Three Graces. Photo © Peter Hulse
Not only is Liverpool’s waterside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting it up there with the Taj Mahal and The Great Wall of China, but its rich maritime past is also paired with fun recent history.
Here is our list of top historical picks for a fascinating weekend in Liverpool:
1. Explore Albert Dock
You can’t visit Liverpool without heading to the Albert Dock. It’s home to some of the country’s most modern and interesting museums, attractions and our largest group of Grade I listed buildings.
Opened in 1846, the dock remained working until the 1970s and is now part of what makes up the World Heritage Site on the banks of the beautiful River Mersey.
An easy way to take it all in is on the Albert Dock Walk, which leaves at 2pm daily and costs just £10 for an adult and £5 for a child.
Tall Ship. Photo © RFStock
Don’t forget to fit in some art history at the Tate Liverpool, educate yourself at the International Slavery Museum and learn about the docks’ history at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Hopefully that should be enough history for one day!
2. Celebrate The Beatles
Being the birthplace of the most-loved band of all time definitely gives Liverpool something to shout about, and – as you can imagine – there are plenty of Beatles attractions here.
The Beatles Story, in Albert Dock, is a great place to begin – and not just because of the location. Here you’ll get a complete history of The Beatles, while The Magical Mystery Tour – also leaving from Albert Dock, but twice a day – lets you cover many famous Beatles landmarks, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.
Visit the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney for a real trip down memory lane. The National Trust’s combined tour is £20, but well worth it.
The Cavern Club, where the band played nearly 300 times, is the place to catch a themed gig. And if you’re looking for somewhere different for the evening, you can eat under original Beatles artwork at Blakes Restaurant. The H.E.L.P dessert with honeycomb, elderflower, lemon and Pimms is divine!
3. Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool’s Cathedral is Britain’s largest and will impress even the most jaded visitor. Entry to the cathedral is free, but the audio tour only costs £5 and really does give you lots of info on the ‘Great Space’.
Liverpool Cathedral. Photo © Aivard
Taking over 74 years to complete, the cathedral stood through two World Wars, as well as recessions and times of hardship, and now stands as a great monument to the city. You can walk there in about 15 minutes from our Travelodge Liverpool Central hotel.
