Liverpool voted best big city for UK city break
30 July 2024
By Amy Brear
Liverpool has been voted the best big city in the UK for a holiday, in a recent Which? survey. It narrowly beat York, and Edinburgh to claim the top spot, and we can see why. The city has so much to see and explore and has a fascinating history too.
We’ve put together a round up of the top things to do on your next visit.
The Beatles Story Museum
This popular attraction is dedicated to telling the story of the legendary band, The Beatles. You can explore exhibits showcasing the band's rise to fame, their music, personal lives, and cultural impact. The museum also features interactive displays and a plethora of memorabilia, so you can follow their journey from the early days in Liverpool to global superstardom.
If you love that, you should also check out a Beatles and sightseeing walking tour. You’ll get the opportunity to see some of the iconic locations associated with the band including, the Beatles statue, the Cavern Club, Eleanor Rigby Statue and of course, Penny Lane.
Albert Dock Area
If you want to delve into the heritage and vibrant heart of Liverpool, then you’ll want to get yourself over to the Albert Docks. Home to museums, galleries and shops, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon.
The buildings around the docks were opened in 1846 and were the first structures in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone. You’ll find the Tate Liverpool, Maritime Museum and Beatles Story Museum located at the Albert Docks.
Tate Liverpool museum
Formerly a warehouse, located in the Albert Docks, the Tate Liverpool is now home to some of the most impressive modern and contemporary art collections in the UK. Recent exhibitions include Keith Haring, Lucian Freud and Louise Bourgeois.
Liverpool Cathedral
The UK is home to a number of iconic cathedrals, and Liverpool is the largest, and the fifth largest in the world. Dominating the skyline, the Liverpool Cathedral features the UK’s largest organ, the world’s highest and widest Gothic arches, and a number of intricate stained-glass windows.
Sefton Park
If you’ve spent a day, or two, exploring the hustle and bustle of the city, Sefton Park is just what you need to get back to nature. Spanning over 250 acres, the park also includes a Victorian Palm House, botanical gardens, waterfalls and a boating lake.
A relaxing stroll around Sefton Park is the ideal way to enjoy a summer afternoon in Liverpool!
Liverpool Philharmonic
Found yourself with a free evening in the city, and enjoy classical music? Then you’ll want to get yourself over to the Liverpool Philharmonic. This beautiful concert hall is home to Liverpool’s own symphony orchestra, and also hosts a selection of other events too. Over 350,000 people visit Liverpool Philharmonic, so you’ll want to add this popular landmark to your next visit to the city.
Mersey Ferry
No visit to Liverpool would be complete without a trip on the Mersey Ferry. Tickets cost a little over £12, making it a fun and affordable way to see the city. The ferry provides stunning views of the Liverpool waterfront, including famous landmarks such as the Liver Building, Royal Liver Building, and the Cunard Building.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Set in the heart of the Albert Docks, the Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s sea-trading legacy. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight Liverpool's maritime heritage, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and the city's connections to the British Empire. The museum is also home to an extensive Titanic collection. Although the ship never visited Liverpool, it was registered there, meaning it had strong links to the city.
Entry to the museum is free, so be sure to add it to your visit!
Liverpool Central Library
Looking to enjoy both literature and architecture? The Liverpool Central Library is a great spot to browse the collection of archival and rare collections on display within the Hornby Library. The Central Library also features the Picton Reading Room, which was the first electrically lit library in the UK when it opened in 1879.
Radio City Tower
Standing above the skyline of Liverpool is the Radio City Tower. If you’re looking to get the best view of the city below, this is where you want to be! The observation deck stands at 138m tall and offers 360-degree views of Liverpool and beyond, on a clear day you can see as far as Snowdonia! You may also see the Radio City Tower referred to as St. Johns Beacon.
So, there you have it! There is plenty to enjoy on your next visit to the beautiful city of Liverpool.