We woke to another bright, sunny morning which was just perfect for our planned walk around many of the city’s major sights. Our self-guided tour began at the St. George’s Quarter located just across the road from Lime Street station.
This historic district forms part of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site and includes some of the country’s finest architecture with classical style Victorian and Edwardian buildings. These include the magnificent St. George’s Hall, Liverpool Central Library, World Museum Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery all centred around St. John’s Gardens.
The terraced gardens form part of the conservation area and contain ornamental flower beds and memorials to notable people in the city. It’s an oasis of calm yet only minutes away from the the station and the bustling city centre.
With museums unable to open at present we’d come to visit the Central Library which was again welcoming visitors through its doors. I’m a huge fan of libraries and regular readers will know that I try to seek them out wherever I travel and this one had been on my wish list for quite awhile.
The Library is a unique blend of historic and modern architecture as the building dates back to 1860 combining original features with a modern entrance hall incorporating a glass dome with criss-crossing staircases up to the ceiling. The dome was designed to mirror the library’s Picton Reading Room and features a balcony with spectacular city views although this wasn’t accessible during the time of our visit.
After taking the escalator to the first floor we followed signs into the Picton Reading Room which first opened in 1879 and is named after Sir James Picton, Chairman of the Library Board at that time.
The reading room has a distinctive semi-circular frontage with Corinthian columns and was the first library in the country to have electric lighting, a much safer option than gas lights given its large number of books. Sixteen Liver Birds, the emblem of Liverpool can be seen carved around the ornate stonework on the exterior of the building.
Its magnificent circular interior is stunning with balconies accessed by narrow, wrought iron spiral staircases, it’s oak bookcases and central dome. The gold ring which can be seen just above the top level of bookshelves is actually a cleverly disguised ventilation system designed to keep the room cool.
Located in the next room is the Hornby Library named after Hugh Hornby who donated £10,000 for its creation together with his vast collection of rare books, letters and etchings. The exquisite room is fashioned from Bath stone in a classical style.
Adjacent to the Hornby Library is the Oak Room named after the golden wood of its floor and bookcases. It is home to one of the country’s rarest books entitled ‘Birds of America’ which is kept safely in a climate controlled glass cabinet as it is valued at several million pounds.
It really had been a delight to visit the Central Library and I would recommend adding it to your own itineraries. From the library it was then a 20 minute walk to the University of Liverpool. The university is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is one of the oldest in the country. We’d come to take a look at the Jubilee Quadrangle, a focal point of the city’s Knowledge Quarter.
The quad has an oval shape taking inspiration from the form of spun sugar in respect of Henry Tate, the sugar magnate who donated a large amount of money to the university. It was designed in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and is surrounded by several of the university’s grand buildings including the Harrison Hughes School of Engineering.
The use of pleached trees create a contemporary style forming a stunning elevated screen around the quad. This style of planting was very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries particularly in France and Italy where the trees could be seen lining the gardens of stately homes and it is now becoming popular once again and looked stylish in the square.
Strolling through the university campus we came across the Victoria Gallery and Museum housed in another impressive Victorian building. The museum wasn’t open but it will be interesting to return when it is to view the fascinating collection of objects covering the long history of the university.
Moving on, our next destination was just steps away bordering on the edge of the campus. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is Britain’s largest Catholic cathedral, perched on a hill high above the city.
Its controversial styling definitely splits opinion of both affection and consternation but whether you view it as a modern masterpiece or not, it’s certainly one of Liverpool’s most recognisable buildings.
Leaving the Cathedral, it was then a fifteen minute walk across to the Georgian Quarter with its cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses and pubs. The city boasts some of the largest collections of Georgian architecture outside of London taking in the streets of Rodney, Catherine and Falkner. Reflecting the city’s rich history, these houses display a wealth of decorative features from wrought iron railings and balconies to ornate doorways and fanlights.
The National Trust have preserved Hardman’s House at 59 Rodney Street for the nation where visitors can step back in time to explore this fascinating home and photography studio. Another place I definitely want to visit, when I can. The neighbourhood is often used as a backdrop for television period dramas and films.
From the Georgian Quarter our stroll through the city continued to Liverpool Cathedral on St. James Mount. It’s Britain’s biggest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe. King Edward VII laid the foundation stone in 1904 and by 1910 the first part of the Cathedral was complete.
Fortunately, the building was open and we were able to explore its vast interior and beautiful Great West window. Not only is the Cathedral the country’s biggest but it also boasts the UK’s largest organ made up of a staggering 10,267 pipes which took three years to build.
In front of the altar steps a photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh had been placed with a Book of Condolence for visitors to sign in recognition of his numerous visits to the city. After strolling through the grounds it was then a downhill walk to Chinatown, the next place on our list.
Liverpool’s Chinatown starts from the top of Duke Street and continues along Nelson Street and is home to one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in the country with its collection of supermarkets, bars and restaurants.
The focal point is the traditional Chinese arch which is adorned with more than 200 dragons. This ornate entrance welcomes visitors to Chinatown and also celebrates Liverpool’s twin city status with Shanghai.
On our way back to the hotel we walked along Bold Street, starting at the top by the Church of St. Luke and following the street all the way down to Concert Square in the heart of the city.
This narrow, pedestrianised street is a vibrant area noted for its small independent shops, cafes and restaurants spilling out into the road. The area is known as Ropeworks as the street was originally laid out as a Ropewalk, a long, thin area of land used in the manufacture of rope.
The measurement from one end of the street to the other was the standard length needed for sailing ships. Last summer we came across a Rope Walk by the riverside in Ross-on-Wye, an area that was used to dry ropes that were manufactured nearby.
We were now close to our hotel and after popping into Marks & Spencer located in a grand old building we were ready for some tea and cakes after an enjoyable day touring the city centre on foot. Liverpool is reasonably compact and it is unlikely that you will require the use of public transport unless you are travelling further afield.
If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:
If you use Pinterest consider sharing and pinning the image below or follow me here:
Love Travelling Blog 
Ver interesting post, I didn’t know Liverpool had a Chinatown, like London and Leeds. I’m guessing quite a fe cities probably have them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cherryl for taking the time to comment. Liverpool is a great city. In the U.K. there are also Chinatowns in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know the London one (and Leeds). Thanks for these insights – good to know 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking an interest in this post on Liverpool Cheryl and apologies for the delay in responding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is certainly unusual, I think I like it though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s very unusual and it was a shame it was closed to visitors because photos of its interior are spectacular. Hopefully on a future visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An interesting travelouge to read after a long time, a lovely one too. It was such a thrill to find History, Geography and art in perfect alignment.. Oh how I wish my daughter was given an assignment on Liverpool.!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog Kakoli. Liverpool is a very interesting city with much to see and do.
LikeLike
Those libraries! O.o beautiful. And I wonder what Liverpool did to get twin city status from Beijing cause that’s pretty cool. My imagination is going wild at the comraderie there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Liverpool Central Library and its reading room are beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment Claudia. It’s much appreciated!
LikeLike
Love it
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
more and more impressed by what you’re showing me of Liverpool. looks like a truly beautiful city.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’ll love it there Andy I’m certain ! Hope things are going well. M.
LikeLike
I love the library in Liverpool, it is such a nice atmosphere in there. A really calm place to do a bit of reading x
LikeLiked by 2 people
The library is absolutely beautiful Talitha. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
LikeLike
Liverpool is always great. Love the city 😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, it really is a great city!
LikeLike
Good jobs
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLike
I’ve forgotten so much about Liverpool and in some ways it has changed so much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your comments Paul. Do you think it has changed for the better?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly looks like it from your photographs. It was always a city with a great vibe so we are looking to go back. My partner when she lived there lived not far from Penny Lane and there was if I remember a small restaurant called Sgt Pepper’s in the same area.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That sounds interesting Paul. More for us to look out for next time too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Marion, I will loose myself in that amazing Central Library!! How beautiful – just for that, Liverpool might now be my famous city ☺️.
I’m in two minds about the modern Catholic Cathedral, but the Liverpool Cathedral on the other hand is beautiful.
Thanks for taking me on a stroll through Liverpool (I’m glad there is more than one post on this city!)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for taking an interest in my series of posts on Liverpool. The library is gorgeous and I could have stayed much longer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice work….
Can we be friends?
LikeLike
The library looks fabulous! I didn’t have time for that. One of my favourites was the Cathedral with those wonderful mysterious gardens behind them. Or perhaps it was the cake in the cafe there 🙂 🙂 My feet were tired by then.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure you had a good time whatever you did! Hope you get a chance to see the library one day Jo.
LikeLike
Love the historical architecture and I agree the Georgian quarter reminds me a lot of Dublin (especially the buildings on Lower Leeson Street). I think the two cities were quite connected over time, from the ferry between them to people moving between them for work and other reasons. The library is quite impressive. Thanks for sharing Marion. Allan
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so pleased to read that you enjoyed my tour around Liverpool Allan. The Georgian Quarter is reminiscent with Dublin most probably due to the reasons you mention, Hope you have a good week. Marion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice shot ..
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
so nice, we enjoying this beautiful walking, i will visit this great city some day
.. have a nice day🇲🇦
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words. I do hope you are able to visit Liverpool one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes of course bro i will make a short wonderful visit 😍
thnks my friend nice to sharing with us, and it’s professionnel trip🏇👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to live in Bebington on the Wirral across the Mersey from Liverpool. Do you know the story of the Liver Birds? The local call the Catholic Cathedral, Paddy’s Wigwam. While at the other cathedral did you find the little mouse on one of the tombs? There is a cute story that goes with that. Did you see the Titanic stained glass window? Lots of good memories. Thank you
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for taking an interest in my series of posts featuring Liverpool. We had a great weekend there and I’ll look out for the mouse and Titanic stained glass window next time I go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow… That might be amazing visit
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you – Liverpool is definitely an amazing city to visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yaa
LikeLiked by 2 people
Plz view my website too…. And do follow ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another tour ably illustrated. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Ian. We found so much to interest us in the city,
LikeLiked by 1 person
The library is beautiful Marion especially the staircase.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved the Picton Reading Room too and we were so lucky that it had just re-opened to visitors Sue. Hope things are going well for you, Marion
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to hear Marion. Yes all well with me thank you. Still at the Gold Coast visiting my family. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liverpool is so beautiful! I’ve never been there, but I have to do. The library is stunning. Your photos are amazing. I loved this post 🙂
xx Dasynka
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Dasynka for your kind words. I’m so pleased you liked this post on Liverpool and I hope you get an opportunity to see the city for yourself one day!
LikeLike
I too have a great love of libraries and that library looks absolutely amazing! I think I could spend hours on hours exploring such an interesting and beautiful library. Wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for taking an interest in this post featuring The Picton Library. It really is one of the most beautiful I have visited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful library, there is so much natural light. Plus sky high wooden shelves and small spiral staircases- It would make you want to stay for hours.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Visiting the Picton Library definitely wanted me to linger longer, it was so beautiful! Thank you for taking an interest in this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Georgian Quarter took me back to Dublin where the city centre is built in this style. I especially liked the library, such elegance. I find that curved facades always attract attention in architecture, even if they are not always easy to arrange inside. Thank you for the stroll.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for taking an interest in this post. I agree that curved facades create more interest – in this case making the reading room particularly beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That library is a delight, especially with the spiral staircase! I’m a sucker for gorgeous architecture, and libraries are nothing short of impressive regarding that. Liverpool definitely needs a second walk-over to really get the feel for the city…perhaps a third or fourth, too! Thanks for sharing more of your time in this UK city. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for taking an interest in my series of posts on Liverpool, Rebecca. It’s a great city and the library an absolute joy. Marion
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have visited Liverpool on several occasions but it was always for work! I have always wanted to go back, with my husband, for a proper visit. Your posts, Marion, have certainly whetted my appetite for a return adventure! Thank you,
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you June for your kind words. I do hope you get an opportunity to return to Liverpool for a leisurely visit as I’m sure you would enjoy a few days there. The Picton Reading Room at the Central Library is stunning. Marion
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, delightful free traveling without the worries of Covid. Thank you Marion.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words and continued support of my blog. Our weekend in Liverpool was a splendid and safe return to travelling for us. Marion
LikeLike
Looks like you had fabulous weather for exploring around Liverpool. I love all the historic buildings, especially the Central Library. I too am such a fan of libraries. It’s neat seeing the inside of the Picton Reading Room and how they managed to construct bookcases around the circular walls. It really must have been such a sight to behold.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’m so pleased that you also take an interest in libraries. The Picton Reading Room is gorgeous with its circular walls and oak bookcases. The old buildings of the university were lovely too! Thank you for commenting and hope you have a good weekend. Marion
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some familiar sights and a few fresh ones to whet my thirst for another visit one day. Particularly the Picton Reading Room!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ooh you must visit the Picton Reading Room Leighton, it’s gorgeous! A great excuse to make a return visit to Liverpool. Thanks for commenting. Marion
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! That’s a treat of a trip covering many of the haunts of my student days, Marion. Several of the locations feature in one of my novels, so they must be special. The library is the most special though. The the man who was to become my husband found me there 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
What wonderful memories Chris! Liverpool,Central Library was so enchanting, we could have stayed all day! Thanks for your welcome thoughts. Marion
LikeLiked by 2 people
Liverpool is such a great city isn’t it? So much to see at every turn, spent a wonderful week there but need another trip to see everything we missed. Brilliant photos.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks for taking an interest in this post on Liverpool Jonno. It’s a great city and the sun was shining too! Hope you have a good weekend. Marion
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Cathedral is so beautiful! Wish I could travel….it seems a distant dream now for us, from India. Keep posting..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking an interest in my Liverpool posts. It won’t be like this for ever and I’m sure you will be able to start exploring once again when conditions improve. Take care and stay safe. Marion
LikeLike