Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 things to do in Liverpool UK this year. Liverpool, the vibrant city in the northwest of England, offers an array of cultural experiences, historical attractions and modern delights.
From the revitalized docks to the bustling city center, Liverpool promises visitors an array of activities to suit any interest. Whether one is drawn by the city’s musical heritage, exemplified by the iconic Beatles story, or intrigued by its impressive collection of museums and galleries, there is something in Liverpool for everyone.
- The Beatles Story
- Albert Dock
- Anfield Stadium
- Liverpool Cathedral
- Merseyside Maritime Museum
- Walker Art Gallery
- Mersey Ferry
- Liverpool World Museum
- Cavern Club
- Tate Liverpool
10 Things To Do In Liverpool UK
So, if you are visiting the United Kingdom and have put Liverpool on your list of places to see, let’s see if we can find you some things to do there below:
1. The Beatles Story
No trip to Liverpool would be complete without checking out the birthplace of The Beatles – even if you are not a fan of their music. The Beatles Story is an immersive museum experience located on the historic Albert Dock dedicated to the life, culture and music of the world’s most famous band, The Beatles. As you step inside, you embark on a fascinating journey through the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo from their early days in Liverpool, through their meteoric rise to global fame and onto their solo careers.
The exhibition features a rich collection of Beatles memorabilia including original instruments, photographs, personal items and rare documents. Visitors can walk through replicas of key locations in The Beatles’ career, such as the Cavern Club where they played many early gigs, Abbey Road Studios and the Casbah Coffee Club. The Beatles Story also offers an audio guide, narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia, providing personal insights and stories that bring the exhibits to life.
2. Albert Dock
Albert Dock, a notable landmark situated in the heart of Liverpool, stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime history and its transformation into a vibrant cultural hub. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises a series of Grade I listed warehouses that circle the country’s largest collection of protected buildings, all meticulously restored to house an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, shops and museums.
The dock is also home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, where visitors can delve into Liverpool’s nautical past, and the International Slavery Museum, offering insightful perspectives on historical and contemporary aspects of slavery. All in all, Albert Dock is a lively, bustling area where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the waterfront’s scenic beauty, dine at waterfront restaurants and participate in the numerous events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
3. Anfield Stadium
Touring Anfield Stadium offers an unforgettable experience for football fans and visitors alike, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of Liverpool Football Club, one of the most storied and successful clubs in the world. As you step into the stadium, you’re immediately immersed in the club’s rich history, tradition and passion that have fueled the team and its supporters for over a century.
The tour guides visitors through the iconic stadium’s key areas, including the players’ tunnel, the Main Stand, and the dressing rooms, where the current stars prepare for battle. The tour also includes access to the Liverpool FC Museum, The Liverpool FC Story, where the club’s illustrious history is brought to life through an extensive collection of memorabilia, interactive exhibits and the Champions League exhibit, which showcases Liverpool’s six European Cups, allowing fans to relive the glory nights in vivid detail.
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4. Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral stands as an awe-inspiring beacon of faith, architecture and history, dominating the city’s skyline with its majestic presence. As the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world, it was designed by the renowned architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott with construction spanning the 20th century, blending traditional Gothic elements with modern design.
Visitors to Liverpool Cathedral are greeted by its vast, intricate interior, which houses the world’s largest and highest (in terms of internal volume) Gothic arches alongside stunning stained glass windows that cast ethereal light across the nave and chapels. The cathedral is also home to the Great George Bell, the third-largest bell in Britain and an impressive organ, one of the largest in the world, which fills the space with powerful music during services and concerts.
One of the cathedral’s highlights is the Tower Experience, offering the opportunity to ascend the tower for panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the city’s landscape, the River Mersey and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of the Welsh mountains. The cathedral also hosts a variety of events, from art installations to educational tours as well.
5. The Merseyside Maritime Museum
The Merseyside Maritime Museum, located in the heart of Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, serves as a captivating gateway to the city’s illustrious maritime past. This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits and stories that chronicle Liverpool’s evolution from a small tidal inlet to one of the world’s greatest seaports. It vividly brings to life the city’s nautical heritage, exploring its pivotal role in global trade, the transatlantic slave trade, emigration and the story of the Titanic, whose managing company, the White Star Line, was based in Liverpool.
The museum’s collections include ship models, maritime paintings and navigational instruments, each telling a unique story of adventure, exploration and human endeavor. One of the museum’s highlights is the Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story exhibition, which delves into the city’s connections to the infamous liner and its tragic fate, offering personal stories, artifacts and insights that provide a deeper understanding of the disaster’s impact on Liverpool and its people.
The Merseyside Maritime Museum also addresses the darker chapters of maritime history, including Liverpool’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The museum doesn’t shy away from these difficult subjects, instead offering a thoughtful and educational examination of the trade’s economic, social and human costs, fostering a deeper understanding and reflection among its visitors.
6. The Walker Art Galler
The Walker Art Gallery is renowned as one of the finest art galleries in Europe. Established in 1877, it houses an impressive collection that spans from the Renaissance to the present day, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. The gallery’s extensive collection includes works by Rembrandt, Degas and Turner, alongside a significant assortment of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art. The gallery also features a diverse array of contemporary pieces, showcasing the work of leading modern artists and reflecting the dynamic nature of the current art scene.
The gallery’s layout is designed to facilitate an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of artistic styles and techniques over the centuries. Notable highlights include the John Moores Painting Prize exhibition, which has been held biennially at the gallery since 1957, celebrating the best in contemporary painting and often heralding the next generation of artistic talent.
7. Mersey Ferry
The Mersey Ferry has been an integral part of the city’s maritime landscape for centuries, offering locals and tourists alike the opportunity to see Liverpool from a unique perspective. The journey across the Mersey offers breathtaking views of landmarks such as the Royal Liver Building, the Pier Head and the UNESCO-listed waterfront. The ferry ride, often accompanied by the strains of the famous song “Ferry Cross the Mersey” by Gerry and the Pacemakers, becomes a moving tribute to Liverpool’s maritime heritage and its enduring connection to the river.
The ferries themselves are equipped with comfortable seating and viewing areas, making the trip a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Many services also offer informative commentary, providing insights into the history and significance of the sights along the riverbanks. Additionally, special themed cruises and evening tours are also available offering entertainment, live music and even educational content, making each crossing a memorable event.
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8. The Liverpool World Museum
The Liverpool World Museum, established in 1853, has grown to become one of the UK’s most comprehensive museums, boasting extensive collections that span millions of years and bring together artifacts and specimens from across the globe. The museum’s mission is to educate, inspire and entertain visitors of all ages, making it a cornerstone of cultural and scientific learning in the city.
As you step into the Liverpool World Museum, you’re greeted by an array of exhibits that cover everything from ancient civilizations to the wonders of the natural world. Displays includeg the award-winning Natural History Centre, where visitors can get up close with nature’s diversity; the World Cultures gallery, which explores the rich tapestry of human history and cultural achievements; and the Aquarium, offering a glimpse into aquatic life from different environments around the world.
One of the museum’s highlights is the planetarium, where visitors can embark on a stellar journey through the universe, exploring stars, planets and galaxies far beyond our own. The museum also features a dedicated space and time gallery, which delves into the mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it. For those interested in the ancient world, the museum’s extensive Egyptology collection, one of the largest in the UK, provides a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian life, death and the afterlife as well.
9. The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club, nestled in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling Cavern Quarter, is more than just a music venue; it’s a historical landmark that played a pivotal role in the history of popular music, most notably as the launching pad for The Beatles. Opened in 1957 in a cellar on Mathew Street, this iconic club quickly became the epicenter of the Merseybeat movement in the early 1960s, hosting performances by not only The Beatles but also other legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Who, among others.
Walking into the Cavern Club is like stepping back in time. The venue retains much of its original charm and atmosphere, with its arching brickwork and intimate setting creating a unique acoustic environment that has captivated audiences for decades. The club’s walls are adorned with memorabilia, photographs and signatures of the artists who have played there, serving as a testament to its storied past and ongoing influence in the music world.
Despite its global fame, the Cavern Club remains a vibrant live music venue, showcasing a mix of established artists and emerging talent across a variety of genres.
10. Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool stands as a beacon of contemporary and modern art in the North of England, housed within the historic Albert Dock on Liverpool’s revitalized waterfront. Since its opening in 1988, Tate Liverpool has established itself as one of the UK’s leading galleries for modern and contemporary art, offering a diverse and dynamic program that showcases works from the Tate collection alongside international exhibitions.
The gallery is part of the Tate family, which includes Tate Modern and Tate Britain in London, and Tate St Ives in Cornwall, making it a significant cultural institution with a national and international reach. Tate Liverpool’s mission is to engage a broad audience with modern and contemporary art, exploring the connections between art and the wider world.
Visitors to Tate Liverpool can enjoy a wide range of artworks spanning the late 19th century to the present day, including pieces by Picasso, Warhol and Hockney amongst others. The gallery is renowned for its ambitious exhibitions, which often include major works on loan from around the world providing a platform for a wide array of artistic expressions and movements. These exhibitions are complemented by a robust program of talks, workshops and educational activities designed to inspire and engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
FAQs
What are some budget-friendly attractions in Liverpool?
Take advantage of the free access to the Albert Dock or explore the Liverpool Cathedral without spending much at all. The Mersey Ferry is another great option which won’t break the bank as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 best things to do in Liverpool. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other must visit locations that I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
