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10 Reasons to Visit Liverpool

January 23, 2018 / 149 Comments

 

Perched on the banks of the River Mersey, Liverpool is a city of rich cultural heritage, fantastic energy and with endless ways to stay entertained. Famed for being the home of The Beatles, two Premier League football teams and one of the most distinguishable (if not occasionally confusing to outsiders) accents the UK has to offer, there’s much more to Liverpool than meets the eye.

Thinking about visiting the vibrant Northern city? Read on and feel inspired!

1) The music scene is world class

I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, but a half decent band called The Beatles hail from Liverpool. Ring any bells? Who am I kidding, it’s the sole reason thousands of people visit the city each year!

As the birthplace of the Fab Four, it makes sense that Liverpool has gained a shining reputation for producing musical talent. However, the city’s vibrant music scene has much more to offer beyond The Beatles. In fact, Liverpool artists have had more number one hits than any other place in the UK (there must be something in the water), thanks to the likes of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Cilla Black, The Zutons, Circa Waves, The Wombats and more.

Of course, if you do happen to be a Beatles fan, there are plenty of attractions to satisfy your interest in the illustrious quartet. The Beatles Story provides guests with an immersive experience, that follows the band on their colourful journey to fame and fortune. Visit replicas of the Cavern Club and Casbah Coffee Club, and gaze upon authentic souvenirs including old records and instruments (don’t forget to enter our competition for your chance to win tickets!).

2) It’s a foodie’s dream

Whether you’re looking for fine dining, pub grub or a totally unique culinary experience, Liverpool is jam-packed with top-class eateries to satisfy every craving and occasion. Guests and locals are truly spoilt for choice, with restaurants specialising in all sorts of different cuisines, from Liverpudlian classics such as Scouse, to fantastic Asian food in China Town.

For an ultimate treat for the tastebuds, enjoyed in ultra-chic surroundings, head to The Richmond Hotel and savour a delicious afternoon tea spread, accompanied with a glass of fizz. The stunning Grade II listed building offers a wonderful setting for indulging in the quintessentially British tradition. For something a little more laidback, take a walk up Bold Street and discover its fantastic selection of quirky cafes and bistros.

Parie, the girl behind Class & Glitter is relatively new to the city, however, it hasn’t taken her long to discover what a foodie wonderland Liverpool is:

I haven’t lived in Liverpool for very long, but the time I have spent has always revolved around food. The city is filled with variety – you can find anything from fine dining to cosy cafes, which are so Instagram worthy! The best food places are down Bold Street. There is no way you can walk down the street without finding somewhere that catches your eye! There are some real hidden gems such as Love Thy Neighbour (super smoothies to classic cocktails), Leaf (the cutest tea place) and so much more. I once spent an entire day experiencing three different places down this one street, one place for starters, another for main and another for dessert. It left me filled to the brim, but I do not regret it. If you ever visit Liverpool, come on an empty stomach!

3) It’s home to not one, but two famous football teams

Home to two of the most famous and oldest football teams in the world, it’s impossible to talk about Liverpool’s offerings without a mention of football. Separated only by Stanley Park, Liverpool (red) and Everton (blue) football clubs are two of the most traditional Premier League clubs in the country. Derby days bring a real buzz to the city when the two renowned teams go head-to-head, the atmosphere in the stadium is electrifying and unique. Even those who wouldn’t usually identify themselves as football fans may just find they join in with the chants!

Liverpool FC fan? Discover over 120 years of LFC history on an insightful stadium tour! Walk through the players’ tunnel, sit in Klopp’s seat and explore the Steven Gerrard Collection, featuring an exhibition of his shirts, medals, trophies and awards.

 4) Albert Dock is pretty easy on the eye

Albert Dock is without a doubt the most picturesque part of Liverpool, boasting the largest collection of listed buildings in the UK and a plethora of galleries, museums, bars and restaurants. Once a famous docking port, Albert Dock is now a cultural highlight of the city, homing the likes of The Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Tracey, AKA One Frazzled Mum couldn’t recommend a trip to Liverpool more, particularly the beautiful Albert Dock:

There is just so much to do in Liverpool, from shopping and eating at Liverpool One, to the museums and galleries. Not forgetting the Albert Dock! You will never be bored in Liverpool. For those with young children, Mattel Play is a must.

5) The old and new architecture stands in harmony

Voted Capital of Culture in 2008, upon arrival in Liverpool it doesn’t take long to realise why. Striking the perfect balance between the old and the new, Liverpool boasts architecture that dates back 1,500 years, while eye-catching modern structures stand in contrast, comprising of bold, contemporary designs and glass accents.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city by paying a visit to stunning historic buildings such as St. George’s Hall, Speke Hall and The Three Graces (The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) – sitting proudly on Liverpool’s dockside.

The city also has two pretty darn impressive cathedrals (one Anglican and one Roman Catholic), both connected by the aptly named ‘Hope Street.’ Vastly different in appearance, they are both impressive in their own way and guess what? They’re both free to visit.

6) The nightlife is next level nuts

Liverpool is full of energy during the day, but by night the city truly comes alive. Whether dancing the night away at a club is on the agenda or cocktails in a smart bar sounds like the perfect night out, Liverpool’s nightlife offerings won’t disappoint. The lively Mathew Street area is a popular spot for hen and stag parties and makes for a wild night on the town. It’s also home to The Cavern Club, famous for being the venue where The Beatles honed their skills while playing nearly 300 shows in the early sixties (they still host a weekly Beatles tribute every Saturday night). For traditional pubs, Hardman Street is the place to visit, while Seel Street offers a fantastic variety of pubs, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.

Adam, of popular men’s lifestyle blog Cascade of Colour, is a big fan of the Liverpool nightlife:

My favourite thing about Liverpool is the diverse selection of cultures and influences when it comes to food and drink. In places like the Ropewalks area, you can go from drinking local craft beers to oriental inspired cocktails, and eating the likes of Lebanese or Peruvian dishes all on one street! It’s not good for the bank balance, but it’s a city ahead of the game with new places to try, popping up monthly.

7) It has more parks than Paris and the beaches aren’t half bad either

This may come as a surprise to some, but Liverpool is ringed by beautiful green spaces. The biggest being Sefton Park, which arcs around the southern suburbs of the city. Here, you’ll find the Grade II listed Victorian Palm House, as well as an ornamental boating lake and acres of lawn to stretch out on. Calderstones Park is another gorgeous family park, situated on the 94 acre grounds of Calderstones House, which is now used as council offices.

Then there are the beaches…Not strictly within Liverpool, but within easy reach of the city, Formby Beach offers a huge expanse of sand leading up to the water, backed with impressive sand dunes and pine woods. Another just six miles north of the city is Crosby Beach, home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ –  an art installation made up of 100 cast-iron, life-size statues, known locally as ‘the iron men’. Come rain or shine, it’s a sight not to be missed!

8) There’s art everywhere you look

A post shared by Jennii Rose (@thewildrose_) on

From world-class galleries and museums to abstract sculptures and street art, every snapshot of Liverpool is filled with creative spirit. The Walker Art Gallery, the Tate Gallery, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology), the Open Eye Gallery and The Bluecoat are all well worth a visit, each offering a totally unique collection. The real stars of the show, however, are the quirky art installations found around the city centre, including the original ‘Super Lamb Banana’ on Tithebarn Street and its other variations scattered around the city, and ‘A Case History’ in Hope Street – an artfully stacked collection of old suitcases.

9) It provides the backdrop for Peaky Blinders

Been won over by the BBC’s highly addictive 1920s gangster epic, Peaky Blinders? Well, you’ll be surprised to hear that a large chunk of the Birmingham-based hit show is actually filmed in Liverpool and you can catch a glimpse of the spots where the cast have stepped foot on this Peaky Blinders bus tour. Hop aboard a comfy bus and explore all of the recognisable locations situated within the city of Liverpool and beyond. Pay a visit to spots including the Shelby family home, Watery Lane, Field Marshall Russell’s house (miraculously untouched by the letter bomb), the canal waterways museum used for the Camden Town scenes and more, all while a guide shares their behind-the-scenes facts and anecdotes about the show.

10) The people are boss, la

A post shared by John Bishop (@johnbish100) on

Scousers are arguably some of the warmest and most welcoming people you’ll find in the UK. They offer heaps of warm energy, a fantastic sense of humour and tonnes of down-to-earth charm. Not to mention, they love a chat! Whether it be on the bus, in the street or in the pub, they’re always happy to strike up a conversation with new people. The accent definitely adds to their character too, even if you can’t understand them at times!

“Liverpool is full of the kind of people who go out on Monday and couldn’t care less about Tuesday morning.” – George Harrison

We think it’s a city that’s difficult not to fall in love with. We did and hope our tips (and those of our blogger friends, thanks guys!) have given you travel inspiration. For more, check out our full catalogue of travel guides and get exploring. 

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Image credit: Adobe Stock Images; Pixabay: Guitar, Football, Goal, Plate, Cocktail, Record, Boat, Buiding, Tree, Bench & Instagram: Beatles Story, Richmond Hotel, Liverpool FC, The Albert Dock, Explore Liverpool, Heebie Jeebies, Joanne, John Bishop

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