The once-thriving port city of Liverpool is nestled on the north-west coast of England, where the River Mersey greets the Irish Sea. The city was 2008’s European Capital of Culture, and in the years following has ascended to join the nation’s other significant locations as a flourishing hub for art, fashion and development.
As such, Liverpool is an ideal spot for a UK city break, where visitors can enjoy a rich heritage in tandem with lots of modern urban delights. To experience the history of the city during your break, don’t miss out on the following!
1. Sample the music
Liverpool is synonymous with the Beatles, and no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the famous Beatles Story museum and iconic
Slightly less well known is the British Music Experience, which uses performances, costumes, instruments and memorabilia to take you through the history of British music from 1944 onwards. Originally installed at the O2 Bubble in London, the exhibition now has a permanent home in the beautiful Cunard Building on Liverpool’s waterfront. Whether you love rocking out to Def Leppard and Oasis, putting on your red shoes and dancing the blues with David Bowie, or twisting to Liverpool’s Fab Four, it’s ideal for all kinds of music fans.
2. Enjoy the art
If you want to soak up some culture on a weekend break, Liverpool is the place to be. From the Bluecoat to the Victoria Gallery & Museum and the famous Tate Liverpool, there’s plenty to choose from.
Don’t miss the Walker Art Gallery, which is free to enter and houses one of the UK’s most extensive collections of art outside London. Whether renaissance masterpieces or contemporary works spark your interest, there’s an ever-changing selection of temporary exhibitions as well as a plethora of permanent pieces.
3. Visit historical landmarks
From the Liver Building to the Albert Dock and Port of Liverpool Building, there are so many historically important spots to take in across the city.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is unmissable. The striking landmark was built between 1904 and 1978 and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the biggest in the UK. Once inside the vast building, there’s an array of incredible works of art, including paintings and sculpture by the likes of Craigie Aitchison and Tracey Emin.
Where to stay in Liverpool
If you’re just having a short weekend break in Liverpool, you’ll want to stay somewhere with a great central location. You can’t beat the convenience of being close to all the significant landmarks and sights if you don’t have much time, making the Novotel Liverpool Centre Hotel ideal. Just a few minutes’ walks from Liverpool Central station and close to the Liverpool One shopping centre, you can also enjoy the hotel’s room service, fitness centre, heated swimming pool and onsite restaurant during your stay.
