Sightseeing Overview

Located on the northwest coast of England along the northern bank of the River Mersey, Liverpool is one of the UK’s major cities. It prospered during the 18th century on the triangular trade of slavery and grew to become an important mercantile port in the region. After 1807 when slavery was abolished and through to the 1930s, Liverpool developed as a major migration port from where millions of people looking for a new start set sail for Australia and the Americas. And many of the city’s sights reflect this incredible period in Liverpool’s history.

The famous Albert Dock was built in 1846 and was the hub of the city’s prosperous port activities. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dock has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the city’s most cosmopolitan areas that’s home to numerous bars, restaurants and museums including the Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and the Maritime Museum.

North of Albert Dock is a trio of spectacular buildings (the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) which were built in the early 20th century to impress upon visitors the importance of the city. Other principal attractions include the unusual Metropolitan RC Cathedral and the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, with its spectacular panoramic views across the city.

There is also an office in the arrivals hall of Liverpool John Lennon Airport and another office at the Merseyside Maritime Museum at Albert Dock (same telephone numbers and website address). All offer advice on the city’s attractions and help with finding accommodation.

Passes

In 2005 the city introduced a Live Smart pass (website: www.livesmart.tv) for tourists offering free or discounted entry to many of the city’s top attractions as well as unlimited travel on some of the city’s transport systems, including a circular sightseeing bus tour and Mersey Ferries. The card also entitles the bearer to selected deals at discounts at a number of shops, bars and restaurants around the city. One- and three-day passes are available. Passes are available from the tourist offices or direct from the website.

Key Attractions:

Albert Dock

When it was built in 1846, it was the first enclosed, non-combustible dock warehouse system in the world and the first structure in Britain to be built entirely of cast iron, brick and stone. It prospered for over a century before finally ceasing operating as a working dock in 1972 after which it was redeveloped into a thriving museum, bar and restaurant area. The Dock has the largest grouping of Grade I listed buildings in Britain and is home to many of the city’s top attractions.

Tate Liverpool

Part of the Tate family of museums, the Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside of London. It displays works of art from the Tate collection as well as special exhibitions. Welcome talks can be arranged and there are family events each Sunday afternoon.

The Walker Museum

Opened in 1877, the Walker Museum was founded by local brewer and alderman Andrew Barclay Walker, and now houses a fine collection of sculptures and paintings dating back to 1300 through to the present day.

Beatles Story

A multilingual audio tour guides visitors through The Beatles Story, charting the success of the band from their early days in Hamburg through to international superstardom and their eventual break-up and subsequent solo careers.

Liverpool Cathedral

A visit to the largest Anglican Cathedral in Britain is worth it if only just for the stunning panoramic views available from the top the tower. Inside, visitors can marvel at the spectacular architecture which holds several records including the largest organ in the UK and heaviest bells in the world.

Further Distractions:

Liverpool Football Club

Winning the Champions League in 2005, Liverpool has once again ascended the ranks to reclaim their title as one of Europe’s great football clubs. Visitors can take a tour of the ground and the club museum, including the famous trophy room.

Everton Football Club

The blue side of the city have been overshadowed by the successes of their neighbors in recent years, but Everton is none-the-less one of the Premiership’s better teams and visitors can take a tour of the ground taking in the club’s rich history.

Croxteth Hall and Country Park

Once the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton, Croxteth Hall and Country Park is one of the main heritage centers in the northwest. Visitors to the estate can tour the historic Hall, the Croxteth Home Farm and the Victorian Walled Garden. Access to the 202-hectare (500-acre) Country Park that surrounds the estate is free.