Founded in the 13th century and once a major industrial hub for the British Empire, Liverpool’s history is long and rich. Despite an economic dip during the 20th century, today it’s booming once more and one of the most exciting cities in the UK, thanks to its rejuvenated docklands, music scene and abundance of intriguing museums and galleries.
Explore Albert Dock
UNESCO-listed Albert Dock boasts a bounty of cultural treasures and the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in England. Wander along the Victorian waterfront and admire the architecture, before heading into the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Here you can learn more about Liverpool’s maritime heritage and links to the Titanic.
Loop around the dock from here to visit Tate Liverpool. Gaze at works of modern art hung along the walls of this four-story gallery, including remarkable pieces by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. Don’t miss the views across the river from the top floor, some of the best in the city.
The biggest draw to Albert Dock, however, is The Beatles Story, the world's largest exhibition devoted to the Fab Four. Take an interactive musical journey through the 1960s and find out how four young teenagers from Liverpool became the most influential pop group on the planet.
City of soccer
Soccer is one of Liverpool’s biggest exports and England’s most popular sport. There are two massive clubs in the city but, for many visitors, it’s the red team who attract most of the attention.
Liverpool FC opens its doors to visitors during the day when no games are scheduled. Take the stadium tour and go behind the scenes – catch a glimpse of the dressing rooms, feel what it’s like to walk through the player’s tunnel and enjoy incredible views of the pitch. If you’re in the city while a match is on, it’s worth trying to book tickets to experience the electric energy of a soccer game – Liverpool’s fans are known as some of the most passionate in the world.
Day trips from Liverpool
Liverpool is an excellent base for exploring this pocket of the UK and a popular day trip from the city is nearby Chester, which dates back to the Roman era.
Get a feel for the history of the city by roaming around its ancient walls. You can enjoy views over the River Dee as the two-mile route takes you past regal gateways, towers and turrets. Inside the walls themselves, meander along a maze of cobbled streets, lined with a charming range of Tudor and Victorian architecture. Eventually you’ll come to the Rows, half-timbered medieval galleried arcades that are now home to a wealth of boutiques.
Another superb city to visit is Manchester, the northern powerhouse with a predilection for music and shopping. If you’re in need of a retail fix, you’ll be in paradise in this city.
Browse quirky stores in the Northern Quarter, before perusing high street labels in the Arndale Centre. Stick around for the evening and watch the city come to life, with a vibrant range of restaurants, bars and gig venues offering a taste of warm Mancunian hospitality.
Rent a car from Liverpool Airport and explore all this city, as well as surrounding northern England, has to offer.