Embrace our heritage this winter with these Liverpool historical sites you can visit right now

You don’t need to walk far in Liverpool to find amazing places.

Seeped in history, Liverpool is renowned for its impressive array of architectural styles and listed buildings, and incredible venues with stories to tell.

Who cares if it’s getting colder outside? Wrap up warm, get your comfy shoes on, and get ready to explore…

Speke Hall

The stunning black and white Tudor mansion is one of the most well-known buildings in Liverpool, and one of the most visited too. The timber-framed courtyard house which took its present shape in the 16^th century is now owned by the National Trust and it’s got a fascinating history and story of survival. The lead up to Christmas is always a good time to visit, with wreath making workshops, festive carol events, visits from Santa, and more.

Find out more here.

Western Approaches

The Western Approaches Museum gives you the chance to explore Derby House, a key operational hub during World War Two, and once the nerve-centre for the war-defining Battle of the Atlantic. You used to have to sign the Official Secrets Act to enter! The maze-like bunker’s just as it was in 1945 and in this time-capsule hidden beneath Liverpool City Centre you can see original documents, tools, and maps used to analyse the enemy, and one of two surviving phones that had a direct line to Churchill’s War Rooms!

Find out more here.

The Beatles’ Childhood homes

Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road in Liverpool are the childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney and, now owned by the National Trust, you can visit and really get an idea of the musicians’ humble beginnings. It’s the chance to see inside the places where the Beatles met, composed and rehearsed many of their earliest songs … imagine standing in the spot where the pair composed ‘I Saw Her Standing There’!

Find out more here.

Mersey Tunnel Tour

You can get your hard hat on for a behind the scenes look at the workings of the Queensway Mersey Tunnel. Walking beneath the city’s streets, you can view the historical control room and parts of the original George’s Dock, and even see the giant ventilation fans working. You can witness an engineering masterpiece first hand – and stand inside the tunnel where Harry Potter and Hagrid embarked on a dangerous chase in The Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

Find out more here.

St. George’s Hall

One of the first sights you see after stepping outside Lime Street Station – and a building that’s taken a starring role in major moves like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Batman – St George’s Hall opened in 1854 and is considered one of the finest examples of a neoclassical building in the world. Created as an impressive music venue, it was also home to Liverpool’s only criminal court until 1984. Now a popular event venue and home to Liverpool Register Office, it boasts gems like the rare Minton tiled floor in the Great Hall which goes on display every summer and the famous Willis organ.

Find out more here.

RLB 360

If you’ve still not visited this amazing city experience, this winter’s the one to do it. The iconic Royal Liver Building takes pride of place at the heart of the city and you can find out everything about it with the fascinating RLB 360 tour which includes exhibitions, a tour to the 10th and 15th floors to enjoy a state-of-the-art projection inside the historic clock tower and spectacular 360° views of the Liverpool skyline.

Find out more here.

The Cavern Club

Seen as the ‘cradle of British pop music’, the Cavern’s survived decades after its foundation. The legendary cellar saw The Beatles’ first performance in February 1961 and while the club, dubbed the most famous club in the world, has seen its share of setbacks it’s played a role in every era of music from 1950s jazz to 21st century indie rock. Famous visitors have included Stevie Wonder who played in The Cavern when he was only 15!

Find out more here.

Sudley House

This is really like stepping back in time. Sudley House was the Victorian home of the philanthropic Holt family in Mossley Hill Road and remains one of the few period homes that still has many of its original features. It also boasts the only surviving Victorian merchant art collection in Britain still hanging in its original location.

Find out more here.

The Bluecoat

Tucked quietly behind busy Church Street, this Grade 1 listed Queen Anne-style building is the oldest in Liverpool city centre. It was built 300 years ago as a charity school for poor children, and in 1927 it became the UK’s first arts centre. Today it continues as a thriving creative hub for people to meet, work, perform, create, craft and display – and it’s got a gorgeous relaxing garden at the rear.

Find out more here.

Liverpool Cathedral / St James’ Garden

Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest Cathedral in the world and was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (famous also for creating the red telephone box!). While still holding daily worship services, it’s home to some amazing artwork – statues, paintings and sculptures, as well as hosting regular large scale art installations and family activities. Beside it, St James’ Garden is the former cemetery which has been transformed into a beautiful public park.

Find out more here.