Seven fascinating places to visit in Liverpool

The countrywide Heritage Open Days invited us to visit tons of attractions across the Liverpool City Region – and it goes without saying that there were plenty of places to visit in the city itself.

The annual event in September highlighted some amazing must-sees, and you can go and see them – plus more – throughout the year.

NML The Old Dock Tour 

It’s one of the best tours that shows Liverpool’s always been ahead of its time. Organised by National Museums Liverpool, it’s the story of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock – revealed during excavations on the site in 2001 – and how a brave idea and an innovative feat of engineering shaped Liverpool’s destiny.

Find out more HERE.

Liverpool ONE Heritage trail 

Take a stroll around this self-guided audio tour to discover what used to lie within the buildings you can now see across Liverpool ONE and discover the people and places that made Liverpool the city it is today.

There are 16 stopping-off points, marked with a location point sign, and each is the site of an event, a place or a person that helps tell the fascinating tale of Liverpool’s history.

Find out more HERE.

Williamson Tunnels

Deep below Liverpool’s streets are the historic subterranean tunnels and chambers built by Georgian philanthropist and merchant Joseph Williamson; and you can take a guided tour through a section of the network of the tunnels and view exhibitions which depict the life and times of one of Liverpool’s most eccentric characters.

The incredible underground world hides beneath Joseph Williamson’s former house on Mason Street, Edge Hill, and you can see the dramatic banqueting hall and wine bins quarried out of the sandstone in the early 1800s. 

Find out more HERE.

Bridewell Pub 

The Bridewell in Campbell Square’s got a great reputation for its unusual bar area in the cells of this former Liverpool lock-up, as well as the friendliness of its hosts, Fiona Hornsby and husband, Dominic.

A former Pub of the Year, thanks to its cask ales, a range of craft kegs and continental beers, and more, it’s oozing with local history: in its former life, Charles Dickens worked as a special constable, and it was even used by the US Military in WWII. 

Find out more HERE.

Croxteth Hall and Country Park

This was once the stately home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton, from the 16th century until 1972. The estate was divided following the last Earl’s death, and the hall and Liverpool City Council now manage some of the estate grounds.

The magnificent hall – for which there are regular tours – and estate are bursting with local history and heritage, and the must-sees also include the Victorian Walled Garden and the traditional Home Farm with rare breeds of animals, set within its 500 acres of green space with paths and trails just ripe for exploring.

There’s also a children’s play area, a green gym, and a host of events held there throughout the year.

Find out more HERE.

Liverpool Town Hall

Built between 1749 and 1754, the Grade I listed building is described as one of the finest surviving 18^th Century town halls and, believe it or not, the final act of the American Civil War took place on its steps when  Lieutenant Commander James Waddell presented a letter to the city’s mayor surrendering his vessel, the CSS Shenandoah, to the British Government in November 1865, six months after the war had ended!

There are guided tours of its grand main staircase and adjoining reception rooms, large and small ballrooms, a stunning dining room and the council chamber. Highlights also include the Hall of Remembrance, which hosts Liverpool’s Roll of Honour to more than 13,000 who lost their lives during the First World War and those who have been awarded the Freedom of Liverpool.

Oh, and The Beatles famously waved from its balcony on July 10, 1964, when they returned home for a civic reception and the northern premiere of A Hard Day’s Night.

Find out more HERE.

Bluecoat 

There’s so much to do at this contemporary arts centre, and it’s easy to get to in School Lane, slap bang in the middle of the city. It hosts a programme of exhibitions and events so visitors can enjoy and experience art in different ways and offers a working home for artists.

As well as activities for families and children, there’s a fab café serving the most amazing homemade meals and a gorgeous garden that’s open all year round.

And, that’s not all, it’s also home to independent retailers and creative businesses, selling everything from wedding dresses and handmade gifts to vintage records and house plants.

Find out more HERE.

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