Bridge Cottage

Bridge Cottage is one of the most charming buildings in Port Sunlight, an Arts and Crafts gem with a fairy-tale quality that stops visitors in their tracks. Built in the 1890s for William Lever—industrialist, soap magnate and founder of the village—it was originally used as a weekend home before becoming accommodation for senior staff. Today, its flint-and-stone exterior, timber-framed gables and ornate leaded windows continue to turn heads, standing proudly opposite the Lyceum and overlooking the Dell.

Though not a full-time museum, Bridge Cottage regularly opens its doors for temporary exhibitions that make inspired use of its intimate rooms and layered history. It’s a space where heritage and contemporary creativity meet, often through artist-led shows that respond to the building and its surroundings. Exhibitions are typically free, with donations welcome, and past events have included ceramic showcases and projects as part of the Independents Biennial. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with just enough of the original domestic features left to suggest stories of its past residents.

Set in the heart of Port Sunlight, it’s an ideal stopping point during a stroll through the village. Just minutes from the local Merseyrail station and close to other cultural highlights like the Lady Lever Art Gallery and the Port Sunlight Museum, it forms part of a rich day out steeped in both art and history. With its blend of architectural beauty, gentle pace and imaginative programming, Bridge Cottage offers a thoughtful, low-key alternative to the typical white-cube gallery experience. It’s well worth keeping an eye on the listings—something quietly special always seems to be happening behind that storybook façade.