After almost four months of lockdown the sheer novelty of boarding a train was an uplifting experience, just sitting gazing out of the window at the changing scenery as our journey progressed. We’d planned a four day city break in Liverpool which is located in north west England on the banks of the River Mersey. It’s a city we were unfamiliar with but one we were eager to explore. Between the 18th and 20th centuries Liverpool was a major trading and migration port and in more recent times has become famous as the hometown of ‘The Beatles’.
Our train arrived into Lime Street station at noon and after grabbing a cappuccino from Costa we made our way to the Quest Liverpool City Centre Aparthotel just a short five minute walk from the station. The hotel is located on Church Street, one of the city’s main pedestrianised shopping thoroughfares. Check-in was quick and efficient and we were pleased to be able to access our apartment almost three hours ahead of the usual arrival time.
Our spacious, modern studio was well equipped and had everything needed for a comfortable stay. Views from our fourth floor windows looked over the front of the building from where we could watch all the activity along the high street with shoppers taking advantage of the sunshine and the re-opening of retail.
After quickly unpacking, we were soon ready to start exploring and decided to head to Liverpool’s historic waterfront, taking us fifteen minutes on foot. Strolling along the banks of the River Mersey is an unforgettable experience as the Pier Head forms part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Liverpool waterfront is without doubt one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Pier Head was the point of departure for millions of migrants from Europe to America and further afield. The elegant skyline is dominated by three majestic early 20th century buildings referred to as The Three Graces and were constructed as symbols of the city’s international prestige.
The Royal Liver Building – This iconic building was designed by Aubrey Thomas as the headquarters of the Royal Liver Friendly Society. Sitting on top of the clock towers are two huge Liver Birds, each 5.5m (18 feet high).
The Liver Birds are the emblem of Liverpool as they relate to the city’s maritime heritage. One Liver Bird looks out across the River Mersey and is said to represent the wives who stayed at home gazing out to their sailor husbands at sea. The Liver Bird facing the city is believed to represent the sailors out at sea who are looking back to the city and their families. The building is now used as offices of several prestigious companies.
The Cunard Building – Next door stands the equally beautiful Grade 2 listed Cunard Building designed in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival. Sculptural portraits of people from around the world can be seen above the ground floor windows, symbolising the global operations of the company. Since the building first opened and until the late 1960’s it was the headquarters of the Cunard Cruise Line which still operates today.
Port of Liverpool Building – This domed Edwardian Baroque building was the first of the Three Graces to adorn the waterfront opening as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board where they resided for 87 years. Liverpool’s docks dominated world trade in the 19th century with 40% of global trade passing through these docks.
Dotted along the waterfront are numerous statues and monuments, the most popular is the one of The Beatles who rose to fame from their hometown of Liverpool. The statue was given to the city by the Cavern Club – the venue synonymous with the Fab Four in the 1960’s. It commemorates 50 years following their final appearance in the city’s Empire Theatre in 1965. The bronze sculpture depicts the band walking along the Mersey reflecting a real photo-shoot and it has since become a place of homage for fans visiting Merseyside from all parts of the world.
Ferry boats depart from Pier Head across the River Mersey and I’m looking forward to returning when they are operating a normal service to enjoy the views from the perspective of the water whilst listening to the sounds of the iconic Gerry and the Pacemakers 1960’s melody ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’.
Moving on slightly, in stark contrast to the majestic, historic buildings stands the Museum of Liverpool, a landmark building completed in 2008 and dedicated to the history of Liverpool and Merseyside. I’ll leave you to ponder its modernist features but I’m told there are stunning views to be enjoyed from its top floor viewing gallery when it re-opens shortly.
Among the splendid buildings located in and around Pier Head is the Great Western Railway warehouse. Parts of this building are more than 250 years old and an unusual aspect is that the Great Western never actually ran a service to Liverpool. GWR ran trains over in Birkenhead with connecting ferries and cargo boats for passengers and goods over to Liverpool. The warehouse has been restored to its former glory and now forms an open-air museum.
Continuing a few steps further we had now arrived at the entrance to Albert Dock. Positioned just in front of the Pier Master’s House we came across a statue of yet another Liverpool legend, that of Billy Fury, who was often referred to as the Elvis Presley of Great Britain. The sculpture looks out over the Mersey reflecting on his time working as a deck hand on the Mersey River tugboat, The Formby before becoming a Rock and Roll legend of the early 1960’s.
Pier Master’s House on Albert Parade was originally built in 1852 for the Pier Master and his family. His role was to ensure the safe passage of ships entering and leaving the dock at high tide. It’s more recently been transformed back into a wartime house complete with period furniture and everyday objects of the time including ration books and gas masks.
Albert Dock was officially opened by HRH Prince Albert in 1846 and is characterised by its monumental dockside warehouses grouped around a system of docks. In 2018, it was granted a Royal title to mark its role in the city’s maritime history. Today, Royal Albert Dock is one of the largest groups of Grade 1 listed buildings in England and remains an example of one of the world’s major trading centres.
It’s a delight to stroll beneath the colonnades surrounding the docks which comprise a series of buildings and warehouses. These were the first of their kind to be built from non-combustible materials of cast iron, brick and stone. At the time of its construction Albert Dock was considered to be revolutionary as ships were able to be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the warehouses.
In 1986, the Merseyside Maritime Museum was the first museum to open in the Dock, located in an old warehouse that was used to store tea, silk, sugar and spirits. Since then it has also become home to the International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and numerous hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.
Despite these attractions not being open it was still a pleasure to wander around admiring the boats and stopping off at one of the cafes for drinks on its sunny terrace. We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather as it was truly spring like with clear blue skies and unusually warm April weather.
After leaving the Dock we crossed the road leading to Liverpool One, a gleaming development containing over 170 stores and restaurants spanning Paradise and Hanover Streets. It was constructed on the site of the former Old Dock which had been infilled back in 1826. From a viewpoint located outside the John Lewis department store, it was interesting to see part of the original walls of the old Dock.
Chavasse Park forms a scenic link between the waterfront and the city centre. Beautifully landscaped gardens with winding pathways lead up a terraced hillside with graduated steps to the roof terrace of Liverpool One.
The lawned terrace seemed to be a perfect place to either meet friends for a picnic or for outdoor dining at one of the many bars and restaurants surrounding the lawns. From there doors lead into the shopping mall where we enjoyed a much needed dose of retail therapy after enduring such a lengthy spell of store closures.
Leaving the shopping mall by a different exit our attention was drawn to an elaborate green and gold wrought iron structure at the southern end of Paradise Street. On inspection, we discovered it was the original gate to the Liverpool Sailors’ Home, which once stood on almost the very same spot. For more than a hundred years the home provided accommodation to thousands of mariners from all corners of the world until its closure in 1969.
We then gradually made our way back towards the hotel taking a short detour to view one more landmark, that of the beautiful Blue Coat building located on School Lane, just off Church Street. This exquisite Grade 1 listed building was constructed in 1717 as a charity school and is the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool. Following the school’s move to another site it became the first Arts Centre in the UK.
Back in our apart-hotel we reflected on our wonderful introduction to maritime Liverpool and looked forward to the coming days and to discovering more of what this fascinating city had to offer.
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Interesting to read it was a city you were unfamiliar with, I figured it would be close enough that you’d visited a few times. I’ve only ever been to Goodison and perhaps more strangely Liverpool’s airport so I don’t know the city at all. Definitely somewhere I want to spend a bit of time in at some point, looking forward to reading what you got up to in the rest of your trip.
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I know it’s very strange that we are always focussing on Manchester when Liverpool is equally nice and not so much further away. Od. That you took a flight from Liverpool airport but if it was a really attractive fare then it would be worth the journey. You’re one up on me as I haven’t flown from there yet!
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Liverpool looks great, it’s a city with such a strong identity and sense of history. I’ve read a lot of books set in and around the city so it would be interesting to visit and explore. So nice to see places coming back to life post lock down, things are looking up!
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Oh dear Helen, sincere apologies U’ve discovered another of your lovely comments that I hadn’t replied to earlier (found in my spam folder where it definitely doesn’t belong). Liverpool is a great city and I’m certain you would enjoy a visit there if you haven’t been already! Marion xx
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i havent been to liverpool. but it’s a city in the UK I would like to in the future. some of those buildings at the top of the post are very unexpected in design and colour. almost a little eastern european.
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Thanks for taking an interest in these posts on Liverpool Andy. The three grand buildings on the riverfront demonstrate how prosperous a port it used to be. Hopefully you can schedule in a visit when you’re back in these parts. Have a good weekend, Marion.
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I had heard the name Liverpool but I didn’t know that Liverpool is also a beautiful tourist spot. Thank you.
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Liverpool is a great city to visit. I hope you might be able to see it for yourself one day. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
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So much to explore! 😃 Beautiful city. But I’d like to see more green
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Thank you for your kind words
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My hometown, born in Liverpool but live on the west coast of Canada. Liverpool is an amazing place to visits, so much to see. It is a movie makers delight due to some parts of the city centre have a resemblance of London.
The Liver Birds are chained down as the story goes, if they where to ever fly away Liverpool would suffer a great flood from the Mersey.
Thanks again.
Derek
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Thank you for your much appreciated thoughts Derek.
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I love 30 mins away from Liverpool and I always love visiting! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Thank you for taking an interest in my post on Liverpool Talitha. Its great to read that you enjoyed it.
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This was great, so much to see and experience. My great grandfather immigrated to America via liverpool. Thanks for this look at the city. I must get there.
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Thank you for taking an interest in my guide to Liverpool Kelly. It really is a fascinating city and I hope you will get an opportunity to visit yourself at some point. Marion
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I will for sure..:)
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Thanks for letting us experience this little city break is beautiful Liverpool vicariously through you! The introduction about taking the train again after a lengthy lockdown really hit the nail on the head. Looking forward to the day we can experience travel here in France again!
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Thank you for your kind words. Liverpool is a fascinating city and it was a perfect way to return to travelling for us. I hope it won’t be too long until you can start travelling again too! Have a good weekend! Marion
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Yes the Beatles certainly put Liverpool out there on the world stage. Such an array of gorgeous buildings.
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Pier Head has the most marvellous collection of buildings adorning The Mersey Ian and a fascinating city to visit. Thank you for your welcome thoughts.
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Thank you so much for the fabulous post on Liverpool. My husband and I are hopeful we can visit this beautiful city in 2022. In the past few years we have visited much of Europe. 2020 was to be our year to spend time in England, Scotland, and Ireland but the lockdowns prevented our travel plans. Looking forward to more of your posts.
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Thank you so much for taking an interest in the first of my series of posts on Liverpool. It’s a fascinating city and I do hope that you are able to spend time visiting Liverpool and exploring more of England next year. I feel certain that it will be possible and something really nice to look forward to. Marion
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My hubby is big fan of the Beatles. Liverpool is a place we have on our list. Didn’t realize there is a Beatles Museum..such place to see.
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You’ll definitely have to come over to Liverpool to visit sometime then. It’s a wonderful city and I’m certain The Beatles museum will be good. Thanks for commenting.
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🥰
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It’s a shame that you weren’t able to go into the attractions yet. That’s really what I’m waiting for at the moment. I love that idea with the circles on the grass for social distancing.
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Those circles on the grass are a great idea aren’t they!
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Great account of a great musical city, Marion. Look forward to more. I’ve fond memories of the place – I bought my first typewriter there – and I look forward to taking a trip back someday soon.
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Thanks Shane for your kind words. Liverpool is a great city and we delighted in strolling around taking in the sights and enjoying the spring sunshine. Hope this series of posts inspires you to return before too long and relive the music for yourself. Doubt your in the market for another typewriter! Marion
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What a great feeling to get out and about after nearly four months of lockdown. Looks like you had perfect weather for exploring Liverpool. The waterfront area looks beautiful.
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Thank you, We had the perfect weekend away and were so lucky with the weather!
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I’ve only heard of Liverpool due to The Beatles, and I’ve often dismissed it as a working-class city with little to do. I must admit that I was very wrong, and your post confirms the city’s beauty! Looks to be much to do that one can easily spend a weekend taking everything in…and it appears you went on a beautiful, blue-sky day! Thanks for sharing; I’ll have to visit Liverpool sometime. 🙂
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I think a lot of people formed this impression of Liverpool Rebecca but with its historic Dock and magnificent buildings it has become a desirable destination for a short break. We were so lucky with the weather for April in northern England too! Hope you enjoy the remainder of the series and are inspired to visit. sometime. Marion
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An interesting insight to some architectural gems of Liverpool, Marion. The Liver Friendly Society had me bemused for a while thinking – was this something to do with Livers…. but then it is Liverpool! I am sure you enjoyed getting out and about; it must feel good to stretch your wings again even if it is still within your own shores.
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It was wonderful to get away for our first weekend of the year Amanda and we were so lucky with the weather too. Let’s hope things continue to improve now that the vaccine rollout has reached so many people. Take care, Marion.
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Thanks Marion for the post. We need to revisit the city. My partner did her first post doc there in the late 90s until we left in March 1999 to travel round the world for a year. We need to go back and see how it has changed.
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It’s pleasing to read that my post has inspired you to consider re-visiting Liverpool Paul. I’m sure you would enjoy a trip there. A future post in this series actually pays a visit to the university which might interest you both! Marion
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Liverpool is a MUST for Beatles’ fans!
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It definitely is but there’s I’m sure there’s lots more for everyone to see and do as well! Hopefully we’ll get to The Beatles museum when it re-opens! Thanks for taking an interest in this post.
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You’re welcome! Hope you can see the Beatles Museum 😊
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We don’t really know Liverpool so it is a place we should visit. Love the statue of the Beatles 😊
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Thank you for taking an interest in this post on Liverpool. Hope you’ll be inspired to visit yourselves one day soon. The Beatles statue is brilliant too! Marion
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Fascinating post! I feel like Liverpool is one of those places that we all know the name, but know next to nothing about because any knowledge about the city begins and ends with the Beatles. So it was so wonderful to get such a great tour of this city and learn more about it! I really loved the historic buildings that have been named ‘The Three Graces’ and the symbolism used on them.
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Thank you for your kind words and for taking an interest in this post featuring Liverpool. It’s a wonderful city and I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed my tour. Marion
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Wow the building there are stunning!
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Thanks Ang, Liverpool has some beautiful old buildings!
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Liverpool looks like a fun city to explore. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the freedom to finally travel and explore. Sounds like Scotland and Wales are all ahead of Ireland with non-essential shops, gyms, swimming pools, libraries and museums open to the public. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva 🙂
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Oh Aiva, it was so wonderful to be able to get away again last weekend and Liverpool fitted the bill beautifully! Hopefully it won’t be too long now before restrictions are eased with you as well. Thanks so much for taking an interest in this post. Marion
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My old Liverpool home, Marion! More memories. The city centre has changed (for the better) almost out of all recognition. I look forward to the rest of your visit.
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Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased this post brought back some more fond memories for you. We had a wonderful time and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the series. Marion
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Such a great post on Liverpool Marion. So much history, so many beautiful buildings. I heard that they had put real effort into tidying up their image. We only made it to the outskirts to visit relatives in 1977 and it was a pretty rough town then. Looks like a great place to visit, for sure. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Liverpool is such a fascinating city to visit and I’m certain you would enjoy exploring yourself at some point in the future. Thanks for taking an interest Allan. Marion
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Apart from the Beatles I didn’t know much about Liverpool, but with this beautiful sunshine and big blue sky, the city looks good. Thank you for the introduction.
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Liverpool is a fascinating city and I don’t know why I’d only made a couple of brief visits in the past. We were so lucky with the weather and I thought the station looked particularly impressive with the sunlight drifting through its glass roof. Thanks for your welcome thoughts. Marion
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no idea liverpool is a amazing place will surely visit in some day
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Liverpool is one of our great cities. I’m so pleased that this post is inspiring you to visit at some point in the future!
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enjoying Liverpool qfter lockdown great congratulations
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Thank you for your kind words. So pleased to read you are enjoying reading about my recent trip to Liverpool.
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I had no idea Liverpool is such a beautiful city! Your photo of their station is stunning and the architecture of the buildings are just fascinating – love the look of The Three Graces.
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The weather on the first weekend after lockdown couldn’t have been better and Lime Street station did look beautiful with the sun shining through its glass roof. The grand buildings on the waterfront are truly majestic. I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading this post and have been able to learn a little about the city. Marion
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Oh yes, I forgot to mention the plenty of sunshine I’ve noticed in your post! So happy for you 🌼
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Thank you- hope it’s nice today with you as well!
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The sun is shining here in Langebaan, Marion … even in winter, we have more sunny days than rainy days … we’re lucky, hey 😉.
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Wohoo for travelling again. We are heading to Liverpool for a weekend break in November with the hope of exploring all of the museums (especially as by then the weather will be awful!). Thanks for sharing, it’s made me even more excited to go 🙂
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It’s great to read that you’ve also arranged a weekend break in Liverpool Hannah. You’ll have a brilliant time and definitely something else for you to look forward to! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on my post, it’s much appreciated. Marion
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Really enjoyed this! Took me back to my four day trip in the summer of 2019. And what a coincidence, because Liverpool happens to be next up for mw to SEO and republish. Seems you had fine weather and the Quest Apart-hotel looks very swish. Eagerly awaiting your upcoming instalments!
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Thanks Leighton for taking an interest in the first of my series of posts featuring Liverpool. We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather and we savoured every minute of our new found freedom in such a fascinating city. Will be fun to also read your take on the city! Marion
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Glad you’re able to travel again, even if it is only around UK
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Thank you Sheree. There are so many interesting places to explore in the UK, it’s a good opportunity to see more of them. Hope things are going well with you. Marion
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We’re fine thanks Marion and looking forward to going further than 10km from home from next Monday.
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That’s good to hear Sheree! I’m looking forward to watching some of the Giro on television in the coming weeks. I enjoy it just as much for the places it passes through as for the cycling! Expect you’ll be tuning in too! Marion
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I shall indeed and am looking forward to being able to pop over the border shortly
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What a fabulous post and photos. And how wonderful to be able to travel again. Glad you enjoyed your break in Liverpool.
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Thanks Miriam for your kind words. Liverpool is such an interesting city and we enjoyed a lovely weekend exploring the city. Marion
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Wow.. though I have never been there, I have watched some vlogs. Travel vlogs of this beautiful place! My god!!
What a beauty!😍🤩
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Liverpool is a beautiful city and I hope you get an opportunity to visit one day.
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