Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Great Britain and the fifth-largest in the world. Its height also shapes the experience: the Tower Experience offers a 360-degree view from the roof of the tallest cathedral in the United Kingdom. Check access conditions for this experience in advance. Entry to the cathedral is free for visitors; services and events may affect visitor access.
The Albert Dock offers a different connection between architecture and history: it is a Conservation Area protected for its special architectural and historic interest. The Beatles Story is located at the Royal Albert Dock: this immersive attraction brings the Beatles’ lives, times and music to life. Its rooms create an authentic 1960s atmosphere. Audio guides are available in twelve languages. In Liverpool, architectural history and music history offer different experiences without telling the same story.
Museums and City Stories
The Museum of Liverpool is among the world’s leading city history museums and has more than 8,000 square metres of designated public spaces. The World Museum offers a different focus: its collections include objects from around the world, alongside space-themed exhibits, planetarium shows and interactive performances at the Treasure House Theatre. Individual exhibitions may change. Whether you prefer browsing collections or are interested in space, the city’s museums offer different ways to explore.
Liverpool Central Library also combines historic spaces with facilities for young visitors. The Picton Reading Room and the Hornby Library are listed buildings, each Grade II listed. The library’s collections date back to the 13th century. A dedicated family area offers books and free computers for young people up to the age of 14. Here, the collection’s long history sits alongside practical resources for the younger generation.
Music, Architecture and Places of Remembrance
The Cavern Club first opened its doors in 1957. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the Music Room offer another perspective on Liverpool as a music city. Philharmonic Hall is a Grade II listed Art Deco venue where internationally renowned artists perform. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra gives more than 100 performances per season. Philharmonic Hall and the Music Room host around 400 concerts and events together each year; the Music Room supports local and emerging talent.
St George’s Hall is a historic Grade I listed building and an important venue. It hosts four seasonal craft markets each year, featuring handmade products, local art, food and drink. Check dates and the programme in advance of your trip. St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, meanwhile, is a Grade II listed ruin and a memorial to those who died during the Blitz. As an outdoor venue, it hosts community arts events and cultural activities throughout the year.
Underground History and Football
The Williamson Tunnels lead into an underground world created by Joseph Williamson in the early 19th century. Tours explore part of the tunnel network; the Joseph Williamson Heritage Centre features exhibitions about Williamson’s life and times. Western Approaches offers a different historical focus: its tour explores the site’s role in coordinating the Battle of the Atlantic. Private tours are based on the true stories of people who worked in the bunker.
Football fans can go behind the scenes at Anfield Stadium on the LFC Stadium Tour & Museum. This includes areas normally reserved for Liverpool FC players and staff. The LFC Museum displays the club’s major trophies together, including six European Cups. This offers a different perspective on Liverpool from its architecture, museums and music venues—and may be an important factor in deciding what to focus on during your trip.
Cruising the Mersey and Getting Around
The River Explorer Cruise is a daily, 50-minute sightseeing trip on the River Mersey; timetables may change, so check them in advance. Visitors can also explore Liverpool on the City Explorer Open Top Bus. The Mersey Ferry is considered the most direct connection between Wirral and Liverpool city centre. Each of these options offers a different way to explore, from a river cruise to a tour of the city. If you are looking for accommodation in Liverpool, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your visit—for example, architecture and history, museums, music or football.
Discover more destinations: Liverpool, Tameside, Halton, Cheshire, Wirral, Lancashire, Stockport, Merseyside.
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