Liverpool, UK | Cruise port of call | CruiseBe
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Liverpool, UK

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside, England, within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire, famed for its football teams, the Grand National horse race, music (including The Beatles), vibrant nightlife and its links with the arts and culture. Historically the city served as one of the leading ports linking Europe to the Americas, expanding to become England's second most populated city by the census of 1861, before slowly declining after 1921 as levels of transatlantic shipping dropped. Before airline travel, many Europeans migrating to the New World passed through the city, particularly the Italians and Irish; to this day the city enjoys a large Irish community, with impressive cathedrals for both Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths. In the 18th and early 19th century, the port also acted as a gateway for the slave trade, with echoes of this period still evident in places around the city (Penny... Read more

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Liverpool, UK

Destination:
Mediterranean

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside, England, within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire, famed for its football teams, the Grand National horse race, music (including The Beatles), vibrant nightlife and its links with the arts and culture. Historically the city served as one of the leading ports linking Europe to the Americas, expanding to become England's second most populated city by the census of 1861, before slowly declining after 1921 as levels of transatlantic shipping dropped. Before airline travel, many Europeans migrating to the New World passed through the city, particularly the Italians and Irish; to this day the city enjoys a large Irish community, with impressive cathedrals for both Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths. In the 18th and early 19th century, the port also acted as a gateway for the slave trade, with echoes of this period still evident in places around the city (Penny Lane is named after a slave ship owner, for example). Recent years have seen a comprehensive regeneration of the city centre, creating an influx of new shops, boutiques, and large performance/conference arenas near the waterfront; this has resulted in an upturn in population figures. The regenerated city now plays regular host to the national and international conference, media and music events; examples include major political party conferences, the BBC Worldwide Showcase, the MTV Europe Awards, and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress.

All this means that Liverpool is chiefly a 19th century city with tall buildings, which can be somewhat intimidating at times. "Cosy" is probably not an attribute you would use for it, and the Mersey waterfront is, perhaps disappointingly, nowhere a place you sit down to have a coffee (except in the Albert Docks, but these do not face the Mersey).

Liverpool is a city with great cultural heritage and was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2008, with the famous Pier Head Waterfront being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. Liverpool is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and is also renowned for nurturing the talents of a wide range of musicians and band such as The Beatles, Gerry, and the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen, Elvis Costello and many more. The city possesses the largest national museum collection outside of London and has a fascinating and turbulent history as a great world maritime centre. Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest Chinatown. The famous Grand National Horse Race takes place in the outskirts of the city (Aintree). It is also home to two very successful Premier League football clubs, Liverpool and Everton.
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Liverpool, UK: Port Information


Cruise liner ships berth in Liverpool City Centre, near the Pier Head. A new cruise liner facility has been constructed to enable bigger vessels to visit and to enhance the experience.
There is a wide range of attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

 
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Get around Liverpool, UK


If you need a map, the certainly best one is by Andrew Taylor and called Liverpool City Centre. The scale is 1:3,500, i.e. 18 inches to one mile. The map is so detailed it even names shops and so on. (Can be bought at news from nowhere in Bold St.)

Liverpool City Centre is small enough to walk around, but black cabs are plentiful if you are feeling lazy.

By ferry

  • The Mersey Ferry

    , ☎ +44 151 639-0609 (Head Office). Probably the nicest way to get to the Wirral and back. Immortalized by the hit song Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry & the Pacemakers, the Mersey ferries offer a fun day out and a good way to see Liverpool from afar.

Public transport

Buses run out from the centre regularly from Liverpool ONE Bus Station (mainly to the south) and Queen Square (mainly north/east). Both bus stations have travel centres with staff who will assist with which bus to get and from where. These travel centres also stock free transport guides and detailed timetable leaflets for each bus and train service. Highly recommended are the free 'map and guide' leaflets of the four main transport areas: Liverpool, Wirral, Southport and St. Helens; these giant fold-out street maps show at a glance the route of every bus service (individual service leaflets are required for timetable information).

In terms of pre-paid travel passes, Saveaway, Solo and Trio travel passes can be purchased from travel centres or Merseyrail stations. Liverpool and its surrounding areas are divided up into areas, each sub-divided into zones: the cost of each ticket typically depends upon how many zones/areas the purchaser wants to travel in. If a journey takes the ticket holder outside the boundary allowed by their ticket, they can typically purchase a regular ticket on the bus or train to cover just the extra required.

  • Solo and Trio passes are perhaps better suited to long stays in the city, such as students or visiting workers who travel regularly on public transport. They are weekly, monthly or annual travel passes tied to a specific person, featuring a passport-style photo of the owner, usable at any time of the day. Solo tickets may be used only on buses; Trio tickets may be used on buses, ferries or Merseyrail trains. The initial pass may only be purchased from Merseytravel centres, but once acquired may be renewed (up to three days before expiry) at any travel or train station in Merseyside. It is possible to renew Solo or Trio tickets by any duration: for example, it is permitted to add just a single week onto a ticket initially purchased as a monthly ticket.
  • Saveaway tickets are ideal for the majority of short term visitors, such as tourists. They are cheap, disposable, off-peak (after 09:30) single-day tickets that cover buses, ferries and Merseyrail trains. Unlike the other tickets, Saveaways are also sold in some corner shops and libraries. Saveaway tickets may be bulk purchased in advance; each ticket is a scratch card that allows the owner to choose its date of use. They may also be used by more than one person (although not at the same time, obviously!).

The main 'metro style' train stations in the city centre are Central, Lime Street, Moorfields and James Street. Lime Street is the terminus for many national lines and the local city line to Manchester. Moorfields is just off Dale Street, ideal for the business centre of Liverpool and Central is usually used by shoppers and visitors. Local trains run very frequently between Hunts Cross, Kirkby, Ormskirk and Southport on the Northern line. They run every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday and 30 minutes on Sunday. Central station is the main station for the Northern line, although the 'loop' links the three main city centre stations. The Wirral line forms the link between the Lime Street, Moorfields and Central, so all of these stations act as an interchange between the City, Northern and Wirral lines.

A new station in the south of Liverpool replaced the old Garston and Allerton stations in June 2006. This links the Northern and City lines and is ideal for the airport. It also acts as an interchange for a number of local buses.

Some buses are subsidized by Merseytravel, such as early morning and hospital services. This includes the City Centre Circular buses C1 to C5.

If you plan to travel a lot, a prepaid pass presents a much better value. Generally speaking, you save money with two or more train trips or three or more bus journeys.

By bike

There exists a useful cycle map of Liverpool called 'Liverpool Cycle Map' apparently jointly issued by Merseytravel, the Liverpool City Council, and Travelwise Merseyside. It is free and can be ordered at 0151 330 1253.
You might be lucky to be given one at a store, such as GIANT.

  • Citybike Liverpool (Liverpool Citybike, Hourbike), 39 Pilgrims Way, Bisley, Surrey, GU24 9DQ, ☎ +44 151 374-2034, e-mail: support@citybikeliverpool.co.uk. Liverpool’s citybike cycle hire scheme offers bike hire from more than 140 stations across the city.

It's the largest public bicycle hire scheme in the country outside London and there will soon be a total of 1,000 bikes available to hire spread across 160 locations. You need to register if you want to participate (available by internet or phone call). If you want to hire a bike for a longer time at a stretch, Citybike may not be too convenient.

  • GIANT, Parliament St, opposite Grafton St. Opens at 10. A bicycle dealer which also rents out bikes of the very upmarket type. Their policy seems to be not to rent out locks to avoid any responsibility if the bike gets stolen (which seems an unusual idea, but that seems to be what they do), so be prepared to bring a lock or buy one from them. Nice staff.
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What to see in Liverpool, UK


A great thing about Liverpool is the architecture. For so long it was neglected and run down, but these days most of the city centre is quite splendid.

Pier Head

The harbor of Liverpool has played a very important role in the modern history of the city. The wharf area drained by the

Mersey River

gives to the city an air of antiquity, which is quite strange and interesting because of the contrast between modern buildings and conventional buildings. The Pier Head has been considered as world heritage by UNESCO.
  • Royal Liver Building (on the riverside). Iconic symbol of Liverpool waterfront - this 1911 skyscraper still dominates the distinctive Liverpool skyline. This is the home of the legendary Liver Birds that sit atop the building looking out across to the Wirral. The river-facing face of the clock is six feet larger in diameter than that of the clock tower at Westminster.
  • Fab4D Cinema, Pier Head. Is a film telling a story using The Beatles as a theme.
  • Canada Boulevard, The Pierhead. Runs the entire length of the Three Graces frontage and consists of a boulevard of maple trees with plaques laid into the pavement listing the Canadian ships lost during the Second World war.

Albert Dock

  • Albert Dock (on the riverside). This is one of the more sophisticated places in Liverpool and is situated in the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK. Old warehouses have been converted into shops, apartments, restaurants, pubs, hotels, galleries and museums. For fans of the old This Morning with Richard and Judy TV programme this is also where the 3D island weather map was situated in the centre of the dock on the water. Free.

City centre

  • St. George's Hall, Lime St (near railway station). A mammoth of a Greco-Roman-style building which was built by wealthy merchants for the people of the city. It is arguably the finest neo-classical building in Western Europe and has recently been thoroughly restored for Capital of Culture Year. Inside it has one of the best church organs in Europe. On the outside, it has a selection of classical murals which were thought quite shocking in their day (due to the shameful female nudity). Free.
  • World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, L3 8EN (near St. George's Hall). This is a fine building and well worth a visit. It contains an excellent collection of British rocketry exhibits, as well as the best Egyptological collection outside London. Free.

  • Liverpool Central Library

    (near St. George's Hall). This is another fine building, boasting a beautiful circular reading room. Free.
  • Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, L3 8EL (near St George's Hall), ☎ +44 151 478-4199. Daily 10 AM-5 PM. A nice neoclassical building opened in 1871, which forms an ensemble with the Central Library. Free.
  • Liverpool Town Hall. Built in 1754, the Official Residence of Liverpool's Lord Mayor is an elegant stone building, having two fronts; one towards Castle Street, the other towards the area formed by the New Exchange Buildings. Each front consists of an elegant range of Corinthian columns, supporting a pediment, and are themselves supported by a rustic base. Between the capitals are heads and emblems of commerce in basso-relievo; and on the pediment of the grand front is a noble piece of sculpture representing Commerce committing her treasures to the race of Neptune.
  • Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, L69 3DR (near the Catholic Cathedral), ☎ +44 151 794-2348, e-mail: vgm@liv.ac.uk. Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00. The University of Liverpool's museum comprising their art collection and artifacts housed in an amazing Gothic building which coined the term 'red brick university'.
  • Williamson's Tunnels, The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, L7 3EE, ☎ +44 151 709-6868, e-mail: enquiries@williamsontunnels.co.uk. Heritage Centre T-Su. In the early 1800s, a Liverpool tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson, funded the construction of an enormous labyrinth of tunnels under the Edge Hill area of Liverpool. Nobody knows his reasons for doing so though many guess it as an act of philanthropy, using his wealth to provide jobs and training for thousands of Liverpool workers. There is also a Williamson's Tunnels Heritage Centre.
  • The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, ☎ +44 151 702-5324, e-mail: info@thebluecoat.org.uk. Daily 10:00-18:00. The Bluecoat is the oldest Grade 1 listed building in Liverpool’s city centre, dating back to 1717. Following a £14.5m redevelopment, it re-opened in March 2008 with a new wing of galleries and a state-of-the-art performance space. It showcases talent across artistic disciplines including visual art, music, literature, dance and live art. It helps nurture new talent by providing studio spaces for artists. Free.

Religious buildings

  • Our Lady and St. Nicholas church (just off the riverside). This is the city's parish church and home to the third Liver Bird (there are in fact three of them, not two).
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King (Paddy's Wigwam), Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ, ☎ +44 151 709-9222. Catholic. Affectionately known by the locals as Paddy's Wigwam or "the Pope's launching pad". Visit on a sunny day as the stained glass ceiling looks fantastic! Free.
  • Liverpool Cathedral (Anglican Cathedral), St James Mount, L1 7AZ, ☎ +44 151 709-6271. It may not look like a wigwam but is so imposing that the architect of Lord Derby's tomb claimed that no self-respecting church mouse would live there. As a result, he incorporated a mouse into the design of the tomb - it's just under Lord Derby's pillow. Liverpool Cathedral is one of the finest examples in the world of Gothic revival architecture. On a clear day, the tower affords breathtaking views over Liverpool, Merseyside and beyond. Free.
  • Princes Road Synagogue (Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation). This is an impressive combination of Gothic and Moorish architecture by the Audsley brothers. The colorful interior has to be seen to be believed. Tours can be arranged through their web site.
  • Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Princess Road, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 1XB, ☎ +44 151 724-3500, e-mail: friakovos@gmail.com. Dedicated to St Nicholas the patron saint of seafarers. Built between 1865 and 1870, it was the second purpose-built Greek Orthodox Church in England. The architecture of the building is a typical example of the Byzantine style as used in many Eastern Greek Churches. A typical feature is the four domes of the building. Henry Summers, a master builder who built many fine buildings in the city, was commissioned to build the church.
  • St Brides, Percy St, L8 7LT.
  • St Philip Neri.
  • The Nordic Church (Gustaf Adolfs Kyrka, or locally as the Swedish Church), 138 Park Lane, L1 8HG, ☎ +44 151 709-7763.
  • St Luke's Church (The Bombed-Out Church, Church of St Luke), on the corner of Berry St and Leece St (From the city centre, just walk up Bold St). St Luke's Church was badly damaged during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941 and remains as a roofless shell. It now stands as a memorial to those who were lost in the war and is also a venue for exhibitions and events (such as, open-air cinema).

Around Liverpool

  • Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD (near John Lennon Airport), ☎ +44 151 427-7231, e-mail: spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk. This is a half-timbered Tudor house set on large grounds. It has parts dating back to the 1530s.
  • Croxteth Hall and Country Park. This is one of Liverpool's most important heritage sites, one of "the finest working country estates in the North West" and was the winner of the European Capital of Culture 2008. The park is at the heart of what was once a great country estate stretching hundreds of square miles and was the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton. After the death of the last Earl, it was given to the City of Liverpool. The estate has four main attractions - The Historic Hall, Croxteth Home Farm, the Victorian Walled Garden and a 500-acre country park including the new Croxteth Local Nature Reserve. A new addition to what's on offer at Croxteth is the West Derby Courthouse. Dating from the reign of Elizabeth I, this is one of the oldest public buildings in Liverpool.
  • Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Aigburth. An art gallery which contains the collection of George Holt in its original setting. It includes work by Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, Edwin Landseer and J. M. W. Turner. Free.
  • Wavertree Botanic Gardens.

Guided Tours

For those in a hurry there are a number of operators offering guided tours, either using their own transportation or offering their services as "hop-on, hop-off Guides" on your coach or offering guided walks. The best way of getting an overview of the city is by taking the City Explorer open-top bus 1 run by Maghull Coaches. With 12 stops you can hop on and off all day. Qualified local guides provide the commentary and can answer your questions about the city. For Beatles fans, there is the Magical Mystery Tour which will take you around the places associated with the Beatles both in the city centre and in the suburbs. For a more tailored tour, there's Liverpool Entente Cordiale Tours. Their Liverpool tour guides can plan a walk for you or hop on your coach and guide you around the city. They offer tours in English or French.

  • Liverpool Cycle Tours, ☎ +44 7986 139 531. They have 4 scheduled tours, all of which run in small groups of no more than 10 people. Discounts may be available by email.
  • Shiverpool. This offers three different tours around Liverpool. The Hope Street shivers is based around the Cathedrals, Auld city shivers starting from the slaughterhouse pub on Fenwick Street and Shiver me Timbers based around the Albert Docks. Wrap up warm. Prior booking required.
  • The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tour, ☎ +44 151 601-2111. Offers personal tours that take you back in time to the childhood homes of the Fab Four.
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What to do in Liverpool, UK


More than one category

  • The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX, ☎ +44 151 702-5324, e-mail: info@thebluecoat.org.uk. The Bluecoat (not to be confused with The Bluecoat School, which is a grammar school in Wavertree) is a world-famous prestigious school dating back to the 18th century and is one of the oldest art schools in Europe. It hosts art exhibitions as well as music and literary events, but also offers tuition in fine art, music and literature.
  • Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP, ☎ +44 844 800 0400.

Music

  • The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, 36 Hope Street, L1 9BP, ☎ +44 151 709-3789. One of the world's great orchestras. Go for a pre-concert drink in the Philharmonic pub over the road then sit back and let the music carry you away.
  • Mathew Street Festival. The Mathew Street festival is a large and world-famous music festival celebrated in Liverpool during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Over half a million people attend the event which hosts the largest outdoor music festival in Europe.
  • Arts Club, 90 Seel St, L1 4BH, ☎ +44 151 559-3773. A concert venue which hosts things like Jazz concerts with well-known artists. Nice size (might accommodate around 400 people; there are no seats).

Theatre

  • Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, L1 1JE, ☎ +44 151 702-7320. The Empire plays host to a wide range of shows, including many UK tours of large-scale musicals. the Unity theatre produces a diverse range of work. There's also the Epstein and Royal Court theatres. Check Lipa for performance information, their student shows can be worth seeing.
  • Playhouse Theatre Liverpool, Williamson Square, L1 1EL, ☎ +44 151 709-4776.
  • Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Pl, L1 9BG, ☎ +44 844 873 2888.
  • Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe St, L1 1HL, ☎ +44 870 787-1866.

Arts

  • Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, L3 4BB, ☎ +44 151 702-7400 (information), +44 845 604 7083 (ticket office), e-mail: visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk. A fine modern art gallery. A definite visit for arty folk. The Turner Art Prize was hosted here from 19 October 2007 to 13 January 2008. This was the first time the award was held outside of London. Free (charge for some exhibitions).
  • Static Gallery, 23 Roscoe Lane, L1 9JD, ☎ +44 151 707-8090.
  • Wolstenholme Creative Space, 11 Wolstenholme Square, L1 4JJ (between Duke Street, Slater Street, Hannover Street & Seel Street. Look for the balls.), e-mail: info@wolstenholmecreativespace.com. Wolstenholme is an artist-run gallery and studio space situated within a beautiful listed ex-textile factory in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Info can be found on the website or just by dropping by, you may be fortunate enough to stumble upon some impromptu happening.
  • Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island Liverpool Waterfront Liverpool, L3 1BP, e-mail: info@openeye.org.uk.

Museums

  • Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AQ (on the Liverpool waterfront), ☎ +44 151 478-4499. 10:00-17:00 daily. Dedicated to the maritime history of the city, complete with galleries on customs and excise and emigration to the New World. There are also a number of vessels to see, such as the Mersey river tug Brocklebank and the river cargo carrier Wyncham. A museum permanent gallery is devoted to the Titanic, Lusitania and Empress of Ireland, ocean liners lost at sea from 1912-1915 with a total of 3,700 fatalities. free.
  • International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AX (Within the Merseyside Maritime Museum), ☎ +44 151 478-4499. 10:00-17:00. "Our aim is to address ignorance and misunderstanding by looking at the deep and permanent impact of slavery and the slave trade on Africa, South America, the USA, the Caribbean and Western Europe. Thus we will increase our understanding of the world around us." Dr David Fleming OBE, director, National Museums Liverpool Free.
  • Western Approaches. A museum in the once a top-secret nerve centre in World War Two Britain. This command centre based in Liverpool's city centre is underground and was the key communication point to Britain's gallant fleet of Royal Navy warships based in the Atlantic ocean.
  • The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, L3 4AD, ☎ +44 151 709-1963, e-mail: info@beatlesstory.com. The Beatles originated in Liverpool. The Beatles Story is the only museum in the world that is entirely Beatles-themed, with exhibitions such as their instruments and other artifacts. Other attractions based on The Beatles include their homes, Penny Lane, commemorative statues, Strawberry Fields and others.

Sports events

  • Liverpool FC, Anfield Rd, L4 0TH, ☎ +44 151 260-6677. Liverpool is one of the most successful clubs in the history of English football and is one of the most famous clubs in the world, Liverpool has won a British record five European Cups. Their fans are famous the world over for the unique atmosphere they create at Anfield and the singing of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' on matchdays. They have a very heated rivalry with Manchester United FC, considered by most football fans to be the biggest rivalry in England; a rivalry which stems from the traditional city rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool since the Industrial Revolution, and further fueled as the clubs are the most successful English clubs in European and domestic competition. Matches between the two sides are always very charged affairs which attract sell-out crowds. Crowd violence is rare though, as there is always a strong police presence at big matches to keep things in order.
  • Everton FC, Goodison Rd, L4 4EL, ☎ +44 871 663 1878. The self-styled 'Peoples Club' of Liverpool, Everton is one of the oldest football clubs in England and are one of the most successful clubs in England. The club has played in the top division of English football for more seasons than any other club. Fans of Everton are known as "Toffees". They play at Goodison Park, one of the oldest football grounds in England, it is known for its excellent atmosphere. The stadium can be reached via buses from Sandhills Station or a taxi. Tickets are available from the Fan Centre behind the Park End of the stadium or online at www.evertonfc.com. Club Merchandise is available from the Everton One Megastore opposite the Park End of the ground, or Everton Two in the Liverpool One Complex. The Winslow Hotel on Goodison Road, opposite the Main Stand at Goodison, is the closest public house. Food is available on the concourses, along with beer in the form of club sponsors Chang. For those on a restricted wallet plus with a sweeter tooth, there is a tea and cake sale held before every match in the hall of St Luke's Church, located on the corner of Goodison Road and Gwladys Street.
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What to eat and drink in Liverpool, UK


Eat

There are various pubs serving food across the city centre and its suburbs. The two main areas are the City Centre and Lark Lane about three miles from the city centre in Aigburth. There are various restaurants on Allerton Road (near Liverpool South Parkway) as well.

City Centre

  • Upstairs Restaurant Bar (Bluecoats), School Ln, ☎ +44 151 702-7783. Sunday and Monday (11:30 - 18:00); Tuesday until Saturday (Lunch: 11:30 - 15:00; Afternoon tea: 15:00 - 17:30; Dinner: 18:00 - 23:00). Offering seasonal food and a great wine list in a creative setting. Also offers a special children's menu (under 12s).
  • Espresso Bluecoat (Bluecoats), School Ln. 08:00 - 18:00 daily (later when there is an event on). Offering illy coffee, Jing leaf teas, Monbana hot chocolate and a range of soft drinks together with a selection of sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes and biscuits that are freshly made on the premises and able to be eaten on site or taken away. Also available is a fine selection of alcoholic beverages ranging from locally produced bottled lager to wines by the glass or by the bottle.

Drink

There's a good selection of pubs, clubs and bars to suit a variety of music and atmospheric tastes. Friday and especially Saturday nights are the busiest nights, although a few bars are busy with students throughout the week. The areas around Mathew Street and Concert Square with nearby Wood Street are the main two nocturnal focal points. There is a good mix of locals and students. It is best to dress smart for the majority of bars and clubs (such as "Society" and "Garlands"). Notable exceptions are places like Le Bateau, the Krazy house, the Caledonia and other places of a similar alternative style. Like any major UK city, it is pretty safe out at night. The local police have had a heavy presence on a Friday and Saturday night to combat any problems and are largely succeeding. It is pretty busy getting out of the city centre at the end of a weekend (especially at the start of university term time - Sep/Oct). There are plenty of black hackney cabs which congregate at various taxi ranks. The Merseyrail system works until about midnight, whilst there are a series of dedicated night buses which run from the main bus stations, usually for a flat fare. All modes of transport tend to become very busy from around midnight.
Liverpool is home to the Cains brewery which produces a large selection of cask beers.
  • Dr Duncan's, St John's Lane – This is the premier pub for the local Cains brewery. It has a fine reputation and consequently is full of middle-aged professional drinkers. The pub has a full range of Cains beers, including Dr Duncan's IPA. Rudimentary bar menu, but a good busy atmosphere on the weekend.
  • The Dispensary, Intersection of Renshaw and Leece Streets – Another of the local Cains brewery houses. Charming Victorian bar area. Usually has two rotating guest beers, plus a large selection of bottled beers and ciders.
  • The Globe, 17 Cases St (Tucked away, adjacent to Clayton Square shopping centre, opposite the Ranelagh Street entrance of Central Station). A small, often cramped. This is a traditional Liverpool pub, with no-nonsense barmaids. Usually busy after 17:00 and during the weekend, acting as a refuge for husbands abandoned by, or having escaped from, their shopping-mad spouses. Always a good variety of guests.
  • The Brewery Tap, Stanhope Street is attached to the Cains brewery and serves a large variety of ales, plus traditional pub fayre.
  • The Richard John Blacker (JD Wetherspoons), Charlotte Row, Unit 1/3, 53 Great Charlotte St, L1 1HU, ☎ +44 151 709-4802.
  • The Crown, 43 Lime St. Next to the station. Most likely the first pub you will see upon arriving in Liverpool.
  • The Pilgrim, Pilgrim Street – Located off Hardman Street, this pub serves the best breakfast in town. You also get to share the pub with stag parties and students wondering what happened the night before.
  • The Canarvon Castle, 5 Tarleton St. Established for about 200 years, this small and homely pub was named after Lord Carnarvon. Packed full of collectors items - model cars, lorries, handcuffs and truncheons - it attracts a mixture of clientele. Serving good quality real ales, the pub is also popular for its range of hot snacks including the well-loved Carnarvon toasties.
  • Pig & Whistle, 12 Covent Garden. This pub has recently undergone a 'refurbishment' and been transformed into a rather fake looking pub.
  • Peter Kavanagh's, 2-6 Egerton St. An unusual and old-world hideaway can be found just outside the city centre. Built 150 years ago, the walls are adorned with art deco murals painted in 1929 and the snugs are themed with various artifacts such as musical instruments and chamber pots. The friendly atmosphere makes this a favorite with artists, locals, travelers and musicians. George Melly, a famous jazz player is known to frequent this pub when visiting the city. If you're in for a traditional English breakfast, this pub serves great black pudding and all the fixings from noon to 16:00, 
  • Poste House, 23 Cumberland St. Most nights has a gay-friendly bar serving cheap cocktails upstairs from the main pub.
  • The Brookhouse Smithdown Rd. Used to be one of Liverpool's pubs was a hangout of bands of the late 1980s such as the La's. It's now most popular with students and is known for its Liverpool games when locals lead the Liverpool chants and become the vocal cords of this old pub.
  • The Old Post Office, School Ln. Friendly pub famous for its steak and mixed grill meals. Great for watching sports as there are three TVs including one big screen.
  • The Vines, Lime Street – A stylish club.
  • GBar, Eberle Street – Popular gay-friendly club with two floors. Upstairs, 'The Church' offers funky house music and campy classics in the 'Love Lounge'. Downstairs 'The Bass-ment' pumps out quality vocal house music. Open Thur.-Mon.
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Shopping in Liverpool, UK


Although the main shopping street in Liverpool is dominated by the same chain stores you'll find in any other large UK city, Liverpool has many distinctive shops of its own including:
  • Gostins Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The small shops inside sell goods ranging from books to tattoos.
  • Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw St. An alternative shopping centre which is definitely worth a look. The 40 small shops inside sell goods ranging from alternative clothing to used furniture.
  • Liverpool One, Liverpool One, Paradise St. Landmark development opened in 2008, redefining the city with three levels of shopping and entertainment and even a park. Offers a mixture of familiar highstreet chains and fashionable boutique stores
  • MetQuarter, 35 Whitechapel, L1 6DA. This recently built shopping centre focuses on designer-label fashion and has more than 40 stores.
  • The Bluecoat. Located in the heart of Liverpool's shopping district, the Bluecoat houses a number of specialist independent retailers offering an eclectic range of products. Stocking the best in contemporary craft, design, fashion and homewares, the shops at the Bluecoat should be your first destination in the city for the unique and the unusual: Display Centre, Drum, Landbaby, Purlesque, Robert Porter.
  • St John's Shopping Centre, 125 St Georges Way, L1 1LY, ☎ +44 151 709-0916.
  • Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Great Charlotte St, L1 1QR, ☎ +44 151 709-4560.
  • Petticoat Lane Arcade, Petticoat Lane Arcade, 102 Bold Street, L1 4HY.

The upper part of Bold St (where it is not pedestrianized) has a number of independent dealers. There are also many nice cafes and restaurants in between.

  • news from nowhere, 96 Bold Street, L1 4HY, ☎ +44 151 708-7270. A left-leaning bookshop which is impressively stocked on political topics (even as regards journals and newspapers), but has an interesting choice of books on other topics, too.
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Safety in Liverpool, UK


Crime rates in Liverpool are low compared with most other large cities in the UK. You are no more likely to be a victim here than most other European cities. However, as in other cities, you should observe a few simple precautions. Don't leave valuables on display in an unattended car, for example. Even an empty car will get a smashed window from time to time, so try to park yours at private parks when the night comes. Try to stay aware of your surroundings and be discreet with cash, expensive camera equipment, etc.

Scousers are mainly gregarious and friendly people, but there are still many who seek to take advantage. You will find, however, that Mancunians and Scousers get along much better than the stereotype suggests and you will very often come across each in each other's city. Be particularly aware of people who approach you in the street with stories of having lost their train fare home. These are typically begging techniques.

Stay on the beaten track at night and stick to the many themed pub and bars and avoid some of the larger dance clubs as these are more suited to streetwise locals or people who understand Liverpool culture well, although to be fair, most Scousers will welcome anyone to their city, and especially their clubs! Be prepared to wait for a taxi at night and don't be tempted to walk back to your hotel unless you are close by. Although Liverpool is a quite friendly place, a slightly sinister side appears after hours.

Some of the City's districts should be avoided by non-locals. Areas such as Croxteth, Dovecot, Everton, Huyton, Kensington, Kirkdale, Norris Green, Page Moss, Stockbridge Village and Toxteth are seeing some serious issues with gang related violence including increases in gun and knife crime and several murders have been recorded.

Around the city centre, be aware there are many homeless people, especially around William Brown Street near the museums. Unlike, in, say, the United States of America or other parts of the United Kingdom, these are less likely to pose a threat to you, and although they may beg for money, they tend to be friendly and often want to talk about their backstories openly with you. Give them money, but at your own risk, as long as it's small change.

Also, older women may (and often do) flirt with younger men, but accept this part of the Liverpool cultural milieu. This also applies to the homelessness situation mentioned above, which much the same situation tends to happen. This should not be confused with prostitution (mentioned below). It is explicitly not solicitation and is just flirting.

Although prostitution is legal in the UK, solicitation is illegal and it is a fact of life in most cities, Liverpool being no exception. The "Red Light" areas are as follows: around Netherfield Road North and the Shiel Road area of Kensington. Although quiet during the day, there is a lot of business at night and particularly on weekends. Women walking by themselves have been known to be approached by men looking for prostitutes and people in vehicles have been known to be approached by prostitutes looking for business.

Avoid Manchester United shirts, which worn in the wrong place makes you an easy target for abuse or worse even assault, especially on match day.

A friendly manner, a polite smile, and a sense of humor go a long way in this city, but a sensible approach to traveling is, as always, advisable.

Note that the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium Disaster, when nearly 100 Liverpool fans were killed, is still a very sensitive subject. Openly carrying or reading The Sun newspaper is also cautioned against due to its offensive coverage blaming Liverpool fans for the deaths at the time.

Be aware that the streetlighting (Urbis Evolo 2) is brighter than you might expect, and drive more cautiously. These streetlights are common across the city centre and in Kensington. Drive much more cautiously if you see them. These are less common outside of Liverpool. Americans may be used to bright lights, but Evolos are really bright.
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Language spoken in Liverpool, UK


English is the main language, but it is spoken with a very distinctive Scouse accent that has strong Irish and Welsh influences and differs greatly even from that of the surrounding areas. There was historically a large Welsh-speaking population in Liverpool, to the extent that the National Eisteddfod was held in the city three times between 1884 and 1929. While there is still a Welsh-speaking minority, most Welsh-descended people adopted English as their sole native language over the course of the 20th century. Due to the city's status as a port city and waves of immigration over the centuries, Chinese, Italian, French, and Spanish are spoken by some. Indeed, Liverpool is home to Europe's oldest permanent Chinese community. In some parts, South American Spanish is spoken due to recent immigration from Latin America. Creole languages can be heard occasionally due to the large Afro-Caribbean community.

LOCAL TIME

9:19 pm
May 27, 2022

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light rain 		Mon

11.39 °C/53 °F
light rain 		Tue

12.66 °C/55 °F
light rain 		Wed

13.12 °C/56 °F
light rain

LOCAL CURRENCY

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Latest travel blogs about Liverpool, UK




Chester, Liverpool And The Beatles Story Museum


I was going to run with the Olympic torch on Tuesday, and on Monday, Samsung organized a trip to Liverpool and a walk through the city of Chester for us. I am a real fan of The Beatles - I have every single on of their albums in my phone, yet I have never been to Liverpool. We looked at...
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