Liverpool
Maritime Liverpool is the center of Lancashire in north-western England, on the coast of the Liverpool Bay of the Irish Sea. It has appr. 460, 000 residents, whole metropolitan area having population around 1,5 million. The city is known for its music life and is recognised by Guinness World Records as the World Capital City of Pop, The Beatles being the most famous band originally from Liverpool. The average native of Liverpool, ”Scouser”, speaks droll dialect and surely knows how to party. Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture together with Stavanger in 2008.
Liverpool was founded in 1207. Seafaring trade from the West Indies made Liverpool to flourish in the 17th century. By the start of the 19th century, a large volume of trade was passing through Liverpool, and the construction of major buildings reflected this wealth. In 1830, Liverpool and Manchester became the first cities to have an intercity rail link. Today city has several art galleries, museums and landmarks, and its culturally important English metropol.
Shopping
Liverpool One mall in the city centre offers shopping, leisure and entertainment in three levels, connecting main shopping area with the waterfront and the Albert Dock.
MetQuarter district in Whitechapel area has over 40 shops concentrating on designer-label fashion such as e.g. Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and others. There are also a number of decent cafés.
Recreation
The areas around Mathew Street and Concert Square with nearby Wood Street are the main spots of local nightlife.
The Seel Street is known as ”The Fourth Hippest Street in the UK”. There is e.g. live music venue Heebie Jeebies.
Liverpool’s Mersey River Festival with street theater and a polo tournamen is held annually in June.
Something to explore
Albert Dock
This old warehouse area on the riverside have been converted into shops, apartments, restaurants, pubs, hotels, galleries and museums. There is e.g. the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, and the Beatles Story.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
This modern Catholic cathedral in Merseyside was built between 1962 and 1967. Its most stunning detail is the tower with large areas of stained glass, in three colours, yellow, blue and red, representing the Trinity. Above the beautiful white marble altar is a baldachino as a crown-like structure composed of aluminium rods, which incorporates loudspeakers and lights.
Victoria Gallery & Museum
The University of Liverpool’s museum in Brownlow Hill is admission-free and houses the remarkable art collection of paintings, ceramics and sculptures. Artists represented include Joseph Wright of Derby, J. M. W. Turner, and John James Audubon. There are also a gift shop and the Waterhouse Café on the ground floor.
The Beatles Story
This museum is dedicated to career and chapters of this most famous Liverpudlian band. It depicts e.g. George Harrison’s first guitar, a blue White Album signed by Paul McCartney, and interactive Discovery Zone for children as well as the photo gallery documenting the 1963-4 tour.
How to get around in Liverpool
The most frequent bus lines in the city are operated by the Stagecoach Merseyside and the Arriva North West. Cash single fares are usually under £3.00, unless one is travelling outside of Liverpool.
Bus numbers starting with “N” are night buses, provided by Arriva. They operate only on Friday and Saturday nights until around 4 AM and all depart from Queen Square Bus station.
How to get in Liverpool
The international Liverpool John Lennon Airport serves the region. List of its destinations is here.
The main railway station is Liverpool Lime Street. There is frequent rail lines to/from Manchester, London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, and York. Trains are operated by the National Rail, see the timetables and ticket prices here.
National Express and Megabus operates bus routes between Liverpool and main British cities.
Top 5 in Liverpool
- Pubbing at the Seel Street
- Shopping at Liverpool One
- Albert Dock with shops and museums
- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- Victoria Gallery & Museum
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / GeographBot, Sue Adair, FlickreviewR, Chemical Engineer, Lipinski
