active travel sefton

Cycling Maps

Cycle routes & road safety information, opening up miles of cycling in merseyside.

Merseyside Road Safety Partnership have produced cycle route maps for Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral (Liverpool’s and Sefton’s maps will be ready in 2022). These maps provide you with travel options across Merseyside. They offer routes for everyone – whether you’re cycling to work, for necessity, joining up a journey or for leisure. There’s also road safety information to help keep you safe and details of local resources for cyclists. The maps are available in libraries, leisure centres and other community venues throughout Merseyside.

There are a number of reasons why cycling is a great way to get around Merseyside.

Cycling regularly…

• Lowers your chances of developing heart disease by 50%.
• Helps to protect you from some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Increases your heart rate, which in turn strengthens your heart muscle and lowers your blood pressure.
• Reduces your levels of cortisol – known as the ‘stress hormone’.
• Allows for the rapid spread of ‘good substances’ like endorphins, etc. to boost your positive mental state.
• Promotes healthy weight management, increasing your metabolism to help you burn calories.

It’s a cheaper and quicker way to travel

• Bikes are cheaper to buy and maintain than motorised vehicles.
• There’s no fuel or parking costs.
• If you are commuting, cycling can often be quicker than driving. Use the map to find the best route for you!

What you’ll discover

Cycling can reward you with a real sense of freedom. The physical, mental, financial and environmental benefits are well documented. Put simply, cycling is good for you and fun!

Cycle Training & Skills Sessions

Merseyside Road Safety Partnership and Liverpool Combined Authority are working with BikeRight! to provide FREE 1 to 1, Group, Family and Child cycle skills and training sessions with a qualified BikeRight! cycle instructor for anyone who lives, works or studies in Merseyside.

For more info and how to book click here .

> WHERE ARE THE SESSIONS HELD? We come to you or a place that suits you.

> WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING? Just bring your bike and helmet.

> HOW LONG IS THE SESSION? 2 hours.

> HOW DO I BOOK A PLACE? For full details about the types of sessions available and to book, click the link above, register on the BikeRight! website and follow their instructions.

Cycling Organisations:

National cycling organisations provide cyclists 
with a number of services from technical 
advice to legal aid. They also campaign on 
behalf of all cyclists.

https://www.cyclinguk.org/

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/

https://bikeability.org.uk/cycle-more/where-to-ride/find-a-group-or-event/

https://www.bicycleassociation.org.uk/

Reporting anti–social driving

An important part of improving the roads for cyclists is gathering information about dangerous or anti-social driving to Merseyside Police. Video footage can be submitted on the force’s website. Without video footage, it’s hard for the police to take action. It’s incredibly helpful, therefore, for cyclists to have a camera fitted either on their 
helmet or bike so that any incidents are captured, and can be dealt with by Merseyside Police.

When collisions or near miss incidents are reported this information can be used to help to inform local councils of potential locations that may need to be improved. Every reported incident helps them to build a clearer picture. We will be adding information about how to report an issue soon.

Local resources in Merseyside

Click here Active Travel in the Liverpool City Region | Merseytravel for information about:

• Joining up a journey – services and storage
• Cycling Groups
• Cycle Shops and Cycle Maintenance Services

How to report a road defect in Knowsley: Poor surface quality or potholes can be dangerous for cyclists, to report such an issue in Knowsley, please email: [email protected]

Cycle Route Map Printed copies of the Knowsley cycling map are available from Merseytravel and community venues. You can also download a copy of the map here .

How to report a road defect in Liverpool: Poor surface quality or potholes can be dangerous for cyclists, to report such an issue in Liverpool, please click here: Report a problem with a road or pavement and follow the instructions.

How to report a road defect in Sefton: Poor surface quality or potholes can be dangerous for cyclists, to report such an issue in Sefton, please click here: Highway Issues and follow the instructions.

Cycle Route Map Printed copies of the Sefton cycling maps are available from Merseytravel and community venues. You can also download a copy of the maps here – Sefton North & Formby and  Sefton South .

How to report a road defect in St Helens: Poor surface quality or potholes can be dangerous for cyclists, to report such an issue in St Helens, please click here: Report a Problem and follow the instructions.

Cycle Route Map Printed copies of the St Helens cycling maps are available from Merseytravel and community venues. You can also download a copy of the maps here – St Helens Overview and St Helens Map 2 .

How to report a road defect in Wirral: Poor surface quality or potholes can be dangerous for cyclists, to report such an issue in Wirral, please click here: Potholes and Road Damage and follow the instructions.

Cycle Route Map Printed copies of the Wirral cycling map are available from Merseytravel and community venues. You can also download a copy of the map here .

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Our Road Safety Pledge

Why not join us by taking The Pledge to show your commitment to road safety? To find out more information click here .

Safer Roads Watch Initiative Celebrated for Road Safety Week

Summer cycle event, you may also like, roadpeace challenge, fatal four operation throughout april, supercar to help the roads policing team, winter driving, operation limit, road safety week, ai camera van deployed across merseyside, npcc speed campaign, post collision response demonstration.

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Sefton launches Your Streets, Your Say walking and cycling consultation

Sefton Council have launched Your Streets, Your Say, an online active travel consultation seeking views across the borough on proposed active travel routes in Crosby and Southport.

The new proposals would see improvements to existing routes and new routes to link up existing cycle and walking paths in the Borough.

The routes would see a new and upgraded cycling and walking route between Crosby Leisure Centre and Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. It will also link to the new cycling provision being delivered on Great Georges Road, and provide a link to Potters Barn Park and beyond to the Rimrose Valley.

This route will be funded by the Sustainable Urban Development funding which has been awarded to the Liverpool City Region.

In addition to the route in Crosby, Sefton Council also have proposals in Southport, which would link to the existing town centre route. The existing town centre route links Birkdale to Southport Town Centre and Hesketh Park.  The two planned routes are Birkdale to Ainsdale, linking to Greenbank High School and Birkdale High School and Hesketh Park to the Plough Roundabout.

This work is part of a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority bid for government funding to improve active travel routes across the UK.

The Your Streets, Your Say consultation will run from the 21 st  May and invites opinion from across the borough.

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services said: “We are improving our active travel networks throughout the whole of the Borough to support our Sefton 2030 Vision. The intention is to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle in Sefton whilst also encouraging people who have never travelled in this way to do so, especially for short journeys. “The proposed active travel routes for pedestrians and people who cycle are at a very early stage of development, and we would encourage all residents and businesses to use this consultation period to get involved and help to shape the scheme as it moves forward.”

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Active travel can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing as well as our physical health. We want people to take part in this consultation so we can maximise the health and wellbeing benefits of our plans. “We have a beautiful borough here in Sefton and the new proposed active travel routes will make it easier and safer for people to enjoy our landscape and get out into nature.”

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services said: “Active travel is a key part of our response to the climate emergency. It is vital that we facilitate green travel, reduce our emissions and allow people to make greener travel choices. “Cycling and walking reduces the amount of vehicles on our roads, improving our air quality and minimising our contribution to climate change. “We encourage all residents to participate in this consultation to shape our plans and make Sefton cleaner and greener.”

Simon O’Brien, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for the Liverpool City Region said: “Cycling is great for air quality and the environment, and brilliant for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. But we shouldn’t just think of getting on our bikes as exercise – it’s also a cheap and easy way to commute to work, travel to school or college and even pop to the local shops. “But to encourage more people to leave the car at home for short journeys we need to make cycling a really attractive option by building safe, separated routes where people can ride their bikes with confidence. That’s why routes like the one being planned in Crosby and Southport are so important. “We know that across our city region support for new, safer cycle lanes is really high – about 70% of people back this infrastructure being built – but it’s vital to get feedback from residents, road users and cyclists about specific routes, and that’s why we’re asking people to take part in this consultation let us know what they think.”

Find out more here:  www.sefton.gov.uk/YourStreetsYourSay

Fill in the online questionnaires here:  https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/yourstreets/

European Regional Development Fund

The project is receiving up to £980,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit  https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

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Cycle lanes in Southport town centre to be made permanent in bid to increase active travel

[email protected]

Schemes to install cycle lanes along streets in Southport town centre are due to be made permanent. 

Sefton Council says its Active Travel scheme, between Southport’s Queens Road and Talbot Street, has been used more than 2,500,000 times since it was introduced.

Monitoring of the scheme shows that almost three quarters of all journeys along the stretch were made by people walking, wheeling or cycling. [MD1]  

Data along the route also revealed a 40% reduction in the number of accidents since the scheme was introduced.

Surveys of people walking, wheeling and cycling on the route, showed that almost 9 in 10 journeys were for everyday activities such as going to the shops, going to work or education, or accessing important services.

Sefton Council says that feedback from their extensive consultation shows that many people have welcomed the scheme. Residents say it has helped to encourage active travel journeys and reduce nuisance parking. 

Responses from a small number of businesses say more needs to be done.

A report to Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services seeks approval to keep the temporary active travel infrastructure in place. It also contains proposals for future improvements, in response to comments made.

A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “With the majority of residents who responded to the consultation saying they were very or fairly satisfied with the route, the high numbers of uses and a 40% reduction in the number of accidents since its introduction, the Council is keen to make the benefits of this scheme permanent.

“By encouraging people to make local journeys by walking, cycling or wheeling, the scheme is contributing to local people’s health, the local and wider environment, as well as making safer conditions.

“And it is supporting improvements to connectivity throughout the town and its public realm alongside the work of the Town Deal Les Transformation des Southport scheme.”

Extensive consultation on the scheme followed Government guidance. As well as usage, safety data, and user surveys, the Council invited over 1,000 local residents and businesses to provide their honest feedback.

The Council spokesperson continued: “While the scheme has been a success and has proved popular with many people locally, we do not consider this to be evidence that the scheme is perfect and are listening to all feedback received to see what further improvements can be made.

“Some businesses who responded raised concerns and the Cabinet Member is being asked to support steps to explore short, medium and long term improvements to address those issues.”

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: [email protected]  

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Independent Walk Routes Sefton

As well as a wide range of group-led walks that the Active Travel Sefton team provide, there are a series of ‘Independent Walk Routes’ available throughout Sefton. Designed to suit all ages and abilities, these tried and tested walks range from 30 to 100 minutes and are a great way to keep fit and get out while enjoying Sefton’s varied landscape.

The Independent Walk Routes pack has been around for several years – It’s a folder that holds 12 or more walks. We were tasked with not only updating the design of the pack and inserts, but also testing all 12 routes to update the information for each walk.

This involved reworking the route information as we went. Rewriting the directional information, photographing the key stages to use as back up to the written directions and reviewing the existing map using GPS to track the routes more accurately, which we then transferred over to a graphically illustrated maps for each route. We also calculated the duration of each walk, any difficulties in terrain or road safety issues and step count. The style of the pack was illustrated in-house and the cover is a montage of local landmarks and details in Sefton from the Bootle town hall clock tower and Southport pier to the Iron Men on Crosby Beach.

Client Active Travel Sefton, Sefton Council

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Active Sefton, Be Active Summer Activites

Be Active guide for Summer 2022 is now available!

Lots of activities taking place throughout the borough, including sports & games, dance camps, acrobatic arts, ditch your stabilisers, and lots of swimming sessions.

If more info drop us an email on [email protected] or call us on 0151 288 6286. The booklet will be sent via email to all schools, but please send on to any families you are working with who may be looking for activities to keep kids busy over the summer holidays.

Click here to download the  Be Active Guide Summer 2022 (sefton.gov.uk)

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Last updated: 12/07/2022

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Christmas 2022  Opening Times and Class Timetables now online - click here for details

Welcome to Active Sefton's Leisure Facilities!

Embark on your fitness journey at our local facilities in Sefton, strategically positioned to serve the communities of Crosby , Bootle , Netherton , Southport , Litherland , and Maghull .

Our state-of-the-art gyms offer a diverse range of fitness options for our communities in Sefton. Crosby Lakeside boasts a recently refurbished Active Fitness suite, two activity studios, and access to lake facilities, all complemented by The Lake House Bistro . Bootle Leisure Centre , nestled in the heart of Bootle, offers a dynamic mix of amenities, including a 25m swimming pool, sauna, and steam rooms. Meanwhile, Dunes Splash World in Southport combines leisure and water-based thrills with a range of pools and fitness options.

Litherland Sports Park stands out with its floodlit all-weather pitches and a vast array of sports facilities. Meadows Leisure Centre , located conveniently in Maghull, features a 25m pool, fitness studios, and a health suite. Finally, the Netherton Activity Centre caters to a variety of age groups with its cutting-edge fitness equipment, badminton courts, and 3G floodlight pitch.

Join us in these outstanding local facilities, where fitness meets community, and let's build a healthier, more active Sefton together!

Crosby  Lakeside

Bootle  leisure centre, dunes  splash world, meadows leisure centre, litherland  sports park, netherton  activity centre.

Weigh Forward is a programme designed to give members real, correct nutritional information. Specifically for the people of Sefton, it is run by trained specialists. 

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 19th June, 2024

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in…

• The best things to do in St Petersburg
• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

Top tip: Getting around Moscow

If you want to get a taxi, use the local taxi app “Yandex” which is similar to Uber. Definitely avoid taxis waiting in tourist spots, as they can charge you ridiculous amounts of money for a very short ride.

16 best places to visit in Moscow

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Martin Taylor

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Safe Routes to School to Hold Annual Polar Walk

Safe Routes to School Will hold its annual “Polar Walk” on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. Approximately 2,000 students from nine Moscow Schools will participate, along with over 250 parents, teachers and community leaders, and over 20 University of Idaho students, staff, and faculty. 

The United States has the lowest percentage of individuals who walk or bike to work and school even when conditions are ideal. The Polar Walk encourages active travel to and from school even in winter weather conditions. Safe Routes to School’s focus is to provide safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for active travel. 

The event will showcase “Walking School Buses,” enabling students to walk together from designated meeting places with the assistance of volunteer supervision. The meet-up locations for the Walking School Buses are:

– West Park Elementary:  Meet at the  University of Idaho Rec Center

– Russell Elementary:  Meet at  East City Park

– McDonald Elementary:  Meet at the  Eggan Youth Center

– Saint Mary’s Parish School :  Meet at  Saint Mary’s church parking lot

–  Palouse Prairie Charter School:  Meet at  Indian Hills Park  

All Walking Buses will depart 15-20 minutes before their school’s designated start time to ensure on-time arrival. Check with your school for exact departure times, or visit the  Safe Routes to School Facebook page  for more information.

Participants should dress appropriately for winter weather conditions, including boots, gloves, hats, heavy winter coats, snow pants, and scarves. Recommended walking routes to individual schools, as well as Park-and-Walk locations, are available at:  https://www.uidaho.edu/ed/departments/srts/resources . 

All Moscow residents are asked to drive with caution in all school zones to help accommodate the high volume of children walking to school on February 7th. The Moscow Police Department will offer additional safety patrol at school sites. 

The Moscow Safe Routes to School program is based in the Movement Sciences Department, College of Education at the University of Idaho. For additional information, please contact Cate Egan at 770.639.3953 or via email at  [email protected] .

For additional information, please visit:

Moscow Safe Routes to School

Walk to School Day in the USA

National Center for Safe Routes to School     

Story Contact:  Cate Egan, Safe Routes to School Director

Phone:  770.639.3953

Email:  [email protected]

Palouse Choral Society’s Valentine’s Concert

Submission period opens for mural project in moscow, change location, find awesome listings near you.

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Have your say on potential changes to Southport's Eastern Access Road Network

03 November 2023

Sefton Council is asking the public to have their say on proposals which would transform travel opportunities in and out of Southport.

The Local Authority is calling on pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and visitors to the town to give their views on potential changes to the highway network around the road network to the East of the town centre, which includes Eastbank Street, Scarisbrick New Road, Kew Roundabout and Foul Lane.

Improved Journeys

Known as the 'Southport Eastern Access Scheme,', the proposals would seek to reduce congestion, improve journey times and promote active travel initiatives in an area that has a high level of road use.

One of the proposals involves the reopening and redesign of Foul Lane, which would provide a new traffic corridor through to the Meols Cop and Blowick areas from Southport Road.

As well as the introduction of new junctions, works would also be carried out to upgrade existing junctions and provide additional walking and cycling provision to and from Southport Town Centre.

Active Travel

Sefton Council is proposing to create active travel routes along Scarisbrick New Road, Southport Road, Kew Roundabout and Castlemore Junction, which would then connect to the newly reopened Foul Lane and Meols Cop Road through to Norwood Road.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: "Southport's Eastern Access is one of only three routes in and out of the town and sees tens of thousands of road users on its carriageways each year.

"As the main road to the resort from the East, it is unquestionably busy with motorists but is not as suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and those who don't drive.

"Our Southport Eastern Access improvement scheme seeks to address some of these long standing issues as well as putting in place advanced active travel infrastructure that will vastly improve how we travel in and out of the town.

"By reopening Foul Lane we can provide an improved corridor for residential traffic to access the high density areas of Blowick and High Park, which will reduce the amount of congestion on Scarisbrick New Road and Meols Cop Road.

"Improving junctions around Southport Road will also make accessing local retail parks much safer and the introduction of new active travel infrastructure will open up new opportunities for people travelling in and out of the town from neighbouring communities in the East.

"We want everyone to take time to read through our proposals and have their say. Ultimately this is a project that seeks to benefit all who use our highways."

The consultation will be open  from Friday November 3rd until Friday December 8th  and can be accessed on the Your Sefton Your Say  https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/investment-programmes-and-infrastructure/sea-improvement-scheme-public-engagement

All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of the next stages of the scheme.

Following this, a report will be produced summarising the consultation feedback and next stages of the scheme and will be made available on Sefton Council’s website.

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