Great nightlife? Check. Thriving food scene? Check. Fascinating museums? Check. Liverpool really does have to all when it comes to a fun and interesting UK break.
In collaboration with
Rough Guides
Beatlemania lives on in Liverpool. On Liverpool’s dockside, the Britannia Pavilion houses The Beatles Story, an “experience” of the city’s illustrious sons, which is naturally open “eight days a week”. It features an underwater trip on the yellow Submarine and a Fab4D, a mega cinematic experience for all the family (at the Pier Head theatre). You’ll be singing the band’s classic songs all the way home.
Best for: The Fab Four fans
While you’re there: Head to the Cavern Club for a drink where The Beatles performed.
The award-winning Museum of Liverpool is one of the top Liverpool tourist attractions. It was designed by architects 3xn in a funky, futuristic style. The displays chart the social and economic history of the city through archaeological material, photographs, costume and decorative art and historical memorabilia. There is plenty that will appeal to kids here. There’s a special gallery, Little Liverpool, for the under-sixes. The film Kicking and Screaming charts two young fans from the rival Liverpool and Everton football teams. It creates a poignant reminder of the good and bad times during the clubs’ histories, and their effect on the population of the city as a whole. Looking for Liverpool holidays? We suggest you reserve your accommodation in advance, if you want to stay in the city centre.
Best for: Learning about Liverpool
While you’re there: There’s a café inside for a spot of lunch after all that exploring.
Up for a fancy day out? Six miles to the north of Liverpool, is the world-famous racecourse at Aintree. Home to the annual Grand National, it is the most prestigious National Hunt race in the horseracing calendar. Held each April, 600 million people across the globe watch the race on television.
Best for:Horseracing fans
While you’re there: Head there early - you’ll be in company with over 70,00 other people!
One of the top Liverpool attractions is its impressive architecture. It’s on a huge, grand scale. Down by the docks it includes the three buildings known as “The Three Graces”: the imposing Royal Liver Building, with the mythical liver birds sitting atop the two clock towers; the Cunard Building; and the Port of Liverpool Building. All three were built in the early 20th century, when the city and the port were at the height of their prosperity.
Best for: Liverpool’s architecture
While you’re there: Take your time here. It’s a great place to eat and drink.
This is unique Liverpool sightseeing at its very best. Seven miles north of Liverpool, via the A565 (or 20 minutes by train from Liverpool Central station) is Crosby. Here the wide sands are dotted with 100 cast-iron naked figures all looking out to sea. Each of the two-metre figures was moulded by the artist Antony Gormley from his own body. Entitled “Another Place”, this haunting installation was originally intended as a temporary one. But after a certain amount of controversy, it has now been given a permanent home here. The figures are peppered about over a two-mile area. Notice how when the tides come in and recede again, the figures are submerged and revealed by the sea - spooky!
Best for: One-of-a-kind art installations
While you’re there: For more art head to the Lady Lever Art Gallery. The space has a wonderful collection of Victorian paintings.
Believe it or not, Liverpool is home to the first established Chinatown in Europe. Surprising, right? What comes with it is a plethora of exciting eateries in the city. Take note of the beautiful Chinese Arch. With its striking reds and intricate work it’s a great way to welcome you into Chinatown. The piece was imported from Shanghai, Liverpool’s twin city.
Best for: Food
While you’re there: The standing arch is the tallest to exist outside mainland China.
The Tate is in Liverpool? Yes. The city is home to its very own. Tate Liverpool is one of the city’s fine art galleries. It has the largest collection of modern and contemporary art outside the capital. It hosts some great temporary exhibitions, too.
Best for: Modern art
While you’re there: Note that there is a charge for the special exhibitions held here. The permanent collection is free.
Liverpool is home to two modern churches. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, designed by Sir Frederick W. Gibberd and consecrated in 1967, is the most striking. Its circular structure topped with a spire that represents the Crown of Thorns is standout. The crypt, begun in 1930, was the work of Sir Edwin lutyens. This was the only part of his original design to be carried out before lack of cash halted work.
Best for: A modern church
While you’re there: You can also visit Liverpool’s Cathedral. It’s the biggest cathedral and religious building in the country.
Opened in 1884, Anfield is one of the oldest and most famous football grounds in the world. Anfield is the home of Liverpool Football Club, the city’s most successful and one of the most successful in the country. The on-site museum walks you through the club’s long and storied history, from its beginnings as a 19th-century splinter club from Everton to the early glory years under Bob Paisley and through to the present day. For a more in-depth experience, the stadium tour takes you behind the scenes, taking in views of the pitch from the top of the Main Stand, into the dressing rooms and press room.
Best for: Footy fans
While you’re there:You can emulate the greats by touching the iconic ‘This is Anfield’ sign before heading down the players’ tunnel.
Support and useful information