Liverpool
From maritime heritage to the legacy of The Beatles, Andrew Cattanach dives into a city that blends rich history with a forward-looking spirit
As the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals. In the heart of this vibrant city, the Fab Four honed their craft, emerging as young champions of the revolutionary Merseybeat and embarked on a decade-long journey that would forever reshape the landscape of pop music.
Beyond its musical legacy, Liverpool, recognised today as a celebrated creative hub committed to fostering the arts and digital innovation, was once a thriving port at the height of the British Empire.
A true maestro of reinvention, Liverpool invites visitors to peel back its diverse layers, from the legacy of the world’s most famous band to the contemporary beat echoing through its streets today.
Tribute to The Beatles, arguably Liverpool’s most famous export
Tribute to The Beatles, arguably Liverpool’s most famous export
Day 1
Since the late 1980s the Royal Albert Dock has transformed into a vibrant epicentre of culture and history. Hosting an array of museums alongside a wide range of restaurants, cafes and independent shops, this area alone could keep a day tripper occupied for two days.
The Beatles Story Museum offers a deep dive into the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo, chronicling their journey from local heroes to global icons. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or just starting your Beatles journey, the museum is a must-visit pilgrimage for anyone seeking to unravel the incredible legacy of the world’s most legendary band.
At the other end of the dock, the Merseyside Maritime Museum stands as a testament to Liverpool’s rich seafaring heritage. This captivating venue delves into the city’s nautical past, exploring its significant role in global trade, the Titanic’s poignant story and the vital part Liverpool played in the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War.
Occupying the third floor is the International Slavery Museum. Opened in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade, the museum focuses on the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its profound impact, as well as contemporary issues relating to slavery and human rights.
Gusto at the Albert Dock is a great spot for a relaxed lunch. With the option to dine outdoors, weather permitting, you can enjoy Italian cuisine while taking in views of the historic neighbourhood. It’s the ideal place to refuel and soak up the atmosphere before continuing your afternoon explorations.
After lunch make your way north to the iconic Pier Head, home to some of the city’s finest architecture, including the famous Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Conclude your day with a relaxing Mersey Ferry cruise from Pier Head. Glide along the water and admire the Liverpool skyline, showcasing a mix of historic and modern landmarks. This journey offers a unique perspective on the city’s maritime history and its enduring connection to the River Mersey.
Walker Art Gallery
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral
“Make your way north to the iconic Pier Head, home to some of the city’s finest architecture”
Day 2
Begin the day with a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, right in the heart of Liverpool. Its impressive collection, spanning from the Renaissance to the modern day, is home to works by artists including Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Hockney and Turner.
Adjacent to the gallery is the remarkable World Museum, a cultural haven boasting expansive collections that encompass everything from antique treasures to displays of natural history.
Afterwards, make your way south to the Ropewalks district, named after the long, straight paths, or ‘walks’, that were historically used for the manufacture of ropes for the shipping industry. Nowadays it’s home to an eclectic mix of indie shops, bars and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of historic 19th-century warehouses that hint at its maritime past. Mowgli Street Food on Bold Street, with its innovative take on Indian cuisine, offers a solid lunch.
South of Bold Street in the Georgian Quarter is Liverpool Cathedral, an architectural marvel and the largest cathedral in the UK. Take a look inside and gawp at the towering Gothic arches.
Continuing your exploration of the Georgian Quarter, a visit to the Philharmonic Dining Rooms is in order for a refreshing drink. Famous for its stunning Victorian design, this establishment boasts elaborate woodwork, intricate mosaic flooring and beautifully detailed stained-glass windows. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the ambiance of one of Liverpool’s most iconic pubs.
For dinner, indulge in the fine dining experience offered by The Art School Restaurant. This intimate venue blends culinary innovation with the city’s rich historical charm. Each dish tells a story, combining tradition with contemporary flair, offering a fitting conclusion to your 48 hours in Liverpool.
What’s on
Must see: Visit the immersive Bees: A Story of Survival at the World Museum and discover more about these incredible creatures and their precarious future (until 5 May 2025) or see Tell Me How It Ends at the Everyman Theatre, a world premier about queer lives in Liverpool during the 1980s AIDS epidemic (12–22 June).
What’s on the menu: Get yourself a bowl of Liverpool’s most famous dish, scouse, which is a kind of thick meat and vegetable stew, at the Welsford Bistro inside the famous Anglican Cathedral. For dessert, head on over to Coffee & Fandisha in the Baltic Triangle, where you can buy yourself a slice of Wet Nelly, a kind of bread pudding often served with custard.
Don’t miss
The Williamson Tunnels are a series of subterranean excavations in the Edge Hill area. Their purpose is unclear, although they were possibly built for quarrying or a philanthropic desire to provide employment.
Football fans won’t want to miss a visit to either the home of Liverpool FC at Anfield or Everton’s ground at Goodison Park.
Gaze at Antony Gormley’s Another Place on the beach at Waterloo/Blundellsands, an installation of almost 100 sculptures of the artist in cast iron.
At Western Approaches visit the rooms where the Battle of the Atlantic was coordinated.
Patrick Magennis, President Designate, BAOMS,
Consultant in Liverpool
Iron Man which is part of Antony Gormley's Another Place art installation
Iron Man which is part of Antony Gormley's Another Place art installation
Built with Shorthand