Liverpool 101

Situated in England’s north west, not far from the North Wales border, Liverpool is one of the UK’s top cities to visit, whose residents – known as Scousers – are renowned for their wit and welcoming nature. The city and surrounding region of Merseyside (part of Lancashire until 1974) is replete with cultural treasures, from the old haunts of local band The Beatles to Unesco-listed architecture.

Historic sites

Liverpool was heavily bombed during the Second World War but retains a significant number of architectural gems, including the Unesco-listed Royal Albert Dock, St Georges Hall and the Pier Head’s Three Graces, which incorporate the largest collection of Grade I-listed buildings in the UK. The Church of St Luke, also known as the ‘bombed out church’ stands as a stark reminder of the destruction caused during WWII.

Unesco listed Royal Albert Dock Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

St Georges Hall Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

The Dazzle Ferry Credit: Visit Britain

Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral are also worth a visit – the latter is a sci-fi-looking construction built upon the pre-war crypt designed by Lutyen. Book a tour to get an idea of how grand his designs for the rest of the cathedral were, despite never being realised.

Book tickets to the Liverpool War Museum to explore the bunker where commanders planned their defense of the Western Approaches and monitored enemies during World War II. The Map Room remains as it was left in August 1945.

To venture even further back in time, swing by Speke Hall, a Tudor mansion restored and transformed by its Victorian inhabitants.

Things to do

Think Liverpool, think The Beatles? You’re not alone. Discover how the city shaped the future of the Fab Four at The Beatles Story exhibition, or join a tour to see the likes of The Cavern, where the band gained a following in the early 1960s, and the real-life Strawberry Field.

Strawberry Fields Gates Credit: Visit Britain

The Cavern Club Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

Liverpool boasts the largest national museum collection outside of London. Learn about the city’s slave trade connections and the impact slavery has had on the world at the International Slavery Museum; browse historic artefacts from across the globe at the World Museum; and dive into the city’s past at the Museum of Liverpool. Make time for Merseyside Maritime Museum, where you can discover Liverpool’s links with the ill-fated Titanic. Other notable museums include Victoria Gallery and Museum and Sudley House.

Museum of Liverpool

Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

Art lovers should make a beeline for Tate Liverpool, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. For renaissance masterpieces, Tudor portraits and pre-Raphelite paintings, visit the Walker Art Gallery, or venture across the Mersey River on the iconic ferry to see Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight.

Tate Liverpool Credit: Visit Britain

Walker Art Gallery Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

Liverpudlians love their football – aka soccer – but are you a fan of Everton or Liverpool FC? Tour their clubs to find out why locals are so enamoured with the beautiful game. If shopping’s more your thing, you’re in luck – Liverpool is one of the UK’s best cities for retail therapy; try Liverpool One on for size.

Liverpool Football Club

Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards

The region has plenty for outdoorsy types too: Birkenhead Park inspired the design of NYC’s Central Park; Sefton Park boasts caves, waterfalls and a beautiful, three-tiered Victorian glasshouse; and Knowsley Safari Park is home to tigers, giraffes, sea lions and more. For coastal adventures, set up base in seaside resort Southport before exploring
Formby Point and Crosby Beach (complete with eerie art installations), or completing a few rounds at one of the area’s 12 golf courses along ‘England’s Golf Coast’. On the Wirral Peninsula, brave the two-mile walk to tidal Hilbre Island from West Kirby, keeping an eye out for grey seals and seabirds.

The Palm House, Sefton Park

Credit: Visit Britain, Peter Hughes

Food and drink

Liverpool’s food scene is expansive and growing, with a knack for casual fine dining and British classics; try the steak with parmesan and truffle chips at Wreckfish for starters. Monro is top choice for gastro-pub vibes and gourmet burgers, while Down the Hatch serves up vegan comfort food from its basement kitchen. The Art School on Hope Street caters for a variety of dietary requirements while maintaining its fine dining standards. Book a table at Röski, run by Masterchef: The Professionals winner Anton Piotrowski, for imaginative, beautiful dishes; or zip to the top of West Tower to dine at Panoramic 34, one of the UK’s highest restaurants, while enjoying 360° views of the city. London Carriage Works is a local favourite, ideal for afternoon tea or Sunday lunch – be sure to check out the impressive wine list. For food on the go, head to Baltic Market for street food galore in a trendy space.

Beyond Liverpool, Fraiche in Oxton is the region’s only Michelin-starred restaurant and provides an intimate dining experience and quirky, awe-inspiring plates.

Panoramic view from the Panoramic 34

Credit: Visit Britain, Rod Edwards