Visiting Liverpool Without Missing a Thing
The Beatles, the Titanic, and Liverpool Football Club all have ties to Liverpool. Not surprisingly people flock to this seaside town in the north west of England to see the sights and revel in the atmosphere.
Liverpool is a lot larger than you’d think and getting around takes a bit of planning. If you’re in a group of more than three persons, you should definitely think about minibus hire or even coach hire in Liverpool. It is a more efficient and economical way to get around, and ensures you will see as much as you want during your visit.
Deciding how you will get around is only half the task, though. You’ll still have to decide where you want to go. Here are a few suggestions of top sights in Liverpool to visit.
1. A football match
It may be stating the obvious, but Liverpool is the one place in England where every match is going to be a thrill. Not only is Liverpool a top club, but the fans add quite a lot to the atmosphere as well. A home game at Anfield is an experience that belongs at least once in every lifetime.
2. Albert Dock
This is a still-functioning dock site, but holds a special place in history. It’s not hard to visualise the immense red brick buildings were once home to a very large slice of trade with what was then known as the New World. That does in fact include the slave trade, and fittingly enough there is an International Slavery Museum on the site where you can learn all about that particular segment of history.
Perhaps less important, but potentially even more interesting, is the Border Force National Museum, with it’s rich collection of information and displays dedicated to the history of smuggling and piracy around Britain’s shores.
3. The Maritime Museum
Just a stone’s throw from Albert Dock is the Maritime Museum, which is mainly dedicated to the story of mass emigration from England to the New World in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You will also see exhibits dedicated to the Titanic and the Lusitania, both natives of Liverpool which met grim fates on the icy waves of the Atlantic.
4. The Tate Gallery
The London Tate Gallery is world famous. This northern branch of the Tate gallery is unsurprisingly less so, but it is still a wonderful place to enjoy classic and contemporary art, with a particular focus on northern artists.
5. Pier Head
The beautiful architecture on display at Pier Head is reason enough to visit, especially the Cunard Building. The nearby Titanic Memorial is also at the site, and there is some magnificent statuary to be discovered as you wander the vicinity.
6. Walker Gallery
Another top tier art gallery, with great works from many European masters. The extensive collection is stunningly impressive, and a must-see for any art lover.
7. Rock the Casbah
In fact the Casbah Coffee Club, a favourite hangout for The Beatles during their early years, and originally owned by the parents of Pete Best, who was the drummer for the band until he was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962. While the Casbah has long since faded, the preservation of it’s unique place in history is assured thanks to it’s present heritage status.
You can also follow in the famous footsteps of the Fab Four, visiting sites like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, the Cavern Club and more. You’ll find Paul McCartney’s former residence at 20 Forthlin Road and the place where John Lennon grew up at 251 Menlove Avenue.
For any fan of the Beatles, visiting these places is akin to a sacred pilgrimage.
8. Croxteth Hall
A beautiful building now housing a museum depicting life in Edwardian times, and the adjoining 500 acres of parkland makes it a real day out. Film crews love the place as a setting, and many concerts and exhibitions are also staged in the grounds from time to time.
9. The Museum of Liverpool
A thoroughly modern museum dedicated to Liverpool’s fascinating history. It’s not your usual museum experience, and is definitely worth the visit.
10. Birkenhead Park
Outside Liverpool on the other side of the Mersey, you’ll find Birkenhead Park, the first publicly funded park in England (despite that, it’s relatively young, as parks go). The nearby ruins of a Benedictine abbey built during the 12th century make it a great visit, and it’s also a fabulous excuse to use the Mersey Tunnel or the ferry service.
Having a great time in Liverpool is easy if you plan ahead. Arranging your transport in advance is a good start, and then planning an itinerary according to the interests of your group will ensure you all have the best possible time.
