Here’s why Liverpool has been named best value city break destination

Culture, history, family fun and more, this is why consumer watchdog Which? rates Liverpool the best value city break.

Which? readers were asked to rate food, accommodation, sights, attractions and value for money at various destinations across the UK and Liverpool received the full five-stars for value. Coming second in the table overall (beaten by Edinburgh on hotel prices), Liverpool offers more for your hard earned holiday or staycation cash than any other city.

Click here to see the full table of UK cities and where they ranked in the study.

Liverpool may be at the top of the Premier League but the city has also been named by us as one of the best value UK city breaks

Why not dance at The Cavern Club and stroll down Penny Lane this year?

See our top 5 list here https://t.co/IjxMilRMAO pic.twitter.com/EdvJlFhTKW

— Which? (@WhichUK) 31 December 2018

Visitors to our city are offered a wealth of free attractions. From museums, galleries and libraries bursting with fascinating artefacts and ever changing exhibitions to stunning green spaces, parks and mile upon mile of coastline. Our architecture has provided the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters and our free festivals and parades blend music, culture and community, effortlessly. Hey, it’s even free to pee at Lime Street station now!

With so much to see and do, we’ve put together a handy list of the best value attractions the Merseyside region has to offer…..and most of them are free!

Freebies

Can you believe that you can experience and enjoy all of this, without spending a single penny in Liverpool?

Museums, Galleries & Libraries

From ancient Egypt to modern day photography, exhibits from Titanic to comic books, creepy crawlies and transport through the ages, Liverpool’s museums, galleries and libraries are bursting with fascinating facts waiting to be discovered.

Top tip – take the lift to the 4th floor at Liverpool Central Library and check out the rooftop view. You wont regret it.

Click here for our run down of the best exhibitions kicking off 2019 in Liverpool. 

Liverpool Old Dock

Did you know the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock lies preserved, deep beneath Liverpool ONE? Book a free tour from the Merseyside Maritime Museum here and step back in time.

The Royal Albert Dock

The Royal Albert Dock has it all. History, architecture, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, bars, a hotel and more museums, events and charm than you can imagine. The 2019 event programme will bring pirates, folk music, dockside fun and so much more. Click here to find out more and plan your next visit. 

Beatles Mania

Photo credit Terry Bouch

It goes without saying that Liverpool is the top destination for Beatles fans. Make sure you bring plenty of memory cards because you’re going to get snap happy with all the free photo opportunities. From Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane to the Fab Four bronze cast at Pier Head and of course our John on Mathew Street. All totally free. More on the Beatles here. 

Not one, but two Cathedrals

If you’re a lover of architecture, you must visit our cathedrals because they both have the wow factor. Liverpool Cathedral, survived two world wars and is the largest in the UK. It houses a Tracey Emin artwork and you can enjoy views of the city from the bell tower roof.

Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral (or Paddy’s Wigwam as it’s affectionately known) is the largest Catholic Cathedral in Britain and welcomes around 300,000 visitors per year. Its vast 2,300 seater space is a hive of activity all year round with music, worship and special events.

Waterfront & Parks

photo credit:gerryco23

Liverpool is blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks, green spaces and waterfront pathways that make for fun, easy and affordable days out. Walk from Otterspool to the Pier Head, wander around the lake at Sefton Park or Festival Gardens or get lost in the forest trails of Croxteth Country Park or Formby NT Nature Reserve with loads of free, fresh air fun. Who doesn’t love an afternoon on the swings?! Liverpool’s best parks here. 

Explore Film Sets

Our city has lent itself to Hollywood on a regular basis and as Liverpool Film Office records in most successful year to date, 2019 shows no signs of us stepping out of the lime light. Visit the Georgian Quarter, St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall and Cunard Building to see if you can spot your favourite scenes. If you’re lucky, you may just catch a film crew in action. Find out more about Liverpool’s film industry here. 

Parades & Festivals

Liverpool loves a good festival and unlike most UK cities, lots of ours remain free to attend. As the 2019 dates begin to roll in we’re looking forward to shaking our thing at Brazilica, enjoying a family fun Africa Oye festival and checking out all the stalls, activities and local independent bars at Smithdown Road Festival too. Keep your eyes peeled for River of Light info, Pirates on the Dock and more when planning your visit to Liverpool.

£10 Budget

If you’re feeling flush, you needn’t break the bank to make some memories in our amazing city. Got a tenner, here’s how you could spend it!

Ghetto Golf

It’s literally only a tenner each to play a round of golf at Liverpool’s maddest, indoor mini golf 18 hole course. Over 18’s only. Book here. 

Ferry Cross the Mersey

C6155 Cunard Line (Cruise Media)

It’s just £2.70 per adult to experience this Scouse rite of passage. Get the best view of the phenomenal Liverpool skyline when you take the ferry cross the Mersey. Book here. 

Williamson Tunnels

The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre provides an insight into the fascinating underground world created by Joseph Williamson in the early 19th Century and is well worth a visit. It’s just £4.50 per adult and you can book online here.

St. John’s Beacon

Radio City Tower

See the city from up above as St John’s Beacon or the Radio City Tower as it’s known, offers a 360 viewing experience from 4ooft above the city streets. It’s less than £7 a ticket and you can get yours here. 

City Bikes

With all that coastline, the parks, waterfront and pavement cafes to check out, why not hire yourself a city bike and explore with city with pedal power? It’s just £1 per hour to hire and there’s more than 40 locations to pick up and drop off. Find out more here. 

It’s Always Happy Hour

When it comes to getting a round in, £10 can go a long way in Liverpool. We love a good happy hour and it when it comes to 2-4-1 offers, there’s loads to choose from. Head to Roxy Ball Room, Crazy Pedro’s, NYL Restaurant & Bar and Tusk Baltic for the best cocktails, cheap beers and a great atmosphere. More info here. 

More: Click here for our Ultimate Liverpool Bar Crawl 2019

Liverpool Water Sports Centre

Kids can have a go at paddle boarding, open water swimming, Aqua Park sessions and loads more for less than £10 at Liverpool Water Sports Centre. Click here for more.

A Bowl of Scouse

If you do one thing during your trip to Liverpool, it should be eat! We’ve got the world on a plate here from Bold Street to the Baltic, Castle Street to the Dock, you can indulge in pizza, sushi, burgers, seafood, pasta, meats and all the fresh local produce your heart desires.

With a growing independent scene along with vegan, veggie and gluten friendly options the norm, tell us what you fancy and we’ll point you in the right direction. Our recommendation is a big bowl of Scouse and red cabbage from Maggie Mays, Bold St. A bargain at £5.50!

More: Check out Liverpool’s amazing food offering here. 

What’s your favourite thing to do in Liverpool when you’re a bit skint? Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.