Tate Liverpool
The Tate Liverpool is home to the biggest collection of modern
art in the UK outside of London, and a browse through its galleries
is always an afternoon well spent. Situated in Liverpool's historic
Albert Dock in a converted warehouse, the gallery has an impressive
collection of 20th and 21st century works of modern art, selected
from the Tate Collection, and exhibited through regularly-changing,
themed displays. There are also several temporary exhibitions of
contemporary art and the gallery hosts various events and
educational programmes throughout the year. Some of the artists on
display include JMW Turner, Kenneth Noland, Henri Matisse, Paul
Gauguin, and Antony Gormley. Budget at least a few hours of
browsing to do the collection justice.
Tate Liverpool
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Beatles Story Experience
For Beatles fans, The Beatles Story Experience is an
absolute must. Set in the trendy and historic Albert Dock building,
The Beatles Story allows visitors to trace the development of the
Fab Four, from their early days playing in Hamburg to the mass
hysteria of Beatlemania, from the eventual break-up of the band to
their ensuing solo careers. Eighteen different features, as well as
the Living History audio tour with the voices of Sir Paul
McCartney, Beatles producer Sir George Martin, and band manager
Brian Epstein, continue to delight fans and win over new ones. See
George Harrison's first guitar, view the world through a collection
of John Lennon's signature round lens glasses, explore the Yellow
Submarine, and enjoy a recreation of the stage at the Cavern Club
on Mathew Street, where The Beatles played over 290 times. As well
as the Beatle Story Experience, Liverpool also boasts several other
Beatles-related tours and sights that are well worth exploring,
including a Magical Mystery Bus Tour of famous Beatles sights such
as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, Paul McCartney's former home
at 20 Forthlin Road, the famous Cavern Club, and the Mathew Street
Gallery that houses the art work of John Lennon.
John, Paul, George and Ringo, 1964
Creative Commons
Merseyside Maritime Museum
The fascinating Merseyside Maritime Museum traces the history
and development of the city of Liverpool as a major port. The
museum houses a range of collections, from an exhibition on the
tragic and brutal transatlantic slave trade (in which Liverpool
played a major role), to artworks reflecting Liverpool's maritime
past, artefacts from the Titanic and the Lusitania, maritime
archives and more. Visitors also gain access to the quaysides
opposite the museum, and to two historic vessels. A worthwhile
sight, budget at least two hours to experience it properly. There
is no admission fee and the whole family should enjoy the
experience.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
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Speke Hall
On the edge of an industrial estate and just minutes away from
the Liverpool Airport, the half-timbered black and white Speke Hall
is a piece of history tucked in among modern-day Liverpool. Once on
the brink of ruin, this purportedly haunted 450-year-old Tudor
house is now a popular Liverpool attraction, and is also the
departure point for tours to the neighbouring former home of Sir
Paul McCartney. Speke Hall boasts beautifully restored rooms,
lovely gardens, and spectacular views of the Mersey basin and the
North Wales Hills across the high bank of The Bund. Speke Hall is
also a popular venue for events such as weddings and it plays host
to various concerts, particularly over the summer. Guided tours by
costumed guides are available, and tours of the roof space are also
available on selected days. The Home Farm is about five minutes
from the house and has a visitor's centre, a shop, and a good
restaurant.
Speke Hall and gardens
bmjames
Liverpool's climate is typical of the United Kingdom; fairly
mild yet highly unpredictable with a mixture of rainy, sunny, windy
and cloudy days all year round. Summers, between June and August,
are usually warm and sunny, while winters, between December and
February, are cold and wet. Temperatures average around 68°F (20°C)
in summer and 39°F (4°C) in winter. As with most of the UK, the
most popular time to visit Liverpool is in late-spring and summer,
although early-autumn can also be pleasant.
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Liverpool is pedestrian-friendly, and visitors can enjoy many of
the city's sights and sounds on foot, but taxis, buses, and trains
are also readily available. An underground system operates between
the city's four main train stations.
The Live Smart ticket, which can be bought online, offers free
travel on two major bus lines as well as discounted entries into
various attractions and is a good purchase for tourists. The city
is relatively easy to negotiate by car, and there are several car
rental agencies available.
A great way to explore the city and its surrounds at a leisurely
pace is on the Mersey Ferry. A regular service links Liverpool's
Pier Head to neighbouring Birkenhead on the Wirral. Uber and
similar mobile app based taxi services are available.
Liverpool is a city of diversity that boasts the
greatest amount of Georgian buildings in the UK, Europe's oldest
Chinatown, a number of striking Victorian structures, and plenty of
world-class tourist attractions.
The historical Albert Dock was restored in the 1980s
and is now one of the city's most popular attractions, housing chic
restaurants, bars, shops, and museums, including the Merseyside
Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool.
The city boasts two famous football clubs, Liverpool
and Everton, and fans can explore the grounds of their favourite
teams on guided tours. There is also plenty of Beatlemania to
satisfy fans, including the International Beatles Week every
August, and several Beatles-related museums and points of
interest.
The city plays host to plenty of other events,
festivals and concerts, as well as the world's biggest steeplechase
in the form of the Grand National, held at Aintree. There are also
several fascinating museums, beautiful parks and gardens, bustling
markets, and galleries to explore. Whether a Beatles fan or not,
Liverpool has much to offer travellers, and it is no wonder that it
has become one of the top UK daytrip destinations in recent
years.
Tate Liverpool
G-Man
John, Paul, George and Ringo, 1964
Creative Commons
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Man vyi
Speke Hall and gardens
bmjames
