Ally at Rebalance Holistics
Tuesday 22, 29 July and 5 August
6 – 7pm
Donate what you can afford – suggested donation of £5
Set against the beautiful setting that is the Palm House, these meditation sessions with Ally at Rebalance Holistics gives attendees the chance to stop, be still and present. This calm and rejuvenating experience is designed to help participants unwind, release tension, and cultivate relaxation. Suitable for all levels, whether beginners or experienced practitioners, this class focuses on calming breathing exercises and gentle guided instruction for deeper relaxation. Sessions are funded by donations based on what you can afford. Any donations enable the Palm House to continue hosting free events.
Wedding Open Evening
Thursday 31 July, 14 August, 18 September
6 – 8pm
Free
Recently awarded Winner for Historic Venue in The Regional Wedding Industry Awards 2025, Sefton Park Palm House holds monthly open evenings to showcase the venue, and get couples started on their journey towards one of the biggest days of their lives. With a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival and a selection of canapés to taste from catering partner Dine, ideas for table layouts, centre pieces, flowers and cakes will also be on display and suppliers in attendance, to help couples visualise their special day. Bookings with the Weddings Team can also be made for a personal meeting to discuss requirements further.
Liverpool Zest
Sunday 3 August
10am – 7pm
Free
Liverpool Zest is an independent Liverpool-based company producing vegan, gluten free and organically sourced Limoncello. As the team bring their gorgeous products to the Palm House, visitors will have the chance to sample their Liverpool-made Limoncello, experience some exciting cocktails, with a side order of music and hopefully some sunshine too!
Liverpool Black Men’s Group, evening panel talk – Legacies and benefits of the Charles Wootton Centre
Thursday 7 August
6 – 9pm
Free
The Charles Wootton Centre provided Black history courses as well as maths and English. Join the Liverpool Black Men’s Group for a fascinating exploration of the legacies and benefits of the centre, as the panel discuss whether such a centre would be warranted today.
Cheese & Wine Night with Penny Lane Jazz Band
Sunday 10 August
5 – 10pm
Free
If music be the food of love, play on! Come along for an evening of good music and great cheese. Penny Lane Jazz Band will play while attendees can enjoy delicious cheese boards available from Liverpool Cheese Company and wine that can be purchased from the Palm House Bar.
Tranquil Tuesday – Pauze Pilates
Tuesday 19, 29 August and 2, 9 September
6 – 7pm
Donate what you can afford – suggested donation of £5
As part of the Palm House’s series of Tranquil Tuesdays events, this evening of Pilates allows attendees to take a moment out of their busy lives and Pauze in the Palm House. Classes are suitable for everyone and anyone who wants to move their body and be guided through mindfulness in this tranquil space. Attendees need to wear gym clothes and bring a yoga mat. Sessions are funded by donations based on what you can afford. Any donations enable the Palm House to continue hosting free events.
Categories: 2025 | Festivals & Events | News
