Liverpool, the home of The Beatles, Anfield and the distinctive Scouse accent, fake eyelashes, fake tan and, er, fake hair. But the city isn’t all girls wandering the streets on Saturday afternoons in their PJs – it is home to the most number of listed buildings outside of London and is one ever-expanding pot of cultural delights.
Albert Dock
A trip to Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the city’s top attraction – the Albert Dock. This new World Heritage Site is made up of 2.8 hectares (6.8 acres) of water, rung by cast-iron columns and red-brick warehouses. Here lies the country’s largest collection of protected buildings, as well as Liverpool’s top museums and fine dining restaurants.
The Beatles Story
Sticking to what we know best of Liverpudlians and their music, The Beatles Story is Liverpool’s most popular tourism spot, and for good reason. Wander through a full size replica of the Abbey Rd studio as well as the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles came to fame. You won’t find any juicy gossip here about the world’s most famous band, but there is so much memorabilia to keep even the most closeted fan cheery.
International Slavery Museum
As far as museums go, the International Slavery Museum isn’t one that will end in kids dragging their feet or stifling yawns. Stamped firmly in the present and not resonating in the past, this museum is disturbing and soul-moving – with ship logs detailing a journey from Liverpool to West Africa across the grueling Atlantic bearing shackles, chains and torture instruments. As well as being a history lesson to remember, it’ll remind you about humanity’s muddy past as well as the constant fights for freedom and equality still going on. You’ll come out with a new perspective on the world and the people who run it.
Go To A Gig At The Cavern Club
If you’re all museumed out and fancy yourself a few drinks and live music, head on down to the real (not replica) Cavern Club down on Mathew Street to stand where so many legends have stumbled, strummed and drank too much before you. Midweek sees plenty of acoustic artists gracing the stage and weekends are usually packed and rocking out. Entry prices range from free to £2 (about$2.35 USD), depending on what day and time you’re there. Check the website for details.
Hit The Beach
Ok, Southport technically isn’t in Liverpool, but with trains heading to this little northern seaside town frequently, it would be a shame to miss out on some fish and chips while strolling along the country’s second longest pier. The unspoiled coastline is fringed with beaches of perfect sand and few tourists as well as lots of restaurants, bars and cozy b&bs.
Liverpool has something for everyone – the culture vulture, the foodie fanatic and the music buff. So why not take your next short break to the city in the north? There are great transport links from all corners of the country, so whether you’re flying into London or taking a city break from the countryside in the south west, Liverpool is a great destination for everyone.
Pier Head in Liverpool. Photo courtesy of Bev Goodwin.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
