Music put one of England’s better known northwestern cities firmly on the map and football has helped its international status to rise; indeed, mention Liverpool to anyone with even a hint of awareness of popular culture and The Beatles or Liverpool FC will likely spring to their minds. While the city is indeed famous for both of these things, its greatness rests on a good many others with fine architecture, pleasant dockside developments, modern shopping centers and a thriving evening entertainment scene, to name but a few.
The city’s Albert Dock area is a firm favorite with visitors; having once been the focus of commercial maritime activity, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers pleasant cafés, shopping areas and scenic views of the old but well restored dock features. It’s here also that you’ll find the Maritime Museum, HM Customs Museum and Museum of Liverpool Life.
The legacy of The Beatles is undeniable and anyone with an interest in this most famous of rock and roll outfits, might want to take one of the popular Beatles tours which take in sights such as Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and of course the Cavern where their rise to fame began. Football fans can take a trip to Anfield football ground to pay homage to what is undeniably one of the most successful and best-loved football teams on the planet. Visitors with interest in neither will find great shopping opportunities, some fine art galleries and a variety of architectural treasures on hand.
Highlights
Albert Dock: once a busy shipping district, Liverpool’s Albert Dock is now a unique visitor centre offering shops, cafés and museums.
Merseyside Maritime Museum: a large collection of artifacts demonstrating the city’s once integral relationship with the sea are on display at this museum located in the historic Albert Dock.
Museum of Liverpool Life: located at the Albert Dock, this museum gives visitors an insight into the city’s contribution to British life.
Tate Liverpool: 20th century art from the National Collection sits alongside works from visiting exhibitions at this reputable gallery located at the Albert Dock.
The McCartney House: now under the ownership of the National Trust, this is the house in which Paul McCartney grew up and where he and John Lennon sat and penned the beginnings of some of their first songs.